Product Description
De Laval Separator Company supplied the high-speed centrifugal cream separators that ran on U.S. commercial dairy floors from the 1940s through the 1980s. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, De Laval separators allegedly used asbestos-containing shaft packing at the bowl-drive assembly, asbestos-fabric gaskets at hot-milk piping flanges, and asbestos friction elements at brake and clutch positions. Repacking the shaft and replacing bowl gaskets allegedly disturbed asbestos components during scheduled overhaul.
Workers Exposed
Dairy plant workers, food-plant maintenance mechanics, and pipefitters allegedly serviced De Laval separators between production runs and during full teardowns. Shaft repacking, bowl-gasket changeouts, and friction-element service allegedly released respirable fiber. Electricians and refrigeration mechanics working adjacent skids allegedly shared the exposure zones.