At Veolia Belux production sites in Ghent, Genk, and Erembodegem, enormous amounts of waste are sorted and compressed into bales for recycling every day. Think of plastics, metals, paper, drink cartons, bumpers, agricultural film, and shredded paper.
During this process, acidic liquids leaked from the waste onto the transport chains, causing the existing lubricant film to lose its effectiveness. Especially in paper and cardboard processing, this led to serious problems: chains became clogged, rollers jammed, and components wore out quickly.
The result? Every two years, the chains, guides, and sprockets had to be replaced — a costly and time-consuming operation.
The Question: How to Extend the Service Life of Transport Chains?
Bart Joris, responsible for the Technical Department, wanted to know how to extend the lifespan of the chains. After all, the conveyor belts are the beating heart of a waste processing facility.
After a thorough analysis, it became clear that lubricating less, but with a better lubricant, applied more consistently and precisely, could be the key to a sustainable solution.
The Solution: Targeted Lubrication with Maximum Efficiency
The old system, which sprayed oil in a mist, was replaced with a new lubrication system that detects each chain link and applies a drop of oil exactly where it’s needed — between the roller and the link.
This ensures 100% efficiency of the oil: no waste, no contamination, and an optimal lubricating effect.
We recommended using Royal Purple Escalator Chain Lubricant, an oil with a much stronger and longer-lasting lubricating film than the previously used product.
The Benefits at a Glance
Long-lasting protection: The inner parts of the chain are better protected against wear.
Dry, clean film: The oil forms a thin wax layer that repels dust and dirt.
Improved resistance to moisture and acids: Even in contact with water or acidic fluids, the lubricant film remains intact.
The Results: Double Lifespan and Major Savings
The combination of the new lubrication system and Royal Purple oil proved to be a real success. The service life of chains, guides, and sprockets has more than doubled. Thanks to this extended lifespan, Veolia saves tens of thousands of euros each year in replacement costs and downtime.
Moreover, the machines have become far more reliable — unexpected interventions and chain breaks are now a thing of the past. Following the success in Ghent, the solution has now been implemented at the Genk and Erembodegem sites as well. As a result, Veolia Belux now benefits at three locations from lower maintenance costs, improved reliability, and a more sustainable machinery fleet.
Do you recognize a similar challenge?
Is the quality of your lubricant being affected by dirt, moisture, or dust? Or do you notice that manual lubrication takes too much time or involves unnecessary risks? We’re happy to think along with you. With our many years of expertise, high-quality (bio) lubricants, and modern lubrication systems, we help you prevent downtime, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and improve safety. Feel free to contact us for personal advice.
