Mettler-Toledo Safeline has released the AdvanCheK Pipeline X-ray inspection system to deliver high levels of contaminant detection in pumped food products, ranging from meat and poultry to liquids, slurries and semi-solids like jams, sauces, soups and yoghurts. Strategically positioned at the early stage of the production process, the AdvanCheK Pipeline ensures only non-contaminated pumped food products are advanced for further processing and final packaging. By catching and removing contaminants early in the production process, the system minimises product waste and saves production costs.
The AdvanCheK Pipeline X-ray system allows the detection of contaminants in pumped products such as glass, metal, stone, bone and high density plastics.
"Typically, detection levels are better in the early stages of the production process where unprocessed pumped product can be presented in a shallower depth and with a more uniform texture. At each stage of the production process, the value of the product increases therefore it is more cost and waste effective to install an AdvanCheK Pipeline early in the process before the product has been processed or sealed in its final packaging," said Paul King, sales manager, Mettler-Toledo Safeline.
Another ideal location for the AdvanCheK Pipeline is during or after the food processing, or before the filling process, as the product is also presented in a uniform texture, ensuring easy contamination detection.
The AdvanCheK Pipeline can be easily attached to existing production lines. Designed on castors, the system can roll backwards during the product calibration without the need to disconnect the pipe work. Suitable for 50mm (2in), 63mm (2.5in) and 75mm (3in) diameter pipes, the AdvanCheK Pipeline can inspect products at a high throughput rate of up to 10t/hr for liquids, slurries and semi-solids and up to 9t/hr for meat and poultry without any damage to the product. The system’s flow rate and reject timings are fully adjustable to match the customer’s flow rate for optimal productivity.
The system’s software is simple to use yet sophisticated in its audit and verification capabilities to provide the operator full process control and traceability without the need for dedicated training or previous X-ray knowledge. The AdvanCheK Pipeline X-ray system has fully automated set-up capabilities ensuring rapid start-up and is ready to use within minutes, maximising uptime of the production line. It also features an auto test contaminant option removing the need to carry out initial testing, where a contaminant sample such as a stainless-steel sphere moves through the X-ray beam and verifies the detection levels. This eliminates the need to insert a test contaminant piece into the pipe itself, saving product waste, cost and time.
To comply with food quality and safety standards the AdvanCheK Pipeline is comprised of stainless steel and features a hygienic design for easy and quick cleaning. Mounted on rails, the AdvanCheK Pipeline easily rolls away from the production line for quick and easy cleaning. Rails guide the X-ray system back into the exact location for tool-less reconnect. The sanitary design offers easy access to all machine areas and it is suitable for harsh wash down environments with sealing of IP65 as standard and optional IP69K.
