Metal Detection in Food Processing
Understand the Different Types of Industrial Metal Detectors Used in Food Processing
Metal detection in food processing protects consumers from receiving metal-contaminated food and beverages. Various types of metal detectors are used, each selected based on the specific application. These include inspecting moving items on conveyors, free-falling products, liquids or slurries in pipes, and challenging items with high salt or moisture content. Industrial metal detectors play a crucial role in supporting the safety and quality of food products.
Types of Metal Detectors for Food Processing
Conveyor / Tunnel Metal Detectors | Gravity Fall Metal Detectors | Throat / Vertical Metal Detectors | Pipeline Metal Detectors |
These fully automatic metal detectors are designed to be integrated seamlessly with your conveyor system at the beginning, middle, or end of the line, and can detect metal contaminants in a wide range of foods and beverages, including packaged and unpackaged items. | Gravity fall metal detectors have been designed specifically for the inline inspection of free-falling powders and granular products - such as flour or sugar - in non-pressurized applications. The integrated rejection device seamlessly rejects any product found to contain metal contamination by diverting the stream of product for a specified amount of time into a separate container for rework or disposal. | Throat or vertical metal detectors can be combined with Vertical Form, Fill & Seal (VFFS) equipment to inspect free-falling food products for metal during processing and packaging. They are ideal for snacks and confectionery applications that use metallized packaging. They can detect unwanted metal pieces in the product flow prior to it entering the package, while also overcoming interference from the metallic material of the packaging. | Pipeline metal detectors inspect pumped liquids, pastes, slurries, and vacuum-filled products for metal contamination. Pipeline applications are wide and varied - choosing the right metal detection solution will offer maximum performance and brand protection. Specific pipeline metal detection systems will be better at inspecting products more likely to contain bubbles or voids, while others are made for ease of integration with processing equipment such as vacuum fillers, linking machines or clipper systems. |
The right metal detector for your food processing line depends on several factors:
| Product Type | Specific types of metal detectors are best suited for specific types of food products. Consider the density of the product, the moisture content, and conductivity factors when choosing a metal detector. |
| Product Size and Shape | Metal detectors can be customized to accommodate most food sizes and types, for example: packaged or unpackaged, liquid, paste, or slurry, powders or granules, as well as different quantities and weights. |
| Sensitivity and Environmental Factors | Some applications require higher levels of sensitivity and precision, especially when dealing with some inherent qualities of foods such as high salt or high moisture, which can mimic metal and alter metal detector readings. To mitigate this interference, our Profile Advantage metal detectors offer advanced technology designed to block out the noise from product effect, minimizing false rejects. |
It's important to determine the most likely kind of metal contamination you will face, whether it be ferrous, non-ferrous, or stainless steel. Once you have that information, and you understand the features and functions of the different types of metal detectors available, you can more easily choose the right solution for your application. You can also customize your metal detector to accommodate specific product dimensions and flow-type, allowing you to find the right solution for your needs.
Related Content
Choosing the Best Metal Detection Solution
This illustrative metal detection portfolio infographic helps with choosing the metal detection solution best suited to your application and product inspection requirements.
Practical Tips for Metal Detection Selection
This guide - Practical Tips For Metal Detection Selection - covers key considerations to choose the right metal detection system for your application.
Understanding Sensitivity in Metal Detection
Learn how sensitivity in metal detection is measured and the different factors that can affect it. Download our detailed guide for expert insights.
Maximize Productivity and Brand Protection in the Food Industry
This educational guide explores how to detect smaller metal contaminants and reduce false rejects in food in order to maximize productivity and brand protection.
Are You Confident Your Metal Detector Tests Are Accurate?
Automatic Testing System (ATS) for free-fall metal detection applications helps improve the safety, productivity, and accuracy of metal detection testing.
FAQs
What types of metal detection systems are used in food processing?
The type of metal detection system used in food processing lines depends a great deal on the format and type of product being inspected, as well as the environmental factors within the manufacturing facility.
When inspecting powdered foods or grains, a gravity fall metal detector is often the best choice. For other types of bulk foods like chips, nuts, or popcorn, many food processors use vertical throat metal detectors prior to packaging in Vertical Form, Fill & Seal (VFFS) processes. Packaged food on a conveyor may be best inspected with a conveyorized tunnel metal detector, while liquids, syrups, or slurries can be inspected via pipeline.
A few different examples of types of metal detectors used in various food processing industries are:
- Metal detectors for the dairy industry
- Metal detectors for bakery products
- Metal detectors for the meat industry
- Metal detectors for ready meals
- Metal detectors for snacks and sweets
