Food grade lubricants – pure and simple

By Colleen Flanagan

In order to ensure food product safety, many food processors have adopted or are in the process of implementing the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.

HACCP requires that points where lubricants and food products could come in contact during various manufacturing processes must be analysed for potential hazards. For these processes, H1 food grade lubricants and greases should be used in equipment such as hydraulic systems, pumps, mixers, tanks, chain drives and even seaming units to reduce the risk of incidental contamination by non-food grade lubricants.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to food grade lubricants, including:

1)  Food grade lubricants do not last as long as non-food grade lubricants

2)  Food grade lubricants do not protect equipment as well as non-food grade lubricants

3)  Using food grade lubricants add significant costs to operations

4)  For tough applications only non-food grade lubricants can be used

5)  All food grade lubricants are the same.

These misconceptions have caused some food processors to downplay HACCP recommendations due to concerns over equipment protection or increased cost of operations. However, ignoring the recommendations could result in higher costs in the long run.   

It's timely, therefore, to look at proper food grade lubricant selection, and key criteria to consider during the selection process for major applications. These criteria can be evaluated using standardised laboratory tests. 

Food Grade Hydraulic Fluids

When selecting a food grade hydraulic fluid, here are three key properties to consider:

1)  Fluid life - oxidative and thermal stability

Resistance to oxidative and thermal breakdown keeps systems free of sludge and varnish to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of hydraulic valves and actuators. It can also result in longer fluid life and reduced downtime in tough operating environments.

2)  Wear protection

A hydraulic fluid should protect metal pump parts from scuffing and scoring, and reduce overall maintenance costs by extending the life of the hydraulic system.

3)  Resistance to foaming and air entrapment

A hydraulic fluid should prevent reservoir overflow and eliminate "sponginess" from hydraulic systems and damage caused by pump cavitations.

Food Grade Compressor Fluids

When selecting a food grade compressor fluid, four key criteria are important,including fluid life (oxidative and thermal stability), wear protection, low oil volatility and rust and corrosion protection.

Food Grade Gear Fluids

When selecting a food grade gear fluid, four key criteria are critical, including loading carrying capability and wear protection, life of the fluid (oxidative and thermal resistance), resistance to forming and air entrapment and resistance to contamination.

Food Grade Greases

When selecting food grade grease, there are four key criteria to keep in mind:

1) Resistance to lubricant breakdown in harsh operating environments

Food grade grease should maintain consistency and lubrication in the presence of food acids, juices and by-products.

2)  Effectiveness across a wide range of temperatures

Food grade grease should not run from bearings operating at high temperatures, yet should remain pumpable at low temperatures.

3)  Load carrying capability and wear protection

Food grade grease should prevent seizure, scuffing and spalling under shock loading conditions.

4)  Rust and corrosion protection

Food grade grease should prevent bearing, gear and equipment damage in moist or wet operating conditions.

Talk To Your Lubricant Supplier

When selecting food grade lubricants, it is important to work with your lubricant supplier. Start by explaining your operating issues to find a solution that will decrease your overall operating costs.

Biography

Colleen Flanagan is Category Manager (Specialty Fluids & Food Grade Lubricants) at Petro-Canada Lubricants.  She has over 25 years experience in the oil and lubricants industry, the majority of which has been in the downstream sector with Petro-Canada.