Compatibility of different foodgrade lubricants

When a food production site switches to Activate Lubricants, engineers are often concerned about the compatibility of our products with existing stocks from their previous supplier. Despite moving to a much simpler and easier to use system, change always requires a period of familiarisation before becoming second nature.

Here are the two most common questions that engineers ask us:

Are your oils compatible with standard industrial oil?

No-one relishes the thought of dumping existing stocks of food production lubricants when they change supplier, mainly due to cost. The good news is that Activate oils will mix with most standard oils.

BUT… it is essential that all oils are foodgrade to ensure compliance. So, if your existing inventory includes non-foodgrade stock, the only option is to completely drain down and refill.

Are there any oils your Foodcare products don’t mix with?

There are very few standard oils that can't be mixed with Activate lubricants with the main exception of Glycol-based products - these are NOT compatible.

The important thing to remember with regards to compatibility (or any other aspect of our products) is that we don't ever leave you to remember everything all on your own!

When installing Activate systems, we provide on-site training to bring the engineers up to speed with our products and processes. It's not only a question of getting used to colour-coding and updated storage, but also understanding the method of application and why our high-quality products are designed to be used in a certain way.

These ‘Toolbox Talks’ are also offered in an e-training package, Activate Insights, so as to be available 24 /7 for reference or for new team members who may have joined the company after the initial install. Knowledge evaluation in the form of quick, straight-forward Q&A sections are also available, and we recommend engineers complete these at least once a year to keep up to date with the latest product information and compliance issues.

Activate storage units feature an integral, quick-reference application guide (which is also produced as a pocket guide) to ensure correct application every time. And, of course, our helpful customer service team are always on hand to answer questions as and when the need arises, in particular during audits when a little extra support is always handy!

Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns about our food grade lubrication systems and products.