Metal detection technology, one of today’s premier mechanics for safety and quality inspection in the food industry, comes in many different models and types, allowing for seamless integration into any manufacturing production line or system.
The benefits of metal detection in the manufacturing industry, along with the ability of it’s machines to fit into any diverse assembly or production system, have made metal detection the preferred method of safety inspection for many manufacturers.
Types and Configurations of Metal Detectors
Today’s metal detectors are one of two types: Balanced Coil systems, which are general-purpose metal detectors using coils and electronic fields, and Ferrous-in-Foil systems, which use strong magnetic fields to detect harmful ferrous metallic contaminants (magnetic, containing iron) in products.
Within these system types, there are many different models available, serving the many different types of production and manufacturing systems, including:
- Conveyer system detectors
- Free-fall or gravity system detectors
- Pipeline/pumped system detectors
- Bulk/high performance system detectors/li>
The most common model of industrial metal detector is the conveyer system detector, which is easily incorporated into any food production line because of the many varying sizes, belt configurations and sensors of the system. Contaminants can be automatically rejected when they are detected by a variety reject devices including air blast, kicker and retractable belt.
Today’s metal detection technologies are also available in free-fall, gravity systems, which are ideal for inspecting free-flow dry products in manufacturing lines. Contaminants are instantly and automatically diverted from the production line and sent through a rejection gate.
Modern metal detectors can also come in pipeline system configurations, which are suitable for any pumped product. Products pumped through the detector’s system will be scanned as they pass, with contaminants being sent through a separate rejection valve.
An option for larger product manufacturing operations, bulk product/high performance detectors can typically and effectively scan 50-100 lbs of product at a time. Despite the size of these machines, they can still be easily integrated along any conveyor production system.
Other models of metal detectors used in the manufacturing industry, but not restricting to food production, include:
- Web surface detector systems
- Pharmaceutical for tablets and capsules
- Laboratory detector systems
- Vent tube systems- Bottling lines
All types mentioned are HACCP compliant, and serve today’s food industry in defense of branding, product quality and consumer safety. A less expensive alternative to X-ray inspection, metal detection technology brings similar if not improved accuracy versus X-ray machines in large aperture dry product inspection applications.
Customization to Fit Manufacturing Needs
What makes Fortress metal detection technology stand out are the many opportunities for customization.
Customizations Include:
- Custom apertures sizes for virtually any product size
- Custom designs for a wide range of environmental temperatures
- Custom designs for virtually any product speed
- Custom designs for virtually any environment including Hazardous
- Custom coil designs for Client & OEM accounts
- Custom sanitary designs for Meat, Diary & Pharma
With the opportunity for customization, and many different model, type and configuration options, Fortress metal detector technology can fit into any production or manufacturing line.
Learn More about Metal Detection Options
To learn more about the different types and models of industrial metal detectors, download our whitepaper, "A Practical Guide to Metal Detection in the Food Manufacturing Industry" or please contact us directly.
