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Below you will find questions and answers to some questions that our customers frequently ask. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, simply contact us and we’re happy to help you find an answer!
Search for your local distributor or contact the JAX office directly. After asking a few questions about your machine and its operating conditions, we can provide you with our best recommendation.
When changing lubricants, it’s important to receive a conversion procedure from your local distribution representative or JAX sales representative. Whether changing grease, gearbox oils, hydraulic oils or anything else, JAX can provide you with the proper procedure to avoid cross-contamination and incompatibility reactions.
There are some food grade, plant-based lubricants on the market. However, many of these products will oxidize very quickly when exposed to any elevated temperature in the equipment they are supposed to protect. The majority of JAX food grade products are of petroleum or synthetic petroleum base stocks and provide a much longer product life superior equipment protection than typical vegetable or plant based products.
A product may still be suitable for use beyond the estimated shelf life. If in question, a product sample can be evaluated against the original product specifications in order to extend the shelf life of that particular container or batch.
Temperature: Both high heat (greater than 110°F) and extreme cold (less than 0°F) can affect lubricant stability. Ideally, the storage temperature range should be from 32°F to 77°F.
Dry Location: Alternating exposure to heat and cold may result in potential moisture contamination. All lubricants should be stored in a dry location, preferably inside.
If a product must be stored outside, use plastic covers or tippe oil drums to direct water and contamination away from the bungs. Always store grease upright to prevent oil separation.
Orders will be filled and shipped within 10 business days. Some smaller orders will be shipped within 5 business days. Our warehouse will always try to get orders out the door more quickly if possible.
NSF International, or the National Sanitation Foundation, is an independent company that has been around since 1944. In 1999, NSF International launched its voluntary Nonfood Compounds Registration Program. The previous authorization program was administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but it was discontinued. Products eligible for NSF Registration include all compounds used in and around food establishments (nonfood compounds) — such as disinfectants and lubricants or fruit and vegetable washing agents. NSF International has become the most recognized certification body for food-grade lubricants and assures inspection officials and end users that your formulation and labels meet appropriate food safety regulations
NSF Registration is based on the NSF Registration Guidelines (formerly USDA Guidelines for Obtaining Authorization of Compounds to be Used in Meat and Poultry Plants), which includes:
Products complying with these requirements are identified in the online NSF White Book™ Listing of proprietary substances and nonfood compounds. A printable PDF version is also available. NSF Registered products are also permitted to carry an NSF Registration Mark on their product label.
This program provides product manufacturers, users and regulatory/inspector groups with a proven method to determine product acceptability. This program complements food processing equipment certification and NSF’s food safety evaluations. You can find the NSF White Book™ listing for all JAX products at the web address below. JAX has over 200 products that are currently registered with the NSF at http://www.nsf.org/usda/Listings.asp.
NSF H1 products are acceptable for use as lubricants with incidental food contact for use in and around food processing areas. Such compounds may be used on food processing equipment as a protective anti-rust film, as a release agent on gaskets or seals of tank closures, and as a lubricant for machine parts and equipment in locations in which there is a potential exposure of the lubricated part to food. These lubricants are considered ‘food-grade’.
NSF H2 products are acceptable for use on equipment and machine parts in locations where there is no possibility of food contact. These lubricants are NOT considered ‘food-grade’.
NSF H3 products are not common, but they are used to prevent rust on hooks, trolleys and similar equipment. Treated equipment which contains edible products shall be cleaned by washing or wiping before putting the equipment back into service.
NSF 3H products are typically used on grills, loaf pans, cutters, boning benches, chopping boards or other hard surfaces in contact with meat and poultry food products to prevent food from adhering during processing. This means, that 3H products are approved for direct contact with food products.
NSF A1 products are used for general cleaning on all surfaces, or for use with steam or mechanical cleaning devices in all departments.
NSF K1 product use is limited to non-processing areas where there is no possibility of solvent vapors entering a processing area. Food processing equipment or utensils treated with such preparations must be washed with an acceptable detergent solution, and thoroughly rinsed with potable water before returning to a processing area.
Every gearbox has a unique set of operating conditions. Factors such as temperature variances, water and cleaning chemical contamination, and working hours can affect the life of the oil inside. Oil analysis through the JAX RPM Laboratory or another outside lab is the most effective way to determine accurate oil change intervals.
Food safety should be paramount to you and all of the stakeholders in your company. Using food grade lubricants not only adds an extra ‘insurance policy’ to the company, but will also help prevent cross-contamination issues between industrial and food-grade lubricants. The last thing anybody wants is a product recall, but if one happens, knowing that you use only food grade lubricants will help you check that risk off your list. Lastly, food grade lubricant technology has rapidly improved over the past 15-20 years, and the JAX lubricants we provide are often application specific for the food industry. Selecting these lubricants designed for specific applications can help lengthen the life of your equipment and extend drain intervals when used properly.
Industrial lubricants are not often made to withstand the steam, water, and sanitation chemicals that are present in most food grade plants. That being said, JAX has a lab that devotes a lot of time and energy designing and developing lubricants that are application specific for the food industry. With around 250 food grade lubricants using premium additives selected by JAX, in most cases food grade lubricants will work better in food plant applications. JAX also specializes in helping your facility prepare for any lubricant audits and can provide all of the appropriate documentation. Switching to food grade for all applications will make your life much easier in the long run.
