Synthetic Esters Combine Performance and Safety
Modern food processing plants use many of the same types of equipment used in other industries and can operate under similar severe conditions, particularly high temperature. It would seem natural to lubricate this equipment with edible oils, but edible oils can turn rancid and do not give adequate thermal stability. Therefore, the food industry relies on high performance lubricants that are effective and long lasting. These must perform as well as industrial lubricants with the added requirement that they are non-toxic and harmless in case of incidental food contact. Such lubricants are H1 ‘food grade’ certified by third party organisations such as NSF International and InS Services. H1 lubricants are formulated from HX-1 ingredients (base fluids and additives). Recognising the value of this market, lubricant manufacturers have continued to develop H1 lubricants which will meet the performance required in food processing.
For many years, manufacturers struggled to find H1 lubricants which gave adequate performance in applications where temperatures exceed 200°C. High temperature industrial lubricants rely heavily on synthetic ester technology. In the past few years, the H1 registration of synthetic esters made possible the production of H1 lubricants with excellent performance in the 200-300°C temperature range. This is particularly important for the food processing industry as it covers the temperatures typically used for cooking and baking operations.
In addition to its high temperature performance, H1 lubes made from synthetic esters prevent sludge formation and deposits. They demonstrate clean and odourless evaporation.
Ester based synthetic lubricants also form a micro-thin film on the metal surfaces they are in contact with. The ester fluid film creates a cushion of sorts that reduces friction, saves energy and protects the metal surfaces.
Combining high temperature and lubrication performance, synthetic ester based H1 lubes will stay the course and actually save money over the long term by increasing lubrication intervals. Further, simply by not having to change lubes as often means reduced chances of contamination and less waste.
In the food industry, synthetic ester-based H1 lubes are used in compressor fluids, greases and as gear and chain lubricants. Gear lubricants are formulated with an emphasis on antiwear and extreme pressure performance. Chain lubricants are most often applied as a thin film, so they are optimised around low volatility and oxidation stability.
In the past few years, more people are concerned with protecting the environment.
The lubricant industry has
shown interest in developing lubricants that have reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Beside high performance and extended lubrication life, synthetic esters have very good environmental features. They can be
made from renewable resources, they are biodegradable, non-toxic to aquatic species and do not bioaccumulate in the environment.
Carboxylic acid esters are often made from renewable raw materials. Using biobased ester H1 lubricants in the food industry contributes to an ever expanding marketplace that adds value to renewable agriculture commodities, creates jobs in rural communities, and decreases our reliance on petroleum. The USDA BioPreferred Program is a voluntary label that promotes environmentally friendly products made from biological ingredients. Several biobased synthetic esters that are HX-1 certified have already earned this label.
Synthetic esters can be tailored to both comply with stringent environmental legislations and perform well in their intended applications. They are also very good candidates to produce lubricants with a voluntary label promoting ‘green’ benefits.
Good environmental properties and high performance made synthetic esters a premium base oil for the lubricant industry. Legislation is becoming even more stringent, and synthetic esters will continue to be a preferred choice for a variety of lubricant applications, including the food industry.
LINK
www.lexolube.com\EAL
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LUBE MAGAZINE NO.134 AUGUST 2016
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