Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication November-December 2017

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

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www . machinerylubrication.com | November - December 2017 | 47 number have a formal H2 registration. If a compressed air line for production machines requires lubrication, an H1 lubricant would be a good choice. Machines or machine components that are situated in the produc- tion area but with a physical barrier blocking exposure to the locations where products and packages are processed have no formal require- ments for lubricant selection. However, food-grade lubricants may be preferred to maximize safe maintenance practices related to the production machines. For components like sliding ways, chains or conveyors that have the potential to contact drug products or packaging, further analysis is recommended to identify the components' true lubrication needs. Determine whether these pieces must be lubricated, and if so, what lubricant type, application method and frequency would be suitable. For instance, a chain can be lubricated with oil, grease or dry spray. Clean-room applications may demand the sterilization of tools and machine components. If lubrication is needed, it may be necessary to use not only food-grade quality but lubricants previously steril- ized through thermal treatment (autoclave) or gamma irradiation. In these cases, lubricant selection should include additional performance requirements such as high oxidation, chemical or radiation resistance. Special storage and handling procedures may also be required. Whenever possible, switch to sealed-for-life or non-lubricated components to eliminate lubrication tasks as well as potential lubri- cant contact. Typically, the pharmaceutical industry utilizes relatively smaller machines and components than other sectors. e equipment also tends to operate in controlled environments. ese favorable conditions facilitate the conversion to a sealed-for-life or non-lubricated asset. is recommendation is intended for production areas, but it can also be beneficial if implemented across the facility. In certain circumstances, an ISO 21469-certified lubricant may be preferred over a lubricant registered as H1 food grade. While both classifications involve food-grade lubricants for incidental contact with products, the ISO certification "reviews the level of quality control applied to the formulation, manufacturing, distribution and storage of the lubricant to ensure it complies with the highest standards of hygiene." Both classifications are managed by NSF International. Finally, be sure to follow the established protocols for change management and keep a record of all lubricant conditions, analysis, deci- sions and actions taken. For official recommendations and regulation interpretations, contact the appropriate federal organization. e FDA's Division of Drug Information may also offer further assistance. ML About the Author Alejandro Meza is a senior technical consultant with Noria Corporation. He has more than 20 years of experience in the lubricant industry, technical services, quality assurance, training, consulting and development in the United States, Brazil, Mexico and the Americas region. Contact Alejandro at ameza@noria.com to learn how Noria can help you select the right lubricants for your application. www.Beckman.com/particle © 2017 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman Coulter product and service names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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