Grease washes out of bearings after washdown when water reaches the bearing with enough force to displace the lubricant film, or when the grease mixes with water and loses its structure. Several factors usually play a role together: the pressure and frequency of cleaning, the condition of the seals and the water resistance of the grease itself. Once the film thins, metal surfaces lose their protection, which opens the door to wear and corrosion.
Interflon Food Grease EP is designed for high water wash areas. In the ASTM D4049 water washout test it shows a loss of only 1.5%, indicating high resistance to water spray under test conditions. It is NSF H1 registered for incidental food contact.
The grease is formulated with MicPol® technology. Polarised particles adhere to the metal surface, helping the lubricant film stay where it is needed rather than being rinsed away.
Even so, no grease is completely immune to washout. How long the film lasts depends on cleaning pressure, water temperature, the detergents used and the condition of the seals, so relubrication intervals should follow the actual conditions on the line.
Not sure how often to relubricate bearings in your washdown area?
Our Technical Advisors can assess your cleaning regime and operating conditions to help you determine suitable relubrication intervals.
