LUBRICATION AND LUBRICANTS APPLICATIONS IN FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS Lubrication is the process, or technique employed to reduce wear of one

e or both surfaces in close proximity, and moving relative to each another, by interposing a substance called lubricant between the surfaces to carry or to help carry the load (pressure generated) between the opposing surfaces. The regimes of lubrication As the load increases on the contacting surfaces three distinct situations can be observed with respect to the mode of lubrication, which are called regimes of lubrication: 1. Fluid film lubrication is the regime in which through viscous forces the load is fully supported by the lubricant within the space or gap between the parts in motion relative to one another and solid-solid contact is avoided. Hydrostatic lubrication is when an external pressure is applied to the lubricant in the bearing, to maintain the fluid lubricant film where it would otherwise be squeezed out. Hydrodynamic lubrication is where the motion of the contacting surfaces, and the exact design of the bearing is used to pump lubricant around the bearing to maintain the lubricating film. This design of bearing may wear when started or stopped, as the lubricant film breaks down. 2. Elasto hydrodynamic lubrication: The opposing surfaces are separated, but there occurs some interaction between the raised solid features called asperities, and there is an elastic deformation on the contacting surface enlarging the load-bearing area whereby the viscous resistance of the lubricant becomes capable of supporting the load. 3. Boundary film lubrication: is that regime in which the load is carried by the surface asperities rather than by the lubricant. Purpose of lubrication

2. Keep moving parts apart 3. Reduce friction 4. Transfer heat 5. Carry away contaminants & debris 6. Transmit power 7. Protect against wear

8. Prevent corrosion 9. Seal for gases 10. Stop the risk of smoke and fire of objects FUNCTION OF LUBRICATION Lubrication is required for correct operation of mechanical systems pistons, pumps, cams, bearings, turbines, cutting tools etc. where without lubrication the pressure between the surfaces in close proximity would generate enough heat for rapid surface damage which in a coarsened condition may literally weld the surfaces together, causing seizure LUBRICANT A lubricant is a substance introduced to reduce friction between moving surfaces. It may also have the function of transporting foreign particles and of distributing heat. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity. Typically lubricants contain 90% base oil (most often petroleum fractions, called mineral oils) and less than 10% additives. Vegetable oils or synthetic liquids such as hydrogenated polyolefins, esters, silicones, fluorocarbons and many others are sometimes used as base oils. Additives deliver reduced friction and wear, increased viscosity, improved viscosity index, resistance to corrosion and oxidation, aging or contamination, etc. TYPES OF LUBRICANTSBase oil groups Bio lubricants. Synthetic oils. Solid lubricants BASE OIL GROUP

 Bio lubricants. These are primarily triglyceride esters derived from plants and animals. Common ones include high oleic canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower seed oil and rapeseed oil from vegetable, Tall oil and lanolin ,from animal sources. Many vegetable oils are often hydrolyzed to yield the acids which are subsequently combined selectively to form specialist synthetic esters. Synthetic oils. Polyalpha-olefin (PAO) Synthetic esters Polyalkylene glycols (PAG) Phosphate esters Alkylated naphthalenes (AN)

 Silicate esters Ionic fluids Solid lubricants Dry lubricant Teflon or PTFE Inorganic solids Metal/alloy Food grade lubricants A Food grade lubricant performs in the same way as any other lubricant. It provides protection against wear, friction, corrosion and oxidation, dissipates heat and transfer power. Its compatible with rubber and other sealing materials, as well as provide a sealing effect in some cases. H1 Lubricants: This includes lubricants, hydraulic oils, and greases used in equipment for cleaning, sanitizing, canning, bottling, blending, chilling, frying, cutting, slicing, and peeling, pumps, etc.. H2 Non-food Contact Lubricants: These products are not intended for use where there is a possibility of food contact, but may still impact human health. 3H Lubricants: These are typically edible oils that are used to prevent rust on hooks, carts and similar equipment that come in contact with food. Disadvantages Lubricants in the food industry can be subjected to intense environmental contaminants. growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi on the lubricants. For example a corn-milling environment generates significant dust. dust, which creats problem for filtration. A meat plant requires stringent steam cleaning at all times, so the risk of water contamination is high. applications