Addressing the challenges of food grade lubrication
First Quarter 2021
Other technologies
Keeping food processing equipment well lubricated can be a challenge. Callum Ford, national marketing manager at Lubrication Engineers (LE), outlines the challenges associated with the lubrication of food processing equipment and explains how to address these challenges.
He says that a significant challenge in keeping food processing equipment lubricated is temperature. High temperatures can speed up the oxidation of greases and oils; and a low temperature, such as in a refrigerated area, can result in wear on equipment due to channelling of the lubricant or the presence of condensation.
Moisture is a danger to the effectiveness of lubrication. Hygiene requirements in food production mean that the presence of water and steam is required, but this can wash out or cause the deterioration of lubricants, resulting in corrosion or rust. Another challenge is the presence of chemicals in the food itself or in the cleaning process. Yet another challenge is the heavy workload of food processing equipment, with machines running up to 24 hours per day. During high volume operation, greases and oils become highly liquid or may thicken and harden, thereby losing efficacy.
“Our synthetic H1 lubricant is not only rated food grade, but can also operate in a wide temperature range and withstand washing due to our exclusive Quinplex additive, which is a tackifier that keeps the lubricant in place,” explains Ford. “Attention to detail in cleaning and maintenance, combined with the use of LE’s high grade Quinplex food machinery lubricants, will ensure more durable and effective lubricant use and a longer equipment life.”
Further reading:
Bringing true mobile welding capability to SA agriculture
Other technologies
Bolt and Engineering Distributors has launched the new Fronius Ignis Battery. This is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system engineered for mobility, reliability and performance in off-grid agricultural environments.
Read more...
Rising demand for advanced coolant technology
Other technologies
As modern engines become smaller, more powerful and increasingly complex, coolant technology has undergone a fundamental transformation.
Read more...
Monitoring relays keep operations running
Omron Electronics
Other technologies
OMRON’s K8 series relays are designed to prevent breakdowns, protect critical assets and support smarter maintenance strategies on the plant.
Read more...
Additives drive fuel efficiency and engine protection
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Other technologies
Rising fuel costs and increasing pressure on equipment reliability are driving demand for solutions that improve diesel engine efficiency. BMG addresses this requirement in Africa through its range of Liqui Moly additives.
Read more...
Next-generation grease pumps
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF has introduced its latest advancement in lubrication technology with the unveiling of a new line of air-operated grease pumps.
Read more...
Oil analysis is an investment that pays a cost-savings dividend
Other technologies
The majority of organisations implementing oil analysis face the challenge of maximising operational cost savings against the pressure to achieve full production and enhance shareholder value. An organisation may, or may not, achieve the intended benefits for several reasons, chief among them being the failure to implement a sound corrective-action strategy.
Read more...
Lubricant and feed gear pumps for heavy-duty lubrication systems
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Other technologies
BMG’s Steimel SF range of lubricant and feed gear pumps was developed for continuous-duty oil circulation, transfer and conditioning applications.
Read more...
The cost of incorrect lubrication
Other technologies
Sam Kekana, technical sales representative at Lubrication Engineers has spent years working with plant maintenance teams across a range of industries, and he has seen where lubrication goes wrong and what it costs companies when it does.
Read more...
Lubrication system upgrade reinforces efficiency and reliability across six sugar mills
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF’s Single Line automatic grease system has streamlined operations across six sugar mills, delivering peak efficiency while ensuring the producer upholds rigorous international health and safety standards.
Read more...
The AI skills every engineer now needs
Other technologies
To use AI responsibly and effectively, you need at least a basic understanding of how they work and where they can fail. Generative AI then becomes a powerful assistant; without it, you are effectively ‘prompting and praying’, exposing yourself to errors and professional embarrassment.
Read more...
printer friendly version