SKF: cooking up the best in food-safe technology

The food and beverage industry is a sector where safety and efficiency cannot be compromised. As the demand for impeccable production standards continues to rise, especially in the vibrant Australian market, the machinery facilitating this production becomes increasingly essential. Within this machinery lies a crucial component: bearings and lubricants.

Step in, SKF, a leader in the Australian food and beverage landscape.

Offering valuable food-safe compliant technology, SKF ensures systems that push the boundaries of sustainable business profitability. “The stringent regulations imposed on the industry echo the vital need for safe food production,” says Graham Thomas, Food & Beverage Segment Manager at SKF.

He adds, “SKF’s innovative solutions are aligned with these standards, showcasing our unparalleled Food Line bearings and lubricants, all of which are pivotal for efficient food production.”

One of the unique challenges in the food and beverage domain is the strain of cleaning processes on equipment. Elements like the acidity of citrus or the abrasive nature of bakery components demand machinery to be washed down with potent cleaning agents frequently.

“This process can lead to equipment corrosion, damage to seals, and the potential risk of product contamination from lubricant leaks,” states Thomas.

However, SKF’s advanced product range is designed to counter these challenges. “SKF offers a range of deep grove ball bearings (DGBBs) which comply with all the safety requirements,” explains Thomas.

“The offer includes the recently launched range of bearings for use in non-corrosive areas which feature the same lubricants and optical detectable seals that are supplied with the SKF range of Stainless Steel and high nitrogen corrosion resistant ceramic ball bearings,” he discusses.

According to Thomas, the synthetic rubber seal compound complies with US Food and Drug (FDA) and European Community (EC) category 3 recommendations. The bearings are also pre-lubricated with high-quality conformant NSF category H1 registered grease.

Thomas emphasises, “These bearings ensure a high level of corrosion resistance suitable for virtually any food and beverage manufacturing setting.”

For those working in the Australian baking industry, SKF’s high-temperature DDGB bearings are a notable advancement.

“With their graphite-based lubrication, these bearings efficiently operate at extreme temperatures, diminishing the need for constant reapplication of lubricants,” notes Thomas.

Emphasising the importance of hygienic design, Thomas mentions, “SKF’s Food Line Bearing units offer the perfect solution for demanding environments. Built from the ground up using food-safe components and hygienic surface design, the units are developed to proactively eliminate contaminant traps and to reduce the risk of bacteria and allergen development.”

The patented bearing sealing system and exceptional grease performance contribute to achieving extended bearing life and high reliability. Designed for relubrication-free operations, the units are thus able to reduce maintenance needs and the related grease and labour costs. The relubrication-free feature and hygienic design contribute to cleaning water savings, as well as a reduced disposal of grease absorbents. This supports an overall preventive culture versus a disposal oriented environmental one.

“This commitment to detail enhances the bearing’s life and ensures top-tier reliability, all while decreasing maintenance demands,” notes Thomas.

Ultra-reliable and accurate lubrication is fundamental to high equipment availability. “Performing manual relubrication tasks can be a major challenge for lubrication technicians if the appropriate tools, practices and knowledge are not employed,” he says.

“Reliability can also be affected by under- or over-greasing and contamination. Automatic lubrication provides small quantities of clean lubricant on a regular basis, thus improving bearing performance. Additional benefits include increased safety and time savings for lubrication technicians,” highlights Thomas.

SKF offers a range of automatic lubricators which can be adjusted to ensure delivery of the correct quantity of lubricant is delivered to the lubrication point during a pre-determined time.

“This presents accurate control of the amount of lubricant supplied; these lubricators are suitable for numerous types of equipment including pumps, electric motors, fans, blowers, conveyors and chains,” says Thomas.

Food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) require the use of lubricants registered as acceptable in the case of incidental food contact.

“Here too, SKF has the solution in the form of clean, non-toxic bearing greases & Chain Oils which have been certified for the food industry with: NSF H1, NSF ISO 21469, Halal and Kosher,” informs Thomas.

“SKF’s integral role in the Australian food and beverage sector highlights our commitment to seamless operations, efficiency, and top-tier safety,” he reflects.

For a deeper understanding of SKF’s specialised offerings tailored for the Australian market, one can explore their dedicated page. Through quality products and unwavering dedication, SKF remains a trusted ally in the industry.