How Biscuit International avoided major damage and production downtime
We recently completed an important lubrication project at Biscuit International in Dordrecht, a large international bakery offering an extensive range of private-label biscuits and bread substitutes. Thanks to timely intervention, we were able to prevent severe damage to a crucial hydraulic system, which could have resulted in high costs and production downtime.
The challenge at Biscuit International
Bakery giant Biscuit International approached Van Meeuwen due to a problem with an essential hydraulic system, where the oil urgently needed to be changed. The hydraulic system of this bakery was in danger of becoming seriously clogged because the oil cooler had not cooled the oil for an extended period. Due to a problem with the oil cooler, the oil had become too hot, causing it to degrade thermally. This resulted in a risk of varnish formation, a process that seriously reduces the quality of the oil.
This could have resulted in substantial damage running into the thousands. Consider the costs of replacing the hydraulic system, new oil, repair and adjustment time, and, of course, the resulting downtime in production.
The oil in the hydraulic system needed to be changed after Van Meeuwen took an oil sample and found that the system was heavily contaminated. Additionally, there were hydraulic hoses up to 20 metres long, which were also severely contaminated. We thoroughly cleaned and flushed these hoses, as the entire system must be completely clean before new oil is added.
During the replacement, Biscuit International switched to a food-safe hydraulic oil from the Van Meeuwen range. If the system had continued to operate in its old state for another year, there was a high probability that the hydraulic system would become clogged. This would have inevitably led to the shutdown of a production line.
This emphasises the importance of preventive oil sampling. This enables a timely determination of whether the oil still meets the quality requirements or if replacement is necessary. Waiting until it is too late can result in greater damage and prolonged production downtime. After all, the costs of a new hydraulic system, new oil, repairs, set-up time and the impact of a prolonged shutdown are considerable. Thanks to our customer’s timely contact with our Technical Account Manager and the subsequent thorough cleaning and replacement of the system and pipes, a major disruption was prevented.
Do you face a similar challenge?
Are you dealing with a contaminated hydraulic system, unsure about the condition of your oil, or experiencing another lubrication-related issue?
We are happy to assist you. With our extensive expertise, high-quality lubricants, and passion for the profession, we are committed to helping you prevent downtime, extend the service life of your installations, and improve the reliability of your processes. Please feel free to contact us. We are ready to provide you with personalised advice.
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Are you dealing with a contaminated hydraulic system, unsure about the condition of your oil, or experiencing another lubrication-related issue?
