Lecithin: for release

Lecithin: for release

All lecithin’s have release functionality in them. Some can be dissolved in oil or dispersed in water to act as a release agent on belts and conveyors. Du Pont has several lecithin’s in the Solec line that work in both oil or water based release systems.

Food companies not only use lecithin as a release agent to help eliminate their product from sticking to the belt. They also know it also reduces oil use, product loss and re-work, all while easing clean-up of the equipment. With less downtime for cleaning and less product loss, we know lecithin helps increase product yields.

Oil based lecithin release agents are successfully used in a wide variety of hot belt release applications. This includes on oven bands/belts and drying/smoking racks and fried food hot belt applications. The Solec 152 works well in oil filled dip tanks and in higher temperature applications where a non-darkening of the lecithin is desired. A heat resistant lecithin called Solec HR is available that is resistant to darkening during exposure to prolonged heat.

Lecithin dispersed in water is used where oil is undesirable and in many cases can provide the same or better level of release at substantial cost savings. The Solec E works excellent in oven belt dip tanks at a 10% level. It not only helps to enhance food release, but also in the rinsing and cleaning of the belt. It is also is used in aqueous form on freezer belts that go through freezer tunnels without losing its anti-sticking properties.

There are higher refined, lower viscosity lecithin’s that can be used in spray release systems as well. Lecithin in both oil and aqueous solutions can be applied in an aerosol form. The Solec 152 can be used in spray release applications at levels as low as 2% lecithin and 98% oil.

Please ask your local SPI Group Representative for solutions to any belt release issue you may have.