Posted to News on 18th Apr 2007, 20:48
New food-grade greases cope with low temperatures
SKF is adding two new greases to its range of lubrication products for the food and beverage industry. The latest grades are designed to increase uptime, extend component service life and cut maintenance costs, particularly where harsh environments can cause corrosion of mechanical components, and bearings must operate under high loads.
The new range comprises both low-temperature bearing grease (LGFL1) and high-load bearing grease (LGFB2), which are fully synthetic PAO/ester-based products, providing an odourless and tasteless substance for food industry applications. Neutral towards seals and polymers, the premium quality lubricants are suitable for almost any sealing application.
An aluminium complex soap provides the lubrication formula with excellent corrosion and oxidation protection capabilities, water washout resistance, mechanical shear stability and rust inhibition, ensuring limited re-lubrication requirements and, consequently, lower maintenance costs.
LGFL1 grease provides excellent corrosion protection for bearings operating in temperatures as low as -45degC, or at high speeds in conveyors or small to medium electric motors. LGFB2 is targeted at bearings operating under high loads in applications such as mixers, saws, and high-vibration machinery.
Both LGFL1 and LGFB2 are being offered alongside the existing multi-purpose food-grade grease (LGFP2), which is typically used on the bearings of food–processing machinery, bakery equipment and wrapping machines.
The food-grade grease range is National Sanitisation Foundation (NSF) H1 accredited and available in different pack sizes including 420ml cartridges, 1kg and 18kg cans, and 180kg drums. In addition, SKF system 24 single-point automatic lubricators can be purchased pre-filled and ready-to-use with SKF LGFP2 or LGFB2 grease.
