Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director Non-Ferrous, is responsible for strategy development for the non-ferrous industry at Quaker Houghton. Peter was awarded a PhD in analytical chemistry before joining the aluminium industry in 1993. He gained hands-on experience as a laboratory manager and lubrication engineer in the aluminium rolling industry. In his 18 years at Quaker Houghton, Peter has worked in both technical and commercial roles before taking up his current position in 2016.
AL Circle: Could you provide a brief overview of the function of rolling fluids in flat rolled aluminium production?
Peter De Bruyne: During the rolling process, rolling fluids serve to lubricate, cool, and remove aluminium fines from the strip surface. For cold rolling, this is usually achieved with kerosene-based oil supported by select additives. For hot rolling processes, where incoming metal temperatures can reach up to 600°C, enhanced cooling is required, and so oil-in-water emulsions are employed. These rely on either fatty acids in the case of soap-based emulsions or esters in non-soap products.
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