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Delivering superior lubrication requires leading product technology, an efficient supply chain and expert technical support. Redox brings together all of these with more than 50 years of proven industry expertise, to create custom-made solutions for clients that meet demanding industry and regulatory standards. Today we spoke to Stuart Harvey about being a Lubrication Specialist at Redox.

What does a day in your role entail?

As a Lubrication Specialist I provide advice on the formulation and application of Lubricants. My day consists of making sure we have the correct stock levels to meet industry demand, researching the market and offering alternatives, creating opportunity for cost savings for both customers and Redox, conducting direct sales, providing technical advice on how to use products, advising customers on new products, and supporting other reps with their customers in regards to appropriate product recommendations and pricing. My role enhances the customers experience while dealing with Redox as I make their lives easier.  Smaller blenders and marketers don’t need to employ a ‘Technical’ person as they can rely on Redox to supply the support.

What benefits does a Lubrication Specialist bring to Redox?

The relationships we have with customers and suppliers are the main benefit for Redox. We are able to speak their language which is effective as we can get right to the issue and discuss solutions straight away. What makes our relationships distinctive is our product knowledge of not only our products but also competitors. The technical support we provide gives us an advantage in the industry.

What misconceptions do people have about your role? 

A misconception that I find is that people, whether it be customers, suppliers or other reps in the industry, assume that your knowledge can be quickly passed to others. Although, a chemistry degree gives you a basic understanding of the action of the components used to manufacture lubricants, the role is a lot more related to experience and specific industry training than studies. 

Who are the principals that Redox represents? What trends do you see in the Lubrication industry?

Lanxess Chemical Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Climax Molybdenum Marketing Company, Aemedsa and The Dow Chemical Company are a few that we represent.

A trend now in the industry is a move to higher performing lubricant products, including the development of more synthetic products which leads to extended oil life. There are continually new innovations being introduced into the market. I can also see the reduced use of lubricants as cars move to electrification. It’s just proven that technical support is important now more than ever.

To speak to our lubrication specialists click here.

Water is our most precious resource, with climate change bringing drought to large swathes of Australia recently it’s proper management has become a hot button topic. Through its long partnership with Jacobi Carbons of Sweden, Redox is a supplier of cutting edge activated carbon & ion exchange resin.

Jacobi’s activated carbon  is manufactured from a large range of raw materials to address any filtration requirement in the most efficient and cost-effective way. The selection of the correct activated carbon is critical, whether the challenge is in potable, process or waste applications.

Activated carbons have a variety of uses across different markets.

• Cyanotoxin Removal from Drinking Water
• Taste & Odour Reduction
• Air Filter Applications Involving Activated Carbon
• Chloramine removal
• Condensate Treatment with PetroSorb HS-D
• Corrosion Prevention

Jacobi are the worlds number one source for Coconut derived Activated Carbon, a renewable source which is more environmentally friendly. Other  materials include wood, lignite, bituminous and anthracite coal. The activated carbon is manufactured by chemical and steam activation and can be impregnated to deliver even more unique qualities. All products are available in granular (GAC) and powdered (PAC) form. The anthracite coal based carbon is also formed into extrudates (pellets), as filter design often demands the use of a uniform particle size.

At Redox we know and understand all facets of water management, from potable water technology which is optimized to provide the safest and most reliable drinking water for our communities through to waste water treatment allowing industry to thrive while complying with their environmental obligations. Through this partnership, Redox customers are provided with high quality specialty products and technical support to suit their water needs.

To talk to our water experts today, click here.

The Redox water treatment team is looking forward to the 81^st Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition in Bendigo on the 5^th - 6^th September. Please come to our booth (#70), to discuss our partnerships and range of products. There is a free exhibition each day, from 9am to 4pm. For a visitor pass click here.

The Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) is a national non-for-profit association with a primary role of facilitating the collection, development and exchange of quality information between people undertaking operational roles in the water, wastewater and recycled water industries.

Redox has proudly serviced the Australian water treatment industry since 1965 and remains the leading chemical distributor to the potable water, odour control, boiler, waste water, pool & spa and cooling tower sectors.

We look forward to seeing you next month! 

Redox recognises that one of the major challenges of the future will be farm productivity and ultimately food security. At Redox we employ Agronomists to help farmers improve crop yields, maximising production and reducing costs. We spoke to Ian Gardner about a day in the life of a Redox Agronomist.

How does Redox fit into the industry?

Redox is a supplier of a large variety of products and fertiliser growing media. Through my role as an Agronomist, I help deliver advice to farmers on how to get the best results for their crops using Redox products. We work with the farmer’s local rural retailer to ensure our products are easily available to them. In turn, maintaining an effective network for Redox, within the crop production and protection industry.

Can you explain what your typical day is like?

Being an Agronomist is all about problem solving for farmers and re-sellers. In many instances they don’t know what to ask or what they need, so it’s my role to identify and advise farmers on what they need for better results. I evaluate crops, construct programs for addition rates of fertilisers and give advice about related Redox products which might help with their yield. Due to the nature of the role it takes a considerable amount of time and research to uncover the farmer’s issues.

My typical day is never the same, and varies from day to day. One day I will physically walk the crops and get an idea, while other day’s I will be on the phone giving advice. Due to the tyranny of distance, a large portion of my role is either travelling or on the phone. This is good as it gives me flexibility and variety in my days. Sometimes it’s easy to give advice, and other times I will need to be in the office to do some research and get back to them. 

What are the most fulfilling aspects of your role and career?

The most fulfilling aspect of my role is producing good yield - I get good results. For instance, when working on a Raspberry crop, it took only 18 month to yield 25 tonnes per hectare. The farmer acknowledged that he couldn’t get that amount out of his crops. Another crop of Blueberries only took me 3 months to turn the yield around. It’s mostly about chemistry and chasing yield!

For my career, Redox has opened a lot of opportunities for me and created experiences I otherwise wouldn’t have had- I’ve seen lot of the country, experienced different temperature zones (tropical, etc.) and soil types (latitude and longitude).

What are the misconceptions about Agronomy?

A reoccurring misconception is that farmers expect the miraculous to happen, such as double yield and increased pack out rates, and they want it as cheap as possible. Sometimes I need to give them a breakdown of what is reasonably possible. I undertake a lot of research in my role, so I’m confident in my programs and advice.

One thing that is not considered is that it all takes time, especially in soil. To be successful and produce the best yield you need science, experience and (that gut feeling) intuition. It’s not an easy quick process.

Got a question for our Agronomist? Click here 

Redox has been appointed the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Evonik’s FAVOR-PAC series. The FAVOR-PAC series is designed especially for packaging in the food sector. The raw material composition of FAVOR-PAC conforms to the European Directive for products in contact with food and consequently meets the strict requirements of the European Union.

FAVOR-PAC is a product line of super absorbent granules which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the packaging industries. FAVOR-PAC is a swellable, insoluble, cross linked polymer, when upon contact with fluids forms a gel which retains liquids well. Even under stress, and depending on the liquid, FAVOR-PAC can absorb many times its own weight.

During the transportation of food products, changing temperature zones cause condensed moisture, which can damage the goods to be shipped.  FAVOR-PAC absorbent composites can assist in avoiding this potential damage. Frozen absorbent composites containing FAVOR-PAC slow down the thawing process considerably, and also absorb the accumulated thawed liquids. In transportation, a matter of just a few hours is crucial for the products to reach their destination in a satisfactory condition.

In combination with non-wovens and films or foils, FAVOR-PAC 300 can be made into soaker pads of various designs, which have become indispensable in the packing of meat, poultry and fish and any other thermal sensitive products. FAVOR-PAC in soaker pads can also assist in considerable cost savings in the retail food trade by reducing the frequency of repacking.

There are no limits to the fields of application for FAVOR-PAC in packaging and transportation. Examples of a few possible advantages for retailers and consumers from the use of FAVOR-PAC series in soaker pads are:

• absorption and retention of unwanted liquids dry, hygienic storage of foodstuff
• no repacking necessary due to sodden packaging
• attractive appearance of the product
• easy, clean transport for the consumer 
• the product can be removed without any problems
• simple, clean disposal of the packaging 

FAVOR-PAC offers the answer, whether transporting products which are liable to escape, for the direct absorption and retention of liquids or as a coolant or ice substitute. FAVOR-PAC reduces rejects, and allows clean and hygienic transport.

Whenever it becomes necessary to absorb and retain excess fluids in packaging and transportation, FAVOR-PAC solves the problem! For more information please contact your Redox representative.