The road to reliability is not a race, but Basic American Foods is well on their way to seeing a strong finish.

BAF’s precision lubrication program includes two critical components of a world-class precision lubrication program: filtration of new oil and in-service kidney loop filtration of critical asset reservoirs. Both have shown impressive results. After filtration with Des-Case’s LT-LMS lube storage & filtration system, the ISO code of a new drum of ISO 46 hydraulic fluid dropped from 17/15/13 to 14/13/11, becoming two times cleaner.

Using a customized Des-Case Equipment Modification Plan for BAF’s SEW Eurodrive FA107, oil samples were greatly improved after in-service kidney loop filtration with a Des-Case filter cart following a change with pre-filtered oil. Three samples taken at BAF show a progressive decrease in particle count and water ppm as filtration of new oil in storage and in-service filtration started.

The first sample with no pre-filtration or in-service filtration yielded a particle count of 24/24/19. The second sample, after adding pre-filtered oil and in-service filtration (water filter & β7 ≥1000 filter), yielded a particle count of 21/15/12. The third sample of the same oil after in-service filtration (water filter & β5 ≥1000) yielded a particle count of 19/17/13. Water content also dropped from .043% (430 ppm) to .004%. (40 ppm) between the first and third sample.

This data shows the value of both filtration of new oil as well as in-service filtration when working to achieve target particulate counts and water concentration (ppm) for specific equipment. As exhibited in BAF’s first two samples, pre-filtration of new lubricant will not independently lower ISO particulate codes and water concentrations (ppm) to target codes. New oil added to a worn and dirty gearbox is better than the alternative, but significant change occurs when the new, pre-filtered oil is also filtered while in service.

“Every time they see the space and what we are doing they tell us they haven’t seen anything like it before.”

Fischer and Jeffs have also seen positive changes from their maintenance and reliability team as well. Team-wide, some long-time employees were initially hesitant to the implemented changes, but have seen that color-coding and the new equipment has made their jobs easier. “Now everyone is on board and the team is very protective over their new tools,” says Fischer. With LT-LMS storage containers and best practice oil transfer containers, the lubricants are protected from contaminants in the environment. “With enough filter carts in place, even the hardest to reach applications are filtered with ease.” With training and practice, employees now have a better understanding of the lubricants and how they affect the equipment. “There’s a better understanding of things like appropriate viscosity for each application, and the importance of color-coding all the way to the gearbox.”

In addition to the team and leadership at Basic American Foods, customers and the FDA have noticed the positive results. Each time a customer or FDA audit takes place, Fischer and Jeffs make sure the lube room is on the tour. They are able to demonstrate the proper management of food grade and nonfood grade oils, and how Basic American Foods is preventing cross-contamination. “Every time they see the space and what we are doing they tell us they haven’t seen anything like it before,” says Fischer. “They are really impressed with our lubricant management all the way through.”