Greasing the Gears of the Food Industry: Food Grade Lubricants
Posted: July 26th, 2010 | By: Eagle Tech
Equipment speed, accuracy and operator safety are all very important concerns in the food processing industry. Millions of dollars go into product testing, research and development in order to make the machines faster, better and safer. However, one extremely important component is often overlooked – the lubricant.
Not just any lubricants can cut it in the food processing industry. They must oil the machines and keep things running. These lubricants are also charged with another duty that their nonfood counterparts do not have, food processing lubricants must protect the food that they come in contact with, without altering the taste, chemical or microbial makeup. Food grade lubricants are necessary for keeping the machine going, and are key to keeping the food safe as well. Unfortunately, these substances are often overlooked.
4 Important Facts About Food Grade Lubricants
- There’s more than one type of lubricant. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has three categories in which approved food grade lubricants are placed.
- H1 is for lubricants that can safely come in contact with food.
- H2 category lubricants are those that cannot have any contact with food.
- H3 lubricants are oils used to prevent rust on components that contact food.
- There are environmentally friendly options. Plants can borrow eco-friendly lubricants from some nonfood counterparts for H2 category oils. H1 and H3 category lubricants are more limited. Only mineral oils or synthetics are used. Of the two, ester based synthetic lubricants are the more environmentally sound option. They perform well and are biodegradable.
- Ignoring lubricants can be devastating for your business. According to the trade publication, Machinery Lubrication, there have been several documented cases of contamination from the use of the wrong lubricant.
- A 1998 case of the use of a nonfood grade gear lubricant resulted in the recall of 490,000 pounds of ham by Smithfield Foods. Consumers reported burning throats and foul tastes.
- Another case of wrong lubricant usage in 2000 led to the recall of 86,000 pounds of deli meat. Eaters complained of a bad odor and taste along with intestinal issues.
- Myths abound within the industry. From workers to plant managers and owners, all need to be properly educated about the lubricants used in the plant. Otherwise, you get misconceptions that lead to safety issues. For example, an employee who believes that all lubricants in the plant are food grade can potentially grab the wrong lubricant and contaminate thousands of pounds of food. Another myth is that synthetic food grade lubricants are inferior. In truth, they are designed to perform as well as or better than other lubricants. There is an advantage in using synthetics that are ester based, because these are biodegradable.
The stuff that greases the gears in the food processing plant thus have a larger impact on the company than most people are willing to believe. This underestimation can be hazardous and expensive, especially if the misinformation is plant wide.
Filed under: Food Processing | Tags: eco-friendly lubricants, food grade lubricants, Food Processing, Green, machinery, Machinery Lubrication, maintenance, mineral oils, Smithfield Foods, synthetic lubricants, usda | No Comments »
Products to Cut Farm Energy Costs
Posted: July 19th, 2010 | By: bfuller
How are you saving energy today? That’s the question on the minds of business people around the world …and we have an answer: Condensers, Evaporators & Compressors.
Today’s newest models of this equipment are high in energy-efficiency and can save farmers money on their overhead costs. Condensers, evaporators, and compressors have a wide variety of uses in agriculture and farming. Even minor adjustments to certain systems can increase your energy savings greatly.
Condensers
Condensers are used in a variety of ways, one being in heat recovery systems for dairy farms. The heat from collected milk can be used to heat the water used for cleaning farm equipment. A condensing unit may be more expensive than some alternatives, but the energy savings will make up for the condenser’s initial cost.
Compressors
Compressed air units are used widely throughout farming. Compressor systems use a great deal of energy, but can often improve energy costs in the long term. A compressor consists of a supply side and a demand side. The supply side must be well-maintained to deliver clean air to the demand side. The demand side delivers air to the equipment.
Bringing our attention back to dairy farms, compressors are used to cool milk and to heat water sanitation. If the compressor is operating efficiently, it can cut the energy costs in half for dairy operation.
Food growers use compressed air systems to package their produce for consumers. Growers are able to save money in the long run through the automation capabilities of compressed air systems and the minor equipment changes to be made.
Evaporators
Evaporators are found in large coolers on farms. These coolers can be used to reduce the temperatures for buildings on the farm. Evaporative coolers are more cost-effective than air conditioners and work better in regions with lower humidity.
Low Costs, High Reward
No matter how you use condensers, compressors, and evaporators on your farm, you will be pleased with the savings when you upgrade your equipment.
Filed under: Green Alternative Energy | Tags: agriculture, air conditioners, compressor, condenser, costs, dairy farm, energy, evaporative coolers, evaporator, Green, heat recovery system | No Comments »
Using Hybrid Batteries in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Posted: July 9th, 2010 | By: bfuller
There are two major types of hybrid batteries in existance for use in hybrid electric vehicles – lithium ion (Li-ion) and nickel metal hybrid (NiMH). Many battery subcategories can be found within each.
NiMH batteries were the primary battery source for hybrid vehicles until a few years ago. Today Li-ion batteries are being tested and developed at a quick pace for this usage. Prices for Li-ion batteries were once outrageously high, but are dropping today. Lower prices make the batteries more accessible and thus increase the market for hybrid electric vehicles in the future.
Pros and Cons
Hybrid batteries offer a lot of promise for the future of green alternative energy. Gradually consumers are becoming attracted to the benefits and efficeincies of this technology and away from fossil fuels that can harm the environment. Additionally, with the “unstable” situation in the middle east and oil prices equally unstable …Hybrid Batteries are a safe, stable and welcome alternative.
Hybrid batteries are long-lasting; customers can expect to travel 150,000 miles or more on one battery. Currently, the U. S. government offers tax credits for the purchase of hybrid electric vehicles, making them even more attractive.
Today, Hybrid batteries are a little more expensive than conventional batteries. However, as mentioned earlier, buyers can expect to get a long life from their hybrid battery. With hybrid battery technology improving every day, at some point the batteries will pay for themselves.
The biggest “pro” beyond being “green” is that the Hybrid Battery is allowing today’s vehicles equiped with Hybrid Motors to achieve phenominal gas mileage. Some “city” or “service” vehicles using this technology like buses, delivery trucks, garbage trucks and more, can in some cases see mileage increase between 3 and 10 times. Now that is a “pro”!
Safety Issues
Consumers may worry about the safety of hybrid batteries. Lead was once a major component in manufacturing, but currently technology is safer and lead-free.
The efficiency of hybrid batteries for hybrid electric vehicles must be balanced with the cost and safety. Look for a hybrid battery manufacturer that is involved in research and development. Make sure your hybrid battery has been tested for optimum performance and safety.
Automated Systems for Producing Hybrid Batteries
Your company may need an automated system to aid in manufacturing your own hybrid batteries. There are only a few Automation experts with experience that specialize in systems for alternative energy production. Be sure to choose an equipment builder who has “done it before” to supply you with any automation needs.
Testing equipment for your facility can also be designed just for you. Do some research as to who will provide the best design, installation and service for your business.
Filed under: Automative, Factory Automation, Green Alternative Energy, Hybrid Motors | Tags: Automated system, eagle technologies, Green, hybrid, hybrid batteries, hybrid electric vehicles, Hybrid Motors, hybrid technologies, lithium ion, motor, motor innovation, nickel metal hybrid, NiMH | 2 Comments »
The Pressing Process
Posted: July 9th, 2010 | By: bfuller
“
Pressing” in an industrial or manufacturing setting refers to a machine that permanently joins two parts to form a new part. Today a custom-designed pressing machine can be engineered to fit your company’s needs.
In recent years, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibited one of America’s earliest, but still-functioning, pressing machines from the 1880’s. This machine was actually still in use until 1974. It was last used to press materials used in the Apollo space program!
Force Monitoring
Modern pressing equipment can be automated and can utilize precise controls and sensors for proper monitoring, data collection and quality assurance. Force monitoring refers to the force of the pressing machine being measured accurately; it should not receive interference from outside forces.
Sensors can be installed in different areas of the press tool (or the part being pressed) to measure different applications. Ultrasonic, laser, pressure and photoelectric sensors may be used.
Signature Analysis
Pressing machinery can be equipped with signature analysis. Signature analysis is a type of technology that monitors test equipment while it is operating. It can be used to locate problems with machinery, both electrical and mechanical. Signature analysis can also be used for preventative maintenance. The technology uses information collected typically through electronics to determine if the machine is operating effectively.
Assembly Monitoring
Your customized pressing machinery can also be equipped with assembly monitoring. A complete assembly monitoring system can include sensors and electronic monitoring. A computer then interprets the data collected regarding the efficiency of your pressing equipment.
Today’s press machinery “should be” self-monitoring while it is operating. A properly engineered system can make adjustments for different materials and conditions. Many manufacturers want some type of traceability for the pressing process. Once again, a customized press machine can provide simple or complex tracking.
By choosing a custom design and manufacturing firm like Eagle Technologies, you can work with a project manager who will make sure all your needs are met. Your pressing system can be designed with in-process control, monitoring, data collection and flexibility as necessary.
Filed under: Automative, Factory Automation | Tags: eagle technologies, laser, photoelectric sensors, Pressing, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Ultrasonic | No Comments »
Involving an Automation Integrator with Machine Building Experience in the Installation Process can make all the Difference!
Posted: July 8th, 2010 | By: Eagle Tech
Your automated system is complete and your factory is ready for the installation process. It’s at this point where the project can come to a fork in the road. The installation can go smoothly or be a source of constant headache. By choosing an firm with a proven track record of System Integration driven by years of successful the experience of designing and building “Special Machines”, you can be assured that your installation will be successful.
Why an Integrator with Design and Build Experience?
An Integrator with design and build experience will evaluate your needs and your internal experience and will come up with the best solution possible to fit your circumstances and overall conditions. Because of this experience, and the fact that they were involved in the design and build of the entire system, they will know what elements of the system need to be handled with greater attention and care during the installation and implementation – as well as after the system has been installed. If unforeseen circumstances occur during or after the installation, a company with this sort of experience, has the best chance of solving a problem immediately and getting the customer up and running.
Why Install an Automated System?
Automation improves the quality of manufactured products and increases the amount produced. Automated systems, like the manual workstation (shown right) offered by Eagle Technologies Group, also improve employee safety and provide employer liability protection. Discuss your company’s needs with an automated systems provider that designs the systems, and the end solution will match your expectations more appropriately. This process is designed to supply you and your company with a unique solution.
The Installation Process
One of the key aspects of involving a firm that has been involved with both the design and build of your system is the leadership of a project manager to supervise the installation. He or she will make sure the new system is installed properly and all systems are operating as they should. Any glitches that occur can be dealt with at your site. No matter how far you are located from the automated systems provider where your equipment was designed and built, you should expect supervised installation from the builder to get you up and running the fastest!
Installation is Complete!
Once the installation is complete, make sure you and your employees are well-trained for using the equipment. It is also advisable that you make sure you deal with a builder that can handle service and maintenance of a new automated system as well.
Whether you are manufacturing medical devices, automobile parts or something else, the installation of an automated system in your facility is an important step to consider when selecting an automation supplier for your expansion plans.
Filed under: Automative, Factory Automation | Tags: Automated system, design, Engineering, installation, maintenance, workstation | No Comments »