METTLER TOLEDO Safeline provides pipeline x-ray inspection solutions that are specifically designed to inspect pumped food products such as meat and poultry as well as slurries, semi-solids and fluids, at any stage in processing or before final packaging. Applications typically include sauces, jams, minced meat, molten chocolate and dairy spreads, as well as products that cannot be sieved - for example, textured fruit purées and yoghurts containing fruit chunks.
Pipeline x-ray equipment delivers superior product safety for pumped food products through the detection and removal of physical contaminants such as glass, metal, mineral stone, calcified bone and high density plastic in the early stages of production. High accuracy x-ray inspection technology minimises the risk of product recalls, protects consumers from harm and safeguards brand reputation.
METTLER TOLEDO Safeline’s pipeline x-ray equipment offers high throughput, automatic calibration and a hygienic design. Throughput for slurries, semi solids and fluids is up to 18 tonnes per hour while meat and poultry products can typically be inspected at around 9 tonnes per hour. Pipeline x-ray systems are designed to automatically adapt to changes in the product flow rate and can adjust the scan speed as well as the associated reject timing to align with the speed of the production line.
Physical contaminant detection levels are typically improved in the early stages of the production process where unprocessed food can be presented in a shallower depth and with a more uniform (homogeneous) texture. Removing contaminants, such as bones in chicken products, early in the production process reduces product waste and lowers costs.
Physical contamination detection levels are better in the early stages of the production process where unprocessed pumped food product can be presented in a shallow depth. Installing an x-ray system early in the production process allows manufacturers to monitor suppliers' quality control. This can help to save time and money by preventing damage to downstream processing equipment and removing contaminants before further value is added to the product.
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Connecting x-ray inspection equipment to an existing piped production line is straightforward. Standard fittings are used to attach the pipe (through which the pumped food product passes) to the manifold of the x-ray machine.
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Many reject valve types are available. Making the right choice is dependent on the product application. For slurries and sauces, a three-way diverter valve is usually the most effective reject mechanism. For meat and poultry processing, where solid cuts of meat will be in the product flow, a slicing valve is usually the preferred choice. The selection of valve will also be dependent on the temperature of the product and whether it needs to be a clean-in-place (CIP) or aseptic line.
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Pumped food products such as meat and poultry, liquids, slurries and pastes tend to be homogeneous which makes them an ideal application for x-ray inspection.
3” or 4” (75mm or 100mm) as standard.
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For pipeline x-ray equipment containing liquids, slurries and pastes, test samples should ideally be placed independently in the product flow. The reject device should then be observed to successfully reject the test sample. The test sample should be encapsulated in a colored material that is different to the product, making it easily identifiable in the rejected product. To verify that the reject timing is correct, the test piece should be located in the center of the rejected product. The test should be repeated, typically three times.
METTLER TOLEDO Safeline X-ray systems for the inspection of pumped products offer high throughputs, automatic calibration and hygienic design. Throughput for slurries, semi-solids and fluids can be up to 18 tonnes per hour. Meat and poultry products can typically be inspected at rates of up to 9 tonnes per hour.
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Using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process is the surest way to ensure products are free from contaminants. Manufacturers should perform a review of the production process and identify risks to product safety. Where a risk of physical contamination is identified, a Critical Control Point (CCP) should be established. In many cases, this can be early in the production process to identify and remove contaminants before adding value to the product. In other circumstances, it may be more practical to inspect at the end of the process prior to shipping of the product.
Service contracts should form part of any x-ray system purchase. Regular servicing of an x-ray system, including performance verification, will ensure it is operating at the optimum level of performance. This will prevent food safety issues. Preventative maintenance enables manufacturers to avoid downtime issues due to unexpected maintenance work.
All METTLER TOLEDO X3000 x-ray system generators come with a five-year warranty when a service contract is purchased. By protecting the most valuable part of the x-ray machine, manufacturers can have confidence that production uptime is maximized.
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