Lubrication for poultry overhead conveyor chains and shackles

Overhead conveyor chains and shackles from OEMs such as Meyn, Stork and Marel carry full carcass loads throughout the processing line. Unlike infeed conveyors, overhead systems are exposed to contamination from above and below simultaneously: blood, water, disinfectants and steam penetrate every chain link and shackle joint during daily sanitation. Standard oils wash away within hours, leaving shackles stiff, chains corroded and gearboxes at risk of leakage directly above the product.

The consequence is not just premature wear. Oil dripping from overhead chains onto carcasses is one of the most common causes of HACCP non-conformities and BRC audit findings in poultry processing. Solving the lubrication problem on overhead systems solves the compliance problem at the same time.

Documented results

• Chain lifetime extended from 1.5 to 3 years in documented applications
• Shackle seizure and stiff operation eliminated after daily washdowns
• Lubricant consumption reduced by up to 80% with automated micro-dosing
• Dripping oil eliminated, removing a primary source of HACCP non-conformities
• Relubrication interval extended from weekly to monthly

All food-grade lubricants

Failures and Interflon solutions

• Chain rust and stiff shackles – washdowns remove oil, causing corrosion, stiff operation and frequent replacement.
  → Interflon Food Lube G150* is fortified with MicPol® technology. It penetrates into chain links and forms a durable, water-resistant lubrication film that resists washdowns. Prevents rust, keeps shackles moving freely and reduces premature chain wear.
• Lubricant washout – water and disinfectants flush away standard oils, leaving metal-on-metal contact.
  → Automatic lubrication systems with Interflon Food Lube G150 ensure precise micro-dosing onto chains and shackles, maintaining a stable lubrication film even during intensive washdowns.
• Chain elongation and breakage – poor lubrication accelerates wear and replacement costs.
  → Interflon Food Lube G150 reduces chain stretch and maintains smoother articulation under load, extending chain lifetime.
• Shackle wheels and rollers – bearings seize under load and moisture.
  → Interflon Food Grease LT2 for low-temperature reliability, or Interflon Food Grease HD2 for heavy load and humid zones. Both extend lifetime and reduce relubrication.
• Gearboxes – frequent oil changes, leakage, overheating, contamination risks.
  → Interflon Food Grease HD00 or Food Lube G220 in non-automatic gearbox systems where temperatures must allow.: eliminate routine oil changes, reduce leakage, lower operating temperature and cut energy use by up to 3%.
• Audit risks – oil drips or rust water falling onto carcasses, creating hygiene non-conformities.
  → Dry-film lubricants with MicPol®: stay in place, reduce dripping, and ensure HACCP and BRC compliance.

All lubricants are PFAS-free, NSF H1 certified, Halal and Kosher. 

Want to know more? Get in touch with our lubrication specialists for free advice.

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* While Interflon Food Lube G150 is our primary recommendation for most poultry chain applications, Interflon Food Lube G220 can be an excellent alternative for slightly higher mechanical loads or short-term temperature peaks, where appropriate for the equipment and lubrication system.
Thanks to its higher viscosity and strong adhesion, Food Lube G220 is also well suited as a rationalisation product.