A Green Alternative to Metalworking Process Fluid Disposal

Recycling and re-using metalworking process fluids is just another way that Quaker Chemical provides value to its automotive customers

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Quaker Chemical Corporation

May 03, 2011, 08:00 ET

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Chemical (NYSE: KWR) – a global leader in metalworking process fluids – offers its customers a greener alternative for the disposal of used process fluids. By recycling and re-using many of the process fluids utilized in a metalworking facility, Quaker helps its customers to lower their costs and lessen their environmental impact.

When automotive production declined in the later part of 2008 many manufacturers found it necessary to decommission machines. Rather than dispose of unused process oils and lubricants, Quaker helps its customers to recycle these fluids by capturing them and either transferring them to other lines, to other facilities, or re-formulating them for use in completely different processes. The result can be significant cost savings, not only in terms of waste disposal, but also as related to buying new, virgin materials.

For example, Quaker assisted one automotive manufacturer to recycle almost 15,000 gallons of straight oil from a machining operation and reuse within the facility, resulting in almost $100,000 of direct savings to the customer. In another instance, Quaker took hydraulic fluid from a decommissioned machine and transferred it for use at another of the customer's facilities, saving the customer around $20,000. Yet another example is when Quaker worked with an automotive manufacturer to convert obsolete material to meet the specification of a straight oil used for broaching, saving the customer almost $10,000.

In addition to hard cost savings, there are the obvious environmental benefits to the recycling of metalworking process fluids.

"When a customer hires Quaker to manage the chemical specialty products in their facility, we do this through the entire life cycle of the chemical – including disposal," says Kyle Campbell, Quaker Chemical's Senior Director of Metalworking and Services in North America. "It's our job to educate and counsel our customers on how to get the most value from their metalworking process fluids, which sometimes includes recycle and reuse versus disposal. This may not always be the best decision for Quaker's bottom line, but we are focused on making the best decision for our customers' bottom line."

To learn more about Quaker Chemical and its full product line offerings, including Chemical Management Services, please visit quakerchem.com.

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries - including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings and construction materials. Quaker's products, technical solutions, and chemical management services enhance customers' processes, improve product quality, and lower costs. Quaker's headquarters is located near Philadelphia in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Quaker Chemical Corporation