Keeping the food production wheels turning
With 13 per cent of bearing failure attributed to lubrication factors , bearing lubrication is a fast-evolving area of research , supported by academics and industry alike . Here , Chris Johnson managing director of EZO bearings supplier SMB Bearings , explains how new innovations in polymer-based lubrication could increase lubrication life , while reducing maintenance needs and contamination risks for food processing plants .
Food production is ramping up and reliability in the food chain has never been more important . Food and beverage managers rely on lubrication as the lifeblood to all rotating equipment , which keeps the food production wheels turning . Lubricants used in food and beverage plants must perform the same technical functions as a lubricant in any other industrial application , but crucially ,
38 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk they must also adhere to strict food safety standards .
DOES YOUR LUBRICANT MAKE THE GRADE ? Historically , plant managers have had to sacrifice performance to adhere to food health and safety requirements . After all , contamination can lead to product recalls , halted production and spiralling costs . Most importantly , however , it is a threat to the health of the customer and unfortunately , contamination is on the rise . The Food Standards Agency ( FSA ) reported that in the year ending March 2019 , there was a 36 per cent increase in allergy and food alerts in England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Contaminants can enter the food chain from many sources , such as contaminated land or water , handling and storage — and , less commonly , lubrication . Chemical contamination can occur through unintentional contact with unsafe lubricants and greases used in machinery .
While the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed ( RASFF0 ) is a key tool to ensure a swift reaction when risks to public health are detected in the food chain , a better option is to minimise risks in the first instance and plant managers can do this by ensuring they comply with foodgrade lubricant regulations .