7 Features of Food Grade and Food Industry Lubricants

Posted by peterpaul298 on August 10th, 2016

The main acceptable features of the lubricants used include:

Anti-wear

The lubricants used in food machinery have been designed to reduce wear to components of the machinery. This anti-wear property makes the lubricants and the machines capable of withstanding extremely high production levels. Corrosion is a main cause of wear on machinery and the food grade lubricants have components that enhance protection against corrosion.

Ability to withstand high temperatures

The dairy equipment lubricants have been designed to withstand high temperatures associated with the functioning of this equipment running at very high speeds. A lot of heat is produced in dairy processing and the lubricants used on the equipment should be able to withstand the high temperatures generated.

Anti-freezing

Despite being able to withstand extremely high temperature conditions, the lubricants used in food processing must be able to withstand freezing conditions. A food grade lubricant for freezing conditions and cold temperature conveyor lubricants are very effective in meat processing and beverage processing industries. High temperature lubricants that will withstand the extreme low temperatures as well are best suited for the food processing industries.

Low volatility

High performance and low volatility lubricants are essential for use in industries that are at a high risk of oil contamination. For example, vacuum pump oils must be low volatility.

Antimicrobial additives

Food products are at high risks from microbes in the form of bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses. Such microbes in food products render the foods or beverages hazardous and therefore, the containers holding the foods and beverages as well as the lubricants used in the equipment must have additives with antimicrobial properties.

Efficiency at High speeds

Seamers and high closing machines require grease that will offer effective protection under the high speeds at which the machines run. The lubricants used are specific and compatible with the centralized equipment found in the machines. Such high performance and continuity is important in hot and/or cold processing environments.

Use of Ammonia refrigeration oils

The dairy processing and high speed beverage processing industries use ammonia refrigeration oils that outperform previous naphthalenic technology. The current processing showed tripled oxidation life with most additives. There has also been a significant improvement preventing leakages and consumption as a result of the additional seal swell additives.
In conclusion, the best lubricants and greases for the food industry must possess most of these properties for the equipment to run properly. The safety of the food products is paramount, therefore, lubricants with antimicrobial properties must be used where food products and the lubricants/greases interact.