Heat transfer systems use a circulating fluid to separate the heat source from the cooking surface, ensuring even heat transfer and that the food is cooked at the correct temperature. Shell FM Heat Transfer Fluid 32 operates in temperatures ranging from -10 ºC up to 340 ºC and can be used in both closed and unpressurised heat transfer systems.
The company believes that the new product will be of particular benefit to meat processors, who use such systems for deep fat frying products such as chicken nuggets, burger patties, fries and snack foods.
Traditionally, many food manufacturers have used non-food grade oils in their heat transfer systems. However, heat transfer systems operate in close proximity of foodstuffs. This increases the potential risk of accidental lubricant contact.
"Shell FM Heat Transfer Fluid 32 is colourless, odourless and tasteless and will not impair food safety or quality, should it accidentally come in to contact with food in quantities less than the US Food and Drug Administration's maximum level of ten parts per million," said Peter Wardle, global lubricants product manager at Shell.
"It has been approved by the National Sanitary Foundation as HT1, the food grade classification for heat transfer fluids."
The extreme operating temperatures and presence of oxygen in heat transfer systems causes oil decomposition, which in turn can reduce the efficiency of the heat transfer system and increase maintenance and parts costs and downtime.
"Shell FM Heat Transfer Fluid 32 features high oxidisation and flash point properties which help reduce oil decomposition," said Wardle. "This coupled with the fluid's food grade properties, enables operators to increase operational efficiency while improving food safety."
Shell FM Heat Transfer Fluid 32 is supported with a product service package that includes oil change and disposal, machine and vacuum cleaning and the Shell Lubricants oil monitoring service, Shell e-Quip.
"Shell will assist operators in the introduction of Shell FM Heat Transfer Fluid 32 and will carry out a Lubricant Contamination Control Point (LCCP) survey, based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles to identify contamination hot spots," said Wardle.
"By offering full product support, we can ensure that lubricants are being used safely and efficiently. This will enable operators to protect their product, process and brand against the threat of contamination."
Shell Lubricants collectively refers to the companies of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of companies engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies are global leaders in lubricants and operate in over 120 countries worldwide.