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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

Some of the toughest maintenance challenges at operations are presented by large belt-driven conveyor systems. These critical assets require gear oil for their gearboxes, electric motor grease for the motors, and grease for multiple lubrication points – particularly bearings. Improper lubrication and contamination can cause premature wear, or even worse, create unplanned downtime. Recurring challenges include dirt, water, heavy loads, vibration and extreme temperatures – and these are even more severe when the system is located outside. Some of the common lubrication challenges that maintenance teams face in trying to keep conveyors properly lubricated are multiple lubrication points, long walking

When most people think of the word “gear”, they might think of a vehicle gearbox or of a simple round machine element with teeth cut around it. However, those in technical fields know that there are numerous different types of gears, each with different properties and applications. They also have different lubrication requirements. Callum Ford, National Marketing Manager at Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa, says that while gears have been around for centuries, modern gears have been engineered to perform heavier work and carry greater loads than ever before. He says that in the automotive, aviation and marine areas, among

Various types of mills are used to grind coal, limestone and other materials. Most of these mills are driven by large pinion and girth gears, which operate in high load conditions. These mills often are critical to a plant’s operation and cannot afford to be down except for scheduled maintenance. Therefore, lubrication of these gears with the most advanced lubricant available is crucial in assuring continuous operation of the mills and protecting the expensive gears. Yet many of the typical lubrication solutions for mills, particularly asphaltic and molybdenum-based products, have drawbacks. These include health, safety and disposal problems; needing extra

Seal failure or leakage can be catastrophic, causing equipment damage and ultimately failure. It’s important to understand lubrication and seal compatibility to avoid these issues. Callum Ford, national marketing manager at Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa, explains that different seals have different tolerances in terms of temperature and pressure, and the different materials are compatible with difference applications. It’s critical to ensure you are not using a lubricant that is incompatible with your seal. “We normally divide fluid seals into two main classes: static seals and dynamic seals,” he says. Static seals include gaskets, o-ring joints, packed joints, welded joints,

While no grease can truly be an “all-purpose” lubricant, aluminium complex grease is a valuable multifunctional, multipurpose product. Since they first came into the market in the 1960s, they have undergone numerous improvements, especially in terms of water resistance and thermal and mechanical stability. Callum Ford, National Marketing Manager at Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa, explains that idea applications include vehicle wheel bearings, manufacturing and assembly plants, steel mills, boat trailers, paper mills, and in the rubber, textile and agricultural and construction industries, among others. “Aluminium complex greases are easy to pump at low temperatures because of their relatively low

Lubrication products used in certain applications are subjected to much harsher conditions or higher temperatures than others. By choosing products specifically designed for challenging circumstances, you can protect your equipment, improve performance, and save on maintenance and repair costs. This is why Lubrication Engineers (LE) believes in continuously improving its products and creating solutions for particular applications. “For example, LE developed our 1250 Almasol High Temperature Lubricant with a clay thickener system, which has one of the highest temperature capabilities of any grease thickener technology currently available in the industry,” explains Callum Ford, National Marketing Manager at LE South Africa.

One of the challenges faced when a lubricant becomes contaminated is that it affects the entire machinery system. This means the whole system needs to be flushed to prevent further damage to costly equipment. Lubrication Engineers (LE) offers a solution in the form of a “kidney-loop” filtration cart. “Filtration carts are useful for several applications,” explains Callum Ford, National Marketing Manager at LE South Africa. “They can be used for decontaminating systems, flushing new or repaired systems, dispensing or pre-filtering new oil, evacuating used oil, topping off reservoirs or collecting oil samples for analysis.” Ford says the filtration cart is

Lubrication Engineers (LE) has developed its most versatile mid-range general purpose lubricant yet. Almatek® 1233 has been created for external and general bearing grease applications and offers a great solution for customers who are looking for a high-performing, affordable lubrication solution for their equipment. The Almatek® 1233 general purpose lubricant is technologically advanced and designed to withstand shock loading, pound-out and water washout in friction. It can be used for anti-friction bearings, chassis points and other grease-lubricated applications. This versatile, tacky grease is specially formulated to give superior protection and long service. Callum Ford, National Marketing Manager at LE South

Protecting your equipment is crucial, even during times when they do not operate, says Lubrication Engineers South Africa. Many businesses are struggling in the face of the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. This may mean that production or operations are not yet proceeding at full tilt, even though Level 1 has seen most of the economy officially opened again. As a result, some equipment and machinery are still standing idle. Callum Ford, national marketing manager at Lubrication Engineers South Africa, says it is essential to protect machinery while not operational by using the correct lubrication. This prevents damage and ensures