INDUSTRY FOCUS FOOD & BEVERAGE OILING THE WHEELS OF BETTER LUBRICATION
Steve Seymour, category manager for Adhesives, Lubricants and Welding at Brammer Buck & Hickman, offers advice on ensuring you have the right lubrication for your food processing plant
T
ypically, the purpose of machine lubrication is to reduce friction and
wear, cool rubbing surfaces, prevent corrosion, seal out or flush away contamination and dampen shock. When you fail to lubricate correctly, friction between two surfaces can cause damage to parts; moving parts and gears will wear and become inefficient, and surfaces will heat and damage machinery leading to breakdowns. According to one study, it is estimated
that six in ten companies are unclear how lubrication can influence unplanned downtime or equipment availability. Due to the misuse of lubrication, approximately 20% of companies have experienced unplanned equipment shutdowns which have cost over £200,000. At least 30% have used up their maintenance budget on onsite lubricants alone from the incorrect product application. In addition, using the wrong lubrication
can lead to machine failure or may even void the machine’s warranty. For food and beverage manufacturing, the use of food- grade lubricants is of the utmost importance. A food-grade lubricant is used in food
processing areas where there is a possibility of food contact. Performing similar functions as conventional manufacturing lubricants, food-grade lubricants are often synthetic based oils that ultimately improve performance and help to achieve a longer service life. Food-grade lubricants are also made in
such a way that even if small quantities of lubrication enter the product, they would still have no real effect on the consumer or the end of the line product. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
approved food-grade lubricants help to ensure safe and efficient production while protecting a manufacturer’s brand. There are three distinct NSF International registration categories: H1 – Food-grade lubricants. Also
known as incidental contact lubricants, these products include hydraulic oils and greases used in equipment for most food and beverage production lines. H2 – Non-food contact lubricants.
Also known as below the line lubricants, these products are not intended for use where there is a possibility of food contact but may still impact on human health.
24 MAY 2020 | PROCESS & CONTROL H3 – Also a food-grade lubricant.
These types are typically edible oils, meaning they are fully safe to use on any food and drink manufacturing site. The lubricant can also be used to prevent rust on hooks, carts and similar equipment that come in contact with food. With specifications and regulation
tightening, some auditors are now requesting evidence to prove that the onsite lubricants used, are actually food- grade. One way to do this is by supplying evidence that the manufacturer of the food-grade lubricants is ISO 21469 approved. This certification is the highest award a food-grade lubricant manufacturer can achieve, and proves that a lubricant is manufactured in a hygienic environment using both best practices and the safest ingredients.
Lubrication management is always an ongoing process, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to maintain and monitor its performance to ensure maximum productivity
plays an important role in the selection of the base fluid and additive choices. On sites in which high water contamination is likely to occur, you might consider finding a lubricant with greater separation characteristics. When selecting lubrication, consider the
synthetic base oil. Made from food-safe chemicals, a synthetic oil lubricant offers wider temperature ranges and greater protection to equipment. In addition, they can optimise equipment performance and reduce maintenance costs. Within the food and beverage industry, it
By adopting changes and standardising on ROCOL lubricants, Brammer Buck & Hickman has helped a beverage manufacturer increase lubrication onsite by 40-50%. Yet, by using the correct amount of lubricants for each unit, the customer has reduced the overall amount of product used
One of the most important factors in
selecting a food-safe lubricant is ensuring the right base oil viscosity. Viscosity in lubricants determines whether it retains the correct thickness of oil film and strength at the required temperatures, which can be extreme, and conditions. To select the correct viscosity you must first collect information about the machinery itself. This information should include the operating speed, type of friction, the load and the environmental conditions. On some sites, it has been found
beneficial to have an initial lubrication survey conducted by a professional lubrication engineer, to advise on the types of lubricants required, and the correct application and storage. You might also want to consider
consolidating your lubrication suppliers for greater control over product quality, as well as onsite expenditure. Reducing the risk of contamination also
is also important to consider operational challenges. For example, production areas can become dusty or humid. This means they are washed down more often, which can wash away vital oil and lubrication or cause contamination. One option for sites is to invest in parts that have built-in lubrication as part of their design. The SKF Food Line series, for example, is
a bearing product range which is lubricated for life and designed to withstand frequent washdowns. Using food-safe components and a hygienic surface design, the units are developed to proactively eliminate contaminant traps and reduce the spread of bacteria and allergens. In 2018, Brammer Buck & Hickman took
over the lubrication duties at a multinational beverage company’s site. The project involved creating fully operational and dual-branded lubrication stores, employing a full-time lubrication engineer and standardising the lubricants used to just one supplier, ROCOL. This resulted in cost savings and by being based onsite, the lubrication engineer is able to lubricate all the motors and gearboxes daily for maximum effect. Better lubrication practices have resulted
in better performing equipment and over time, longer unit life. Thanks to lubrication stores and the introduction of a permanent onsite Brammer Buck & Hickman lubrication engineer, the customer has saved £45,000.
Brammer, Buck & Hickman
uk.rubix.com
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