Inspection of Bulk Foods with X-ray |Bulk Inspection Grains & Nuts
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What bulkflow products can be inspected by METTLER TOLEDO Safeline's x-ray systems?

Bulk-flow x-ray systems provide outstanding detection of physical contaminants in various applications including wet, dry, free-flowing loose products before they are packaged or added, as an ingredient, to a finished product. Typical applications include grains, nuts, extruded snacks, frozen or dried fruits, vegetables and pulses. 

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What is the best way to feed product into a bulk food x-ray inspection system?

Product presentation is very important with bulk-flow systems; this can be via an up-stream conveyor, hopper or vibratory conveyor feed. To guarantee consistent detection performance, it is desirable to have a consistent product depth passing through the x-ray system.

What are the benefits of bulk x-ray inspection?

When using bulk x-ray inspection technology, physical contamination detection levels are typically better in the early stages of the production process where unprocessed bulk product can be presented in a shallower depth and with a more uniform (homogeneous) texture than in final sealed packs.

Incoming bulk raw materials in the food industry can have a high risk of contamination. The inspection of these products as they enter the factory using x-ray technology allows the quality of the products provided by suppliers to be checked.

Eliminating the risk of contaminants as early as possible in the production process will minimise product waste and production costs. The loss of further value added to the product through food processing and packaging is avoided and processing equipment is protected from possible damage caused by an undetected stone or piece of metal.

What reject devices do you commonly use on your bulk systems?

Multi-lane scoops are available to suit a wide range of bulk-flow products and throughput rates. Instead of rejecting a full belt width, multi-lane scoops allow a much smaller amount of bulk food product to be rejected; minimizing product waste, saving costs and improving productivity.

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What hygiene features are available on bulk x-ray inspection systems?

Sloped surfaces and curved edges minimize bacteria traps and allow water to run off the system, enabling quick and effective cleaning with minimal downtime. IP69 rating comes as standard for all METTLER TOLEDO bulk x-ray solutions, making them suitable for harsh wash-down environments.

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How do you transport product through the bulk x-ray system?

A troughed belt is recommended when inspecting bulk food products and a number of factors must be considered when choosing a suitable belt material. In bulk-flow applications where loose, free-flowing unpackaged product is in direct contact with the belt and/or side-skirted guides, the transport handling materials used must comply with FDA regulations and EU Directives.

What throughput levels can be achieved?

High volume throughputs up to 14,000 kilograms per hour can be achieved (depending on product density and layer thickness), meaning bulk systems can run at customers' existing line speeds, maintaining high production levels.

Where on the production line is the ideal insertion point for a bulk x-ray inspection system?

Using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process is the surest way to ensure products are free from contaminants. Manufacturers should perform a review of the production process and identify risks to product safety. Where a risk of physical contamination is identified, a Critical Control Point (CCP) should be established. In many cases, this can be early in the production process to identify and remove contaminants before adding value to the product. In other circumstances, it may be more practical to inspect at the end of the process prior to shipping of the product.

Are x-ray systems expensive to service?

Service contracts should form part of any x-ray system purchase. Regular servicing of an x-ray system, including performance verification, will ensure it is operating at the optimum level of performance. This will prevent food safety issues. Preventative maintenance enables manufacturers to avoid downtime issues due to unexpected maintenance work.

All METTLER TOLEDO X3000 x-ray system generators come with a five-year warranty when a service contract is purchased. By protecting the most valuable part of the x-ray machine, manufacturers can have confidence that production uptime is maximized.

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