Enhanced reliability in apple processing

Initial situation

A company specialising in apple processing faces a significant challenge during its peak season, running from late August to late November. The production line operates 24/7, and any downtime due to technical failures in bearings and chains results in considerable financial losses, increased operational costs, and a negative impact on the quality of the final product.

The acidic environment caused by apple juice, combined with high levels of moisture and contamination, accelerates wear and corrosion on essential machinery parts. By the end of the season, many components are severely degraded and require replacement, increasing maintenance efforts and costs. 

To counteract these effects, the company used a general food-grade lubricant. However, it failed to provide adequate protection, leading to frequent lubrication intervals and premature wear of bearings and chains.

Solution

To address these issues, the company implemented a lubrication and maintenance plan using PFAS-free Interflon products with MicPol® technology. These lubricants are also Halal and Kosher certified, making them suitable for use in food processing environments with strict compliance requirements:

• Interflon Food Grease EP (NSF H1) – Applied to the fruit crusher bearings to provide long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion.
• Interflon Food Lube G150 (NSF H1) – Used on the fruit sorter chains to enhance lubrication and reduce friction.
• Interflon Food Lube G320 (NSF H1) – Applied to the conveyor belt system to prevent premature wear.
• Interflon Degreaser EM30+ (NSF Class K1/K3) – Used to thoroughly clean chains before lubrication, ensuring optimal adhesion of the lubricants.
• Interflon Metal Clean F - aerosol (NSF H1) – Applied for final cleaning and degreasing before lubrication.

Results

The implementation of Interflon’s PFAS-free lubrication solutions with MicPol® technology led to significant improvements:

• Production reliability increased significantly, with no more unplanned downtime due to bearing and chain failures.
• The MicPol® technology in Interflon lubricants enhances adhesion, reduces friction, and strengthens the lubricant’s properties, ensuring long-lasting protection and performance.
• Bearings and chains now last 2 to 3 seasons, compared to a single season previously.
• Lubrication frequency was dramatically reduced: chains previously required lubrication weekly, but now only need it once per season.

Conclusion

By switching to PFAS-free Interflon lubrication solutions with MicPol® technology, the company eliminated unexpected production stoppages and significantly extended the service life of critical components. The enhanced adhesion, reduced friction, and reinforced lubricant properties of MicPol® technology contributed to increased efficiency and cost savings, making Interflon a vital partner in their apple processing operations.

Contact us and join the growing number of food processing companies that have already improved their reliability with Interflon.

Special thanks to Interflon Hungary