£30K saving achieved when upgrading to Fristam for hot oil application

A UK food manufacturer has saved over £30,000 annually and eliminated pump-related failures after upgrading its hot oil circulation system to a high-performance solution from Fristam.

The site previously relied on low-cost centrifugal pumps to circulate oil at temperatures up to 190°C between a fryer and filtration system. However, frequent seal failures led to hot oil leaks, safety risks and repeated production stoppages. Pumps failed on average every 13 days, causing significant downtime and maintenance costs.

Over a 12-month period, the manufacturer recorded 27 failures, costing more than £31,000 in repairs, alongside additional losses from wasted oil. The recurring issues highlighted the limitations of using standard pumps in high-temperature food processing applications.

To resolve the problem, the company installed Fristam FPE 742 centrifugal pumps, specifically designed for demanding, high-temperature environments. Featuring robust construction and high-temperature mechanical seals, the pumps provide reliable operation and improved durability under continuous use.

Since installation, the results have been immediate and sustained. The site has reported zero pump failures, no unplanned downtime and no maintenance costs over two years of operation. The upgrade also improved site safety by eliminating hot oil leaks and reduced waste across the process.

With a payback period of just seven months, the investment has delivered both operational and financial benefits. The case highlights how selecting the right pump technology can significantly improve reliability, reduce costs and enhance safety in food manufacturing environments.