Upgrades for “the world’s
most sensitive metal detector”
Source
of Article: http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Processing/Upgrades-for-the-world-s-most-sensitive-metal-detector
By Mike Stones, 06-May-2009
Improvements to the PowerPhasePRO
software platform for metal detection in food applications have led to “the
world’s most sensitive metal detector,” claims manufacturer
Mettler-Toledo Safeline.
The upgrade, designed to serve modern highly automated food
production plants and their current and future compliance requirements,
will help manufacturers to lift productivity, cut manufacturing costs, and
improve their competitiveness, said the company. “The new software
package and additional ancillary equipment takes metal detection technology to an even higher level of
sophistication providing food manufacturers with real benefits to address
the challenges of an increasingly demanding market,” it added.
Combining multiple and ultra high frequency operation, optimised
vector and noise control algorithms, and multi-channel technology is said
to have improved detection sensitivity by up to 50 per cent compared with
competitor products. “Even irregularly shaped and difficult to detect
non-magnetic stainless steel contaminants in wet or conductive products can
be readily detected.”
Operational efficiency
The metal detection software is claimed to incorporate a “unique”
change-free mode, which enables the individual profile of multiple products
to be clustered together and inspected at a single setting. This is claimed
to eliminate set-up time and maximize operational efficiency.
The system’s condition monitoring feature constantly assesses the
performance and operation of key detector elements and gives advanced
warning of changes which could cause downtime if unremedied. Messages from
the condition monitoring system are displayed on a touch screen display
unit. “The early warning of potential problems before they escalate
enables maintenance routines to be conducted outside normal production time
for maximized uptime and production capacity,” according to the
company.
Key messages from the metal detectors can be communicated directly
to individuals via a GSM gateway communication system. This allows the
detector to send SMS text messages and emails to operators and managers.
Safety standards
“The PowerPhasePRO represents the future of product inspection
and effective metal detection,” said Mike Bradley, the company’s head
of sales and marketing. “We have spent a lot of time working closely
with the major food safety standards organizations and leading retailers in
order to understand their needs and expectations.
“We have also listened carefully to our customers regarding their
challenges and the issues which keep them awake at night. The PowerPhasePRO
software enhancements we have developed are based on those requirements and
will enable users to meet and exceed all quality standards and achieve
compliance with food safety audits.”
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