Preventing Burnt Residue and Discoloration in Pasta Manufacturing Processes

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Challenge

A pasta manufacturing company faced significant production challenges due to a high number of rejected products. Burnt residue and discoloration occurring during the pasta drying process primarily caused these rejections. Upon investigation, the company discovered that leftover portions from the previous batch of pasta were sticking to the drying sticks, which caused the new pasta to adhere, and burn. This not only led to a loss in product quality but also required unscheduled preventive maintenance to scrape off the dried pasta from the equipment. The cleaning process took 2-3 hours, resulting in frequent production stoppages and reduced overall efficiency.

This problem affected the pasta’s quality and increased operational costs because of the frequent downtime for cleaning and maintenance.

Our Solutions

Fluid Solutions’ team of lubrication experts conducted an in-depth analysis of the situation and quickly identified that the root cause was the use of an inappropriate release agent on the drying sticks. The release agent was breaking down because of premature oxidation, causing the pasta to adhere to the surface during the drying process. The solution was to replace the existing release agent with a more suitable product that would not oxidize as quickly and would withstand the high temperatures required in the pasta drying process. 

The team recommended Matrix Foodmax Basic 68, a colorless and odorless food grade lubricant specifically designed for food manufacturing equipment. This product operates efficiently across a wide temperature range, making it an ideal solution for pasta manufacturing machines. Matrix Foodmax Basic 68 is listed among NSF certified lubricants, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards. The lubricant is also oxidation resistant, further reducing the risk of product contamination and discoloration. The lubricant’s Halal, Kosher, and NSF 3H (direct contact) certifications ensure it meets the requirements of diverse markets and food safety regulations. 

Impact

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Implementing Matrix Foodmax Basic 68 as the new release agent had a profound impact on the company’s production process. By using this oxidation-resistant lubricant, the pasta manufacturing company was able to eliminate the sticking issue on the drying sticks. The key benefits achieved through this switch included: 

• Improved pasta production: The company experienced a significant reduction in rejected products because of burnt residue and discoloration, resulting in higher-quality output.
• Minimized production downtime:  Since the pasta did not adhere to the drying sticks, unscheduled preventive maintenance to scrape off dried pasta became unnecessary.
• Cost savings: With the reduction of rejected products and fewer production stoppages, the company cut down on operational costs and increased profitability.

The new release agent also contributed to maintaining a clean, non-staining, and non-contaminating properties of the pasta production process, ensuring that the product’s quality remained consistently high.

Product Information

Matrix Foodmax Basic 68 is a white paraffin-based food grade oil designed for general lubrication. It provides clean, non-staining, and non-contaminating lubrication, making it ideal for applications in the food and beverage industry, as well as in the textile, knitwear, and cosmetics industries. Its wide temperature range and oxidation-resistant properties ensure it remains effective even under demanding production conditions. The product’s certifications, including NSF 3H (direct contact), Halal, and Kosher, make it suitable for a variety of food processing environments. 

Industry Expertise in Food-Grade Lubrication

Fluid Solutions specializes in tailored lubrication solutions for the pasta production industry and other sectors within the food and beverage industry. We recognize that each production line has unique requirements, which is why we conduct thorough assessments to deliver the most effective and compliant lubrication solutions. 

Achieve Quality and Consistency with Matrix Foodmax Basic 68 

Facing lubrication challenges in your food production line? Matric Foodmax Basic 68 and our wide range of high-quality lubricants ensure smooth operations, compliance, and extended equipment lifespan. Explore our solutions today for optimal performance in food processing.  

Contact Fluid Solutions today at (02) 8370 5928 / (0917) 894 9156 or via email at inquiry@fluidsolutions.com.ph to learn more about how our oxidation resistant lubricants can improve your production process and reduce downtime.