Innovations in detection revealed at Total 2004
equipment suppliers are fully aware of the most pressing concerns
of food processors - guaranteeing food safety, ensuring
traceability and the facilitation of uninterrupted production.
One of the new metal detectors launched at Total 2004 is the Observer. The machine can detect ferrous and stainless steel contamination in aluminium foil wrapped products - something of a first in the industry, according to manufacturer Sartorius.
"This is brand new technology," mechatronics division manager Andrew Hallitt told FoodProductionDaily.com. "It can detect stainless steel within foil-packaged food, which to date has only been possible with an x-ray."
The firm claims that conventional detectors, which operate on the basis of electromagnetic alternating fields, are limited when they encounter packaging, or parts of packaging, made of aluminium. On the other hand, tests using x-rays are expensive and require elaborate safety measures to ensure protection against radiation.
But for the Observer metal detector, the composite packaging of food in sachets, ready-to-eat meals and aluminium lids on yoghurt pose no problem at all, according to the company. Because aluminium does not have any magnetic properties, it is practically transparent.
"The magnet gets hold of any contaminants," explained Hallitt. "This makes it ideal for ready meals, sachets, things like that."
Hallitt is aware of the food industry's concern over not only food safety but also traceability, and the potential in the market for a metal detector that can identify the batch number of any contaminated products the moment a problem is discovered.
"All the activities are reported back to a remote database," he said. "It all ties in with the need for complete traceability."
Food safety legislation obliges food manufacturers to implement systems to safeguard the supply of food. But Hallitt also believes that there is a great deal of downward pressure from supermarkets, retailers and of course consumers, which is forcing the food production industry to go that extra mile.
"People, care," he said, referring to food safety. "If you look at the British media, the papers are full of scare stories concerning food contamination. Anything that gets in the press is a big deal."
This is the first time that the new technology has been on display. The product has been factory-tested, and Hallitt is confident that the machine will meet current market demand for a system that incorporates food safety, traceability and efficiency.
Another interesting metal detector on display at Total 2004 is the new wire and swarf detector from Safeline. The system has been designed to detect metallic objects most commonly found in food packaging - loose shards and shearings.
"If you compare the old system to the new system, you will see that both are capable of spotting a 1mm-sized ball bearing," said a Safeline executive as he demonstrated the new technology. "But watch what happens when I put through an odd-shaped metal shearing. The old system can't pick it up, but the new system does."
The wire and swarf detector has been improved by altering the internal coil system. This allows the machine to detect random metal objects in food packages, no matter what shape or size.
