MOSIL Lubricants Conducts Three-Day Residential Training on Steel Industry Applications for Its Sales Team and Channel Partners

MOSIL Lubricants Conducts Three-Day Residential Training on Steel Industry Applications for Its Sales Team and Channel Partners

July 21 2026

Workshop-format programme built around MOSIL's Quadra Approach; participants worked through live application cases and visited the company's Palghar manufacturing plant

MOSIL Lubricants Pvt. Ltd., a Mumbai-based manufacturer of specialty industrial lubricants, conducted a three-day residential training programme in Mumbai from July 9 to 11, 2026, focused on steel industry applications. The programme was conducted by MOSIL's in-house technical team and brought together 29 participants from MOSIL's sales team and its channel partner network from across India

The programme reflects MOSIL's view that specialty lubrication in the steel sector is an application problem before it is a product problem. Steel plants run bearings, gears, wire ropes and open gears under heavy loads, high temperatures and continuous duty. Selecting the right lubricant for such conditions requires a structured diagnosis of the application, not a product catalogue.

The training was built around MOSIL's Quadra Approach, the company's four-step method for every steel application: **Understand → Validate → Recommend → Implement**.

1. Understand:  identify the actual pain points on the shop floor and the maintenance team's expectations from a solution

2. Validate:  Verify the application conditions and operating data on site before any recommendation is made

3. Recommend:  Offer a solution backed by relevant data, performance reports and technical values

4. Implement:  Put the solution to work and prove it through actual field trials

Participants were also trained on preparing the TriboIntel Report, MOSIL's technical trial document that records field trial conditions, measurements and results for each application.

Unlike a conventional classroom programme, the training was run as a workshop. Each participant received a technical binder with only select information filled in. The remaining data had to be worked out by the participant, based on his or her own understanding of the application and the Quadra Approach.

“A steel plant does not buy grease. It buys a solution to downtime. Our team and our partners must be able to diagnose an application before recommending a product. This training was designed so that every participant works through that diagnosis himself, with real data in hand, instead of listening to a presentation about it" said Sachin Punde, National Sales Head – MOSIL Lubricants

“The binder format forced us to think like the customer's maintenance engineer. I am going back with a method I can apply on my next steel plant visit, not just notes" said  a participant who is a channel partner for Steel Industry in South India

The programme included a visit to MOSIL's manufacturing plant at Palghar, one of the company's two manufacturing locations, the other being at Mhape, Navi Mumbai. Participants observed grease manufacturing and quality testing processes at MOSIL’s Manufacturing Premises.

About MOSIL Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.

MOSIL Lubricants Pvt. Ltd. is a Mumbai-based manufacturer of specialty industrial lubricants, serving the steel, mining, robotics and food processing sectors, among others. The company operates two manufacturing plants in Maharashtra, at Palghar and Mhape (Navi Mumbai) and works with customers as a technical application partner under its Performance Multiplier platform.

Suggested Blogs

RUST PREVENTIVE OIL AND ITS TYPES
Industry Information

RUST PREVENTIVE OIL AND ITS TYPES

From Surface Protection to Long-Term Preservation: Understanding Rust Preventive Oils Metal components are often exposed to moisture, humidity, salts and other environmental contaminants during manufacturing, storage and transportation. Without protection, these conditions can lead to rust formation. Rust preventive oils are specially formulated to provide protection to metal surfaces by forming a protective film that helps reduce contact between the metal and corrosive elements. The selection of the right rust preventive oils depends on factors such as the storage environment, required protection period, film characteristics, application method and ease of removal. What is Rust?  Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs primarily on iron and iron-containing alloys,when exposed to oxygen and moisture. It is the visible result of an electrochemical reaction in which iron gradually reacts with its surrounding environment, forming iron oxides commonly seen as a reddish-brown layer. The rusting process requires moisture to act as an electrolyte, allowing electrochemical reactions to take place on the metal surface. Factors such as high humidity, water, condensation, salts, chemicals, and temperature variations can accelerate rust formation. Therefore, protecting metal surfaces from moisture and corrosive environments is essential. Rust preventive oils provide protection by forming a protective film on the metal surface, helping prevent corrosive elements from reaching the underlying metal. What is Rust Preventive Oil? Rust preventive oil is a specially formulated protective fluid designed to temporarily protect metal surfaces from rust during manufacturing, storage and transportation. It contains corrosion-inhibiting additives that help protect the metal by forming a protective film over the surface and depending on the formulation, may also displace moisture. Unlike conventional lubricants whose primary purpose is to reduce friction and wear, rust preventive oils are primarily formulated to preserve the condition of metal surfaces and prevent corrosion during periods when the component is not in service. Depending on the required protection period and environment, rust preventives can leave different types of films, such as thin oily, dry, waxy or heavier protective films. The choice of product depends on factors such as the metal surface, storage conditions, required protection duration, application method and ease of subsequent removal. Rust preventive oils protect metal surfaces primarily by forming a protective film over the surface. This film acts as a barrier between the metal and corrosive elements such as moisture, oxygen, salts, and atmospheric contaminants, reducing the conditions required for rust formation. Types of Rust Preventive Oils Rust preventive oils can be classified based on the type of protective film they form, their water-displacing ability and the level and duration of protection required. The major types include: 1. Thin-Film Rust Preventives These products form a light, thin protective film on the metal surface. They are generally suitable for short-term or inter-process protection, where easy application, high coverage and easy removal are important. Thin-film products are commonly used for machined components and finished parts during manufacturing, storage, or transportation. 2. Water-Displacing Rust Preventives These formulations are designed to displace water or moisture from the metal surface before forming a protective film. They are particularly useful when components have been exposed to washing, aqueous processes, humidity, or condensation. 3. Waxy or Heavy-Film Rust Preventives These products form a thicker, more persistent waxy or dry protective film. They are generally selected when longer-term protection or more demanding storage and transportation conditions are expected. The heavier film provides a stronger physical barrier but may require cleaning before the component is put into service. 4. Thixotropic Rust Preventives Thixotropic products are formulated to form a persistent protective film while remaining easier to apply. Their consistency can help the product remain on surfaces, making them useful for long-term corrosion protection and components with complex geometries. 5. VCI-Based Rust Preventives Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) products provide corrosion protection through inhibitors that act within an enclosed environment, in addition to the protection provided by the oil or coating itself. They can be particularly useful for packaged components and enclosed storage conditions. The selection of a rust preventive should therefore be based on the required protection period, storage environment, exposure to moisture, desired film characteristics, application method, and ease of removal. Indoor vs Outdoor Protection The environment in which a metal component is stored or transported plays an important role in selecting a rust preventive. When a metal component is stored inside a covered/closed area, it is not directly exposed to rain, sunlight or harsh weather conditions. Therefore, depending on the storage duration and humidity level, products forming a light oily or thin protective film may be suitable for indoor or inter-process protection. Outdoor protection is more demanding because components may be exposed to rain, humidity, condensation, temperature fluctuations, dust, and other atmospheric contaminants. Rust preventives used for such conditions generally require a more persistent and weather-resistant protective film, particularly when protection is required for extended periods. The selection should therefore consider storage environment, exposure conditions, protection duration, film type and ease of removal. The same rust preventive should not automatically be used for every storage condition. Salt Spray Test The Salt Spray Test is a widely used test for evaluating the corrosion resistance of metals, coatings and corrosion-protective treatments. In this test, the test specimen is exposed to a fine salt-water fog inside a controlled chamber for a specified period. The specimen is then evaluated for signs of corrosion or rust according to the defined evaluation criteria. The standard test method is ASTM B117. For rust preventive oils, salt spray hours indicate how long the protected metal can withstand the specified test environment before reaching the defined failure or corrosion criterion. A higher test duration can provide useful comparative information when products are tested under the same conditions. Humidity Cabinet Test The Humidity Cabinet Test is an laboratory test used to evaluate the ability of a rust preventive to protect metal surfaces under controlled, high-humidity conditions. The standard test method is ASTM D1748. In this test, a metal specimen coated with the rust preventive is placed inside a humidity cabinet where it is continuously exposed to controlled high humidity and elevated temperature. The specimen is periodically inspected for signs of rust and the time taken to reach the specified failure criterion is recorded. Therefore, humidity cabinet hours provide a comparative indication of the rust-preventive performance of a product under the specified test conditions. A longer time before rust formation generally indicates greater resistance under that particular test. However, humidity cabinet hours should not be directly interpreted as the exact number of hours or months the product will protect a component in actual storage or outdoor conditions. Real-world performance depends on factors such as humidity, temperature, contamination, film thickness, application and storage environment. Coverage Area and Film Type The coverage area of a rust preventive oil depends largely on the amount of product applied and the required protective film thickness. A thinner film generally requires less product per unit area and can therefore provide higher coverage, while a heavier film requires more product and provides a more protective layer. The relationship can be understood as: For example, a light protective film may be suitable when high coverage and easy removal are required, while a heavier, more persistent film may be preferred for longer-term protection or demanding environmental conditions. However, a thicker film should not automatically be considered better, as excessive application can increase product consumption and may make subsequent cleaning or processing more difficult. Actual coverage depends on the product formulation, specified film thickness, application method, surface condition, and application efficiency. Therefore, coverage values should be determined from the manufacturer's technical data and actual application requirements rather than using a universal coverage value for all rust preventive oils. Selecting the Right Rust Preventive Selecting the right rust preventive oil depends on the application, environment, required protection period, and desired film characteristics. Before selecting a product, consider the following factors: Storage environment: Indoor, sheltered outdoor or exposed outdoor conditions. Protection duration: Short-term inter-process protection or long-term storage and transportation. Moisture exposure: Humidity, condensation, rain, washing processes or salt contamination. Film requirement: Light, persistent, or heavier protective film based on the required level of protection. Application method: Brushing, spraying, dipping or other suitable methods. Coverage and consumption: Required film thickness and quantity of product needed per unit area. Removal requirements: Whether the protective film needs to be removed before further processing, assembly, or use. The right rust preventive is therefore not simply the product offering the highest laboratory test value. It is the product whose protection characteristics match the actual operating and storage conditions of the metal component. Conclusion  Rust prevention is an important part of maintaining the quality and reliability of metal components during manufacturing, storage and transportation. Selecting the right rust preventive oil requires consideration of the storage environment, required protection period, moisture exposure, film characteristics, application method, coverage and removal requirements. Different rust preventive formulations provide different levels of protection depending on the conditions in which the component is stored or transported. Therefore, the product should be selected based on the actual application requirements rather than using the same rust preventive for every condition. Effective rust prevention is not simply about applying a protective oil—it is about choosing the right protection for the metal surface, environment and required duration. With proper product selection and application, industries can help minimise corrosion, maintain component quality and support longer storage life.  

Industry Information | October 07 2026

Read Blog
Water Spray off, Wash Out and Water Resistance : Why they Matter in Industrial Lubricants?
Technical Concepts

Water Spray off, Wash Out and Water Resistance : Why they Matter in Industrial Lubricants?

The Impact of water on industrial lubricants  Industrial machinery operates under demanding conditions where high loads, elevated temperatures, dust, moisture, chemicals and water exposure can significantly affect equipment performance and service life. In industries such as steel, cement, mining, pulp and paper, automotive and general manufacturing; water can enter lubrication systems through cooling processes, cleaning operations, water spray, steam, condensation or the surrounding environment. For lubricated components such as bearings, gears, chains, rollers, bushes and pins, the presence of water can reduce lubricant effectiveness, promote corrosion, affect grease consistency and cause the lubricant to be displaced from critical contact surfaces. This can ultimately lead to increased friction, wear, maintenance requirements, and equipment downtime. What is water washout and why it matters? Water washout measures how effectively a grease can resist being removed from a bearing by flowing water. This is particularly important where bearings experience continuous or repeated water exposure. ASTM D1264 is the commonly used test method, evaluating grease loss from a bearing under controlled conditions at 38°C and 79°C. The result is reported as percentage weight loss. Therefore, a lower percentage indicates better water washout resistance. For example, a grease showing 5% loss generally demonstrates better washout resistance than one showing 15%, under the same test conditions. This property is important for paper mills, steel plants, cooling-water systems, mining equipment and wet industrial bearings, where excessive grease loss can lead to inadequate lubrication, corrosion, wear and shorter relubrication intervals. Testing Mechanism: A specified quantity of grease is packed into a test bearing. The bearing is rotated at a controlled speed while water is continuously introduced under specified conditions. Water and any grease removed from the bearing are collected, and the grease loss is determined and expressed as a percentage of the initial grease quantity. Lower grease loss indicates better resistance to water washout. What is Water spray off and why it matters? Water spray-off evaluates how well grease remains adhered to a metal surface when subjected to direct water spray. Unlike water washout, which focuses on grease being removed from a bearing by flowing water, spray-off specifically represents the effect of direct water impact. ASTM D4049 is used to evaluate this property and is particularly relevant to applications such as steel mill roll-neck bearings, where direct water spray is common. The result is expressed as the percentage of grease removed by water spray. Therefore, a lower spray-off value indicates better resistance. For example, 10% grease loss is better than 30% under the same test conditions. High spray-off resistance helps maintain lubricant coverage, reduce relubrication frequency, and protect components operating under intense water spray Testing Procedure: In ASTM D4049, grease is applied to a metal test panel and subjected to a controlled water spray under specified test conditions. The direct impact of water removes a portion of the grease from the surface. The amount of grease removed is determined and expressed as a percentage of the original grease applied. Lower percentage grease loss indicates better water spray-off resistance. What is water Resistance and why it matters? Water resistance is the ability of a grease to retain its structure, adhesion and lubricating capability when exposed to water. It is particularly important in bearings and machinery operating in steel plants, mining, paper mills, marine environments and other wet or wash-down conditions. Water can soften or disperse grease, remove it from the lubrication zone and promote corrosion. Water resistance is commonly evaluated under static and dynamic conditions, which represent different types of water exposure. 1. Static Water Resistance – DIN 51807-1 The DIN 51807-1 test evaluates the behaviour of grease in contact with distilled water under static conditions. In a typical procedure, a thin layer of grease is applied to a glass strip and immersed in distilled/demineralised water. The test is conducted for 3 hours, commonly at 40°C or 90°C, depending on the specified condition. After exposure, the grease is visually examined for changes such as dissolution, dispersion, softening or loss of adhesion. The result is reported as a water-resistance rating from 0 to 3: 0 – No significant change / excellent resistance 1 – Slight change 2 – Noticeable change 3 – Significant change / poor resistance Therefore, a lower rating represents better static water resistance. 2. Dynamic Water Resistance – ISO 11009t Dynamic testing evaluates grease when water is actively introduced while the lubricated component is moving. ISO 11009 is used for water washout evaluation; ASTM D1264 is another established bearing water-washout method. ASTM D1264 evaluates grease loss from a bearing under prescribed water exposure at 38°C and 79°C. ASTM Store In the washout approach, a grease-filled bearing is operated while water is supplied to the bearing. After the test, the bearing and collected grease are weighed. The result is generally expressed as percentage grease loss: Water Washout (%) = (Mass of grease lost ÷ Initial grease mass) × 100 Thus, lower percentage loss means better dynamic water resistance. How to Select a Grease for Water-Exposed Applications in Industrial Lubricants? Selecting a grease for water-exposed applications requires evaluating the complete operating environment, rather than relying only on the term “water resistant.” Key factors include the level and type of water exposure, operating temperature, load, speed, component type, and corrosion risk. For continuous water exposure, water washout resistance is important, while applications subjected to high-pressure water spray require good water spray-off resistance. The grease should also provide strong adhesion, mechanical stability, corrosion protection, and resistance to water contamination. The appropriate thickener system and base-oil viscosity should match the operating conditions. For example, steel mill bearings exposed to cooling-water sprays require excellent grease retention and corrosion protection. Ultimately, grease selection should be based on the overall performance profile and actual application conditions, not a single test value. Conclusion Water exposure can significantly affect lubricant performance and equipment reliability. Understanding water resistance, water washout, and water spray-off helps in selecting the right grease for demanding industrial applications. A suitable lubricant should remain in place, resist water-related degradation, and continue protecting components from wear and corrosion. Ultimately, the right grease can help extend component life, reduce maintenance, minimize lubricant consumption, and improve equipment reliability.  

Technical Concepts | October 07 2026

Read Blog