Engineering consumables and components distributor BMG will start supplying a National Sanitation Foundation International-certified H1 food-grade range of lubricants from the third quarter of this year to the food and beverage industry.

This comes as a result of the food and beverage production plants being under constant pressure to accelerate production, therefore causing more strain on the machinery used in the industry.

The lubricants assist food and beverage producers with more efficient product preparation in safe and clean environments. They are mostly used in processes such as canning, packing and packaging, as well as pressing processes in fruit juice plants.

BMG seals business unit manager Marc Gravett says H1-specified lubricants are used where there is a possibility of the product coming into contact with food products, compared with H2-specified lubricants, which do not come into contact with products, depending on a plant’s specific process.

These food-grade lubricants will complement BMG’s existing lubricant portfolio that includes supplying Sandton-based lubricant manufacturer Spanjaard’s lubricants, oils and greases, which cater for machinery and vehicles in consumer and industrial applications within the mining, marine, automotive and agriculture industries.

Spanjaard products have been principally formulated to improve equipment performance and machinery, and enhance the maintenance of heavy-duty applications. The company’s industrial products include anti-seize compounds and penetrants, assembly and disassembly products, chain lubricants, transmission oils, cleaners and degreasers, electrical maintenance products, plastic moulding and cutting compounds, as well as engineering and fabrication materials.

Additionally, BMG stocks Spanjaard greasing solutions, including open-gear lubricants and wire rope dressings, bearings and synthetic bearings greases, as well as other general grease products.

Moreover, Spanjaard has introduced EP2 Grease to its range of products. Spanjaard identified a need for a high-quality lower-cost multipurpose grease to complement its range of specialised greases, fulfilling market need.

Spanjaard EP2 Grease is a high-quality, all purpose, lithium- based grease. It is suitable for lubrication of plain, needle, ball and roller bearings of all types. The product is fortified with rust and oxidation inhibitors and is suitable for lubrication of automotive, industrial and mining equipment.

Lubrication Failure
Gravett maintains that lubrication failure in various industries is common and contributing causes include a lack of preventive maintenance and general awareness about upkeep and maintenance in plants, as well as demand for faster production times.

“The effects of friction and the resulting wear of moving components are significantly reduced by effective lubrication. The purpose of any lubricant, which may take the form of an oil, a grease or a solid, is to separate the mating surfaces and, thereby, reduce friction and wear,” explains Gravett.

He adds that, for this reason, lubrication is considered to be one of the most important aspects of most industrial equipment and machinery maintenance programmes.

“Lubricants, oils and greases not only extend the service life of machinery and equipment but they also play an important role in enhancing performance of components like bearings and industrial chain.”

Lubrication-related failures in machinery are generally preventable and can be avoided with the application of the correct lubricant at the right time. A general multipurpose grease is adequate in many applications, but more arduous operating conditions demand the judicious selection of the correct lubricant and lubrication system.

Gravett suggests that, in selecting the most suitable lubricant for a specific application, cognisance must be taken of factors such as speed of relative movement, ambient and operating temperatures, loading, vibration and the environmental operating conditions.

“Although lubrication constitutes a small percentage of a company’s maintenance budget, the correct use of appropriate lubricants results in minimal downtime, extended service life of components and significant operational cost savings.”

To help reduce lubrication failure, BMG also offers maintenance, repair and overhaul training at its branches nationally, as well as on-site training that can be tailored to the specific requirements of clients and industry.

Moreover, the company’s mobile technicians, with specialist technical skills, conduct breakdown and routine maintenance on plant. This team carries out troubleshooting and advises on possible productivity improvements, to ensure the highest level of plant output and reliability.

Specialist services include installation, adjustment, replacement and maintenance of components, shaft and pulley alignment, balancing, condition monitoring, oil sampling and analysis and critical equipment inspections and lubrication schedules. “Maintenance training and fault diagnosis also form an important part of BMG’s field services,” outines Gravett.

Through BMG’s focus on entire production processes – which combines a comprehensive range of quality components, engineering solutions, technical services and dependable support – companies can access all critical production efficient products and services from one reliable supplier. This integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies.