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:
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.
Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.
Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Read more...
printer friendly version