Testimonials
Monolec 6404 oil significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs for Country Fresh Dairy's vacuum pumps.
key takeaways
Challenge
Switching to a more effective lubricant could prevent frequent $2,500 pump repairs caused by milk contamination and overheating, which occur every two to three months.
LE solution
Monolec 6404 provides superior oxidation resistance, prevents emulsification with water, adheres to parts for corrosion protection, resists contaminant bonding, and features Monolec® for reduced wear, ensuring long-lasting, foam-free performance.
Results
By switching to Monolec 6404, Country Fresh Dairy has extended drain intervals, reduced oil temperature, and saved over $15,000 annually by preventing pump failures that previously cost $2,500 each.
Customer Profile
Country Fresh Dairy (formerly McDonald Dairy) processes milk in gallon, quart, pint, and 8 oz. paper and plastic containers. They service the State of Michigan and have been an LE customer since 1989.
Application
Country Fresh Dairy uses six Busch vacuum pumps for pulling the milk containers from the supply machine and onto the fill line. They run approximately 18 to 20 hours per day, six days a week.
Challenge
While using a commercial grade lubricant, the oil in the Busch vacuum pumps was being changed every 30 days. Failures that required either a major overhaul or a replacement were occurring on one of the pumps every two to three months. When the diaphragm on an adjacent machine ruptured, it would allow milk to flow into the vacuum pump. This milk would turn into a taffy like consistency, which adhered to the shaft and rotor causing the pump to overheat. This would ruin the pump if not caught almost immediately by the operator. These major overhauls include the replacement of the pump rotors and end bells plus a standard service kit. The cost of each pump repair was more than $2,500.
LE Solution
Monolec 6404 offers excellent oxidation resistance, does not emulsify with water, and adheres to the lubricated parts. This protects against corrosive wear and prevents contaminants from bonding to the parts. It is extremely long lasting in service, does not foam, and contains Monolec®, LE’s exclusive wear-reducing additive.
Results
Since switching to Monolec 6404, Country Fresh Dairy has been able to extend their drain intervals from 30 days to between 90 and 120 days. The oil temperature has been dramatically reduced, and the pumps are running quieter. Monolec 6404 has superior film strength which protects the inner components of the pumps against wear. Now when the diaphragm on the adjacent machine breaks, the milk floods into the pump and turns to taffy, but it cannot adhere to the shaft and other key components. A pump repair can be made with a standard service kit costing about $250. Rotors and end bells are no longer stocked. The savings on five or six failures per year at $2,500 each is upwards of $15,000 a year.