Food-grade chain lubricant for conveyor systems

Food-grade chain lubricant for food processing equipment

A food-grade chain lubricant is used on chains, ropes and mechanical components in motion where lubrication must ensure the equipment’s performance whilst complying with food-grade requirements.

Setral, a partner of MD Poland, offers a range of H1 chain lubricants for the food industry.

These products are designed to meet specific requirements such as:

• lubrication at high temperatures,
• resistance to water and damp environments,
• low loss due to evaporation,
• reduced friction,
• penetration into the lubrication point,
• prevention of dripping and splashing,
• protection against corrosion,
• extended lubrication cycles.

The products presented in this application sector are classified as H1 and are also Halal and

Kosher certified.

Setral H1 lubricants for chains and ropes

Setral solutions include:

• fully synthetic oils,
• inert oils,
• fluids for chains,
• semi-synthetic lubricants for chains and ropes.

Depending on the formulation, these products may be based on esters, PFPE, PAG, PAO or semi-synthetic technology.

Chain lubrication in high-temperature applications

Some chain lubrication points in food-grade environments may require products that remain stable at high temperatures.

Setral offers various H1 solutions for these operating conditions.

FLUID-setral-STG 220 FD and FLUID-setral-STG 320 FD are fully synthetic high-temperature chain oils with operating ranges up to +260 °C. Both products offer low evaporation losses and good penetration properties.

For more extreme thermal requirements, FLUID-setral-INT/500 is an H1-approved inert high-temperature oil designed for rolling and plain bearings, chains and ropes, with a temperature range up to +310 °C and short-term resistance up to +330 °C.

Lubricants for chains in damp environments

Damp, water and cleaning processes are important factors in food and drink production environments.

For applications in damp environments, SYN-setral-CA/C2-55 FD FLUID is an H1 chain fluid offering good corrosion protection, particularly in applications involving pasteurisers. It is also stable in both cold and hot water.

setral PLASTOLUB GK/FD is a semi-synthetic H1 lubricant for chains and cables, offering water resistance, corrosion protection and excellent flow properties.

Prevention of lubricant dripping and run-off

In chain applications, the lubricant must remain where it is needed. Some Setral products include adhesive additives designed to prevent dripping and run-off.

This feature is found in FLUID-setral-STG 320 FD and FLUID-setral-SHT 2000 FD Spray.

The latter also offers excellent flow properties as a spray and excellent water resistance.

Formulations free from MOSH/MOAH, PFAS and microplastics

Depending on the product, the range of chain lubricants from Setral, a partner of MD Poland, includes formulations with specific characteristics relating to current food industry requirements.

For example:

• FLUID-setral-STG 220 FD is described as free from MOSH/MOAH in its formulation components, based on external laboratory analyses, and is free from silicone oil and

PFAS;

• FLUID-setral-STG 320 FD is free from MOSH/MOAH as formulation components, free from silicone oil and free from PFAS;
• FLUID-setral-SPG 200 FD features a microplastic-free formulation;
• FLUID-setral-INT/500 is free from MOSH/MOAH as formulation components.

These properties vary depending on the specific lubricant and must be assessed on a product-by-product basis.

Choosing the right food-grade chain lubricant

The choice of a food-grade chain lubricant depends on the specific application and operating conditions.

Key factors include:

• operating temperature;
• presence of water or damp conditions;
• the need for penetration at the lubrication point;
• risk of dripping or splashing;
• corrosion protection requirements;
• relubrication intervals;
• compatibility with the plant’s food-grade requirements.