Pig slaughterhouse – chains and bearings exposed to water and steam
Reducing downtime and extending lubrication intervals
Initial situation
A major pig slaughterhouse faced recurring lubrication challenges in two critical areas:
- Gas stunning system chains – The chains frequently seized due to inadequate lubrication, sometimes requiring the system to be shut down for chain link replacements.
- Pig washer bearings – Constant exposure to steam and excessive water caused the grease to mix with water, leading to rapid washout. As a result, the bearings required daily lubrication to maintain operation.
The company previously relied on two conventional greases which failed to provide the necessary protection against extreme moisture and washout conditions.
Solution
To resolve these issues, the company switched to Interflon’s advanced lubrication solutions:
- Interflon Grease LS2* - A heavy-duty grease with exceptional water resistance.
- Interflon Food Lube G220* (NSF H1 certified) – A high-performance food-grade oil providing long-lasting lubrication.
- Interflon Metal Clean F (aerosol) – An essential cleaner to ensure optimal adhesion of the lubricants.
* These lubricants are PFAS-free and contain no microplastics or nanoparticles, supporting safer and more sustainable maintenance practices.
Results
With the implementation of these lubrication products with MicPol® technology, the company observed significant improvements:
- Reduced downtime on gas stunning system chains
- With Interflon Food Lube G220, chain failures and unplanned shutdowns were eliminated.
- The oil remains intact, resisting washout and maintaining lubrication over extended periods.
- The success of the product led to its additional use on the conveyor belt system.
- By preventing chain failures and ensuring a smoother process, the slaughterhouse also reduced unnecessary disruptions in the stunning process - helping to minimise stress for the animals.
- Extended lubrication intervals for pig washer bearings
- Interflon Grease LS2 withstands steam and heavy water exposure without breaking down.
- Lubrication intervals were extended from daily to weekly, reducing maintenance time and lubricant consumption.
Note: The proper preparation is crucial for maximising the performance of Interflon lubricants(!)
Conclusion
By switching to Interflon Grease LS2 and Interflon Food Lube G220, the slaughterhouse has:
- Reduced downtime due to chain failures
- Extended lubrication intervals, reducing maintenance effort
- Improved operational efficiency with superior water-resistant lubrication
