Food and Beverage
The food and beverage manufacturing industry presents a multifaceted set of challenges for lubrication. Machinery operates continuously, encountering diverse environments such as water, steam, flour, and other contaminants, as well as extreme temperatures. Additionally, the lubricants utilized must adhere to stringent food health and safety standards as they may come into contact with consumable items.
Food processing equipment demands robust lubricants capable of enduring washdowns, high oven temperatures, and areas prone to high contamination.
FMS provides maintenance training and product solutions aimed at optimizing the profitability of food processing operations through effective maintenance practices.
In the environment where palletizers operate, which involves cardboard and recycled bottles, there is a high level of dirt and debris. The primary lubricated components in these areas are the gearboxes, which drive conveyors and operate lifts, and the hydraulic power units, which control the arms used to transport containers to subsequent processes.
Operating in extremely wet and corrosive settings, bottle washers encounter rigorous conditions as chemicals are utilized to cleanse and prepare the bottles for filling. The major oil-lubricated components, gearboxes, and pump bearing housings, play vital roles in the process. The gearboxes, which vary in size, drive crucial components such as conveyors, lifting arms, bottle pushers, and trash conveyors. Meanwhile, the pumps are responsible for circulating water and cleaning chemicals throughout the bottle washer.
The failure of the gearboxes would result in a halt to the filling process, while pump failure could lead to bottles not meeting requirements, potentially necessitating the removal of batches of products from the shelves. These potential failures underscore the critical nature of these components in ensuring the efficient operation of bottle washing and filling processes.
In the demanding environment of pasteurizers, which involves wet and corrosive conditions due to the use of chemicals for cleaning and sanitizing bottles before filling, the major oil-lubricated components are gearboxes and pump bearing housings. The gearboxes are responsible for driving the main conveyor, while the pumps play a critical role in circulating water and cleaning chemicals throughout the pasteurizer.
The failure of the gearboxes would result in a halt to the pasteurization process, impacting production up to the labeller, while pump failure could lead to bottles not meeting requirements, potentially necessitating the removal of batches of products from the shelves. Therefore, it is essential to explore best practices for maintaining the gearboxes and pumps to ensure the seamless and efficient operation of the pasteurization process.
The Rinser/Filler/Labeller machines function in highly demanding conditions characterized by wetness, corrosion, and high-speed operations. The major oil-lubricated components crucial to their operation are the gearboxes and pump bearing housings. These gearboxes play a pivotal role in driving the machine and adjusting its height, among other functions. Meanwhile, the pumps are responsible for supplying water and beer to the filler machine.
In the event of gearbox failure, the entire processes would come to a standstill. Similarly, pump failure poses a risk to product quality, potentially necessitating the removal of batches from the shelves. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the proper maintenance and care of these critical components to avoid disruptions and maintain high product quality standards.
Packers play a crucial role in containerizing individual containers into packages for retail sale. These machines are typically enclosed and operate in environments prone to dirt and debris. The major oil-lubricated components in this setting are the gearboxes, which drive the packaging machine and conveyors within the system.
In the event of gearbox failure, the packaging process would come to a halt, potentially causing delays in the production and shipment of goods. Therefore, it is imperative to explore best practices for maintaining the gearboxes to ensure the uninterrupted and efficient operation of the packaging process.