Shell introduces new line of fluids and greases

Shell is expanding its line of industrial products in the US to include a line of fluids and greases for the food and beverage industry.

The Shell Cassida products are made at an ISO-certified plant in Switzerland, and are used by food and beverage manufacturers to keep major processing and packaging machinery operations lubricated on an international basis.

Through the launch Shell is aiming to leverage its global strength by marketing what it says is a proven performer in the global food industry to US manufacturers. Shell Cassida fluids aim to meet the specific safety and performance requirements of the food and beverage industry, where prevention of product contamination is a critical concern. Shell says that its Cassida range offers the performance of general industry fluids and greases and the health and safety features of traditional food grade mineral oil.

General industrial fluids and greases (non H1 approved) have traditionally been used in food and beverage manufacturing in the US, but the potential for contact with consumable products, which can severely jeopardise consumer safety and brand integrity, makes non H1 lubricants less than ideal for these applications.

Traditional food grade mineral oil, or "white oil," based products have helped companies meet the USDA and NSF H1 food grade requirement, but they often fall short of the lubrication performance requirements of today's food and beverage processing equipment.

"The addition of Shell Cassida fluids and greases to our product slate reinforces our commitment to grow our industrial business,"​ said Rob Profilet, manager, Industrial Product Marketing. "Shell Cassida products are formulated to provide both a high level of performance typical of synthetic products, and premium quality for applications where a food grade product is required."​

The range is odourless and tasteless. They do not contain any components derived from animals or genetically modified organisms, and are formulated to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungal organisms.

The lubricant is said to be suited to a full range of food industry machinery; including hydraulics, gearboxes, bearings, vacuum pumps, and compressors. Industry-specific equipment applications are covered in the product line-up with special products for can seaming machines, rotary cookers, and extreme pressure and high temperature operations.

Major European and American food and beverage equipment manufacturers have approved Shell Cassida products for use in their machines. In July 2001, the Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company, which makes most of the world's can seaming and closing equipment, approved Cassida Fluid GLE 150 as the preferred H1 food grade lubricant for its high-speed canners.

Shell Lubricants​ (or Shell Lubricants US) is a business within Shell Oil Products US, a leader in fast lubes, automotive/consumer products, transport and industrial offerings to consumer and business customers. Shell Oil Products US is a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company.