6 replies to this topic

[lavtak]

Hello, I'm still unfamiliar with this field.  Coincidentally my company is preparing for FSSC certification.  Based on the findings, one of them is that compressor oil is not food grade.  If based on the NC category, this finding is considered minor or major and is it possible not to use oil that is not food grade?  What are the controls other than checking and replacing the filtration?

[jfrey123]

I'm not as familiar with FSSC, but GFSI in general would want to see the compressor's oil be food grade.  Especially so if the compressor itself is located near your production lines, or if the air from the compressor is used in your process.  It would be a minor finding when they notice you're using non-fg oil, but could escalate to a major or worse if they see a leak from the compressor or a machine part using the compressed air (as the oil can travel through the air line to the point of use).

 

But if you're talking about an air compressor used in your maintenance shop away from all production, used solely for maintenance activities, I'd be happy to make the case that a food grade oil is not required.

[lavtak]

Ah, for example if the company uses non-food grade oil in the air compressor, as long as it is controlled it won't leak, for example using filtration it's still minor, right?  Temporary treatment apart from microbial testing, what tests should be done?

 

Btw sorry for my english, I use translate :')

I'm not as familiar with FSSC, but GFSI in general would want to see the compressor's oil be food grade.  Especially so if the compressor itself is located near your production lines, or if the air from the compressor is used in your process.  It would be a minor finding when they notice you're using non-fg oil, but could escalate to a major or worse if they see a leak from the compressor or a machine part using the compressed air (as the oil can travel through the air line to the point of use).

 

But if you're talking about an air compressor used in your maintenance shop away from all production, used solely for maintenance activities, I'd be happy to make the case that a food grade oil is not required.

[Tony-C]

Hi Lavtak,

 

The degree of control required and level of NC would be dependent on the use of the compressed air and the gauge & position of the filter.

 

Compressed air used in contact with or close proximity to products and product contact surfaces clearly needs more stringent controls more than likely including the use of food grade oil.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

I agree with Tony.  It depends what you're using it for.  Compressors can be used for a multitude of things from providing air into production areas to power machinery, as air knifes on cleaning equipment to remove excess moisture, to blow into rigid packaging to remove contaminants or to blow open flexible packaging like bread bags before filling.  Or it can be used for nitrogen generation, refrigeration systems or purely engineering purposes.

 

What are you using it for?  And could it be used deliberately on food or packaging contact?  Or accidentally / through incorrect use?  (I saw an operator last week using compressed air on a line to blow off some water droplets.  I stopped him as it's a huge waste of money and H&S risk anyway but consider how people could use it even if it's wrong.)  If there's any doubt then work with the engineers to see if you can substitute the oil.  Or if you can't what controls are in place to prevent it getting to food and how are they maintained?  E.g. cold traps, filters etc.

[jfrey123]

Ah, for example if the company uses non-food grade oil in the air compressor, as long as it is controlled it won't leak, for example using filtration it's still minor, right?  Temporary treatment apart from microbial testing, what tests should be done?

 

Btw sorry for my english, I use translate :')

 

As others are pointing out, simply filtering a compressor with non-fg oil will not be sufficient if you are using it for production purposes.  Argument would be that if the air is used on your production line, the potential for it to leak at the machine might not be immediately recognized and you could unintentionally be contaminating your ingredients.  Obviously a leak would mean sequestering potentially affected food products, but the purpose of using the FG oil would be to ensure any accidentally shipped goods that are contaminated are less risk to a consumer.

 

But if this compressor lives in a separate maintenance shop, and never gets used for food production purposes, then you're fine with whatever oil maintenance wants to run in it (so long as it's on your chemical control program, of course).

[Hoosiersmoker]

Nearly all compressor manufacturers have a food grade lubricant option. Call them and have your local distributor / service company change it our for you. Your compressors should be on a scheduled maintenance anyway so they can check it and replace filters for you. For point of use air we use regenerative blowers that produce more than enough air and they are much less expensive to operate and maintain. They use paper filters that are changed monthly. They can be used for vacuum also as needed so it makes them very versatile. (We are also a packaging manufacturer). We do annual compressed air testing in-house using 3M Petrifilm Rapid Yeast and Mold plates.