The Continuous Casting team has been taking actions with a view to reducing grease usage in the area, and subsequently, to advance environmental preservation.
Since last year, the project initiated by the engineer Reginalto Pinheiro, and then reinforced by the Maintenance and Continuous Casting Shift teams, reduced grease usage of segments by 50%. The result was obtained from the improvement in the processes of manufacturing, training and awareness-raising of the area teams, as well as re-adequacy of the project.
"The main focus of the project was the use of a more consistent grease that could be used longer, thus reducing usage," said Reginaldo Pinheiro. However, he reinforces that the reduction had to be very well-structured, as the equipment project does not always provide this possibility of grease application.
According to calculations, a 50% reduction also saved the usage and disposal of 75.6 tons of grease per year. This is an important advance, because if lubricants are not disposed of correctly, they may lead to several environmental damages, such as soil and water contamination.
Victor Avalos, Continuous Casting Trainee, explains that training and awareness-raising of teams focused on two points: reducing usage and preventing irregular disposal of greases, which may cause damage to the environment.
He adds: "Training also raised awareness about the equipment and possible causes of grease losses through leakage and contamination, among others."
The area has consumed up to 71 drums of grease per month. In February, this figure fell to 42 drums, and the forecast for this year is to reach 36 drums. Additionally, new lubrication systems and new optional lubricants are under study in order to further reduce the specific usage and increase the project performance.