Currently, I am using 4046 Quinplex Synthetic Food Grade Oil. I am considering two alternative oils from Shell; Cassida Fluid HF 46 and Cassida Fluid CR 46. The oil is used for bearings lubrication in trim presses. HF 46 is a hydraulic oil, CR is a air compressor oil.

Product/ISO/100C/40C/VI/flash point/pour point
4046 /46 /7.7 /46/125/276 /-54
HF 46 /46 /7.9 /46/142/221 /-59
CR 46 /46 /8.0 /46/148/485 /-70

From the information above it looks like i can use either one instead of Quinplex. Is there anything else I missed to evaluate?

Thanks,
Iyad

Iyad,

I would question the use of an ISO 46 unless the system operates at a cold temperature.

Have you actually conducted an analysis of the minimum allowable viscosity at operating temperature to determine if either of these products is compatible.

Also, you will find quite a few chemical differences between a food grade and an industrial grade product. Be sure you change the filters (if any) and flush the system thoroughly to get a good start.

Regards,

Mike
Mjohnson@amrri.com

Thanks for your reply Mike, the system operates at room temperature.

Two years ago, the previous reliability engineer brought a lubrication consultant and he said that we needed viscocity 46 @ 40C (which is ISO 46)

Both Quinplex and the Cassida HF 46 are food grade oil so i don't think i should have a big issue but i will check the filters anyways because even though they are food grade oils it doesn't necessarily mean they are made the same way.

I will keep you posted about the results.

Answers that question. Good Job.

Why are you looking to make a change? Just curious.

Well i got a huge cut in my budget for next year and since lubrication is one of the highest expenditures i have, i thought of trying to cut there if i can without affecting the machines performance.