Pipeline Metal Detectors

Pipeline applications are wide and varied – choosing the right Pipeline metal detection system is critical to achieving maximum performance and brand protection. Pipeline metal detectors inspect pumped liquids, pastes, slurries, high-viscosity and vacuum-filled products for metal contamination. Having the correct throughput pipe, fittings, and reject device will help to efficiently remove metal-contaminated products from the production flow, minimizing the waste of good products.

The following steps guide you through choosing the best pipeline metal detection system for your application.

Step 1: Determine the size of the metal detector

A non-metallic throughput pipe is needed to transport the pumped product through the pipeline metal detection system aperture. The product throughput rate determines the required aperture size and pipe diameter.

Step 2: Consider the temperature of the product

The temperature of the product being inspected will determine the type of throughput pipe required. For example, heated products such as hot jam require a throughput pipe made to handle extremely high temperatures. Molten chocolate requires special water jackets around the throughput pipe to maintain temperature during the inspection process.

Step 3: Determine if there is any pressure in the system

The maximum system pressure must be known to be sure that the throughput pipe can handle the expected pressure. METTLER TOLEDO can supply a high-temperature, high-pressure non-metallic throughput pipe when needed for specific applications.

Step 4: Confirm what fittings are required

Having the correct fixtures to connect the throughput pipe to the rest of your production line is essential. METTLER TOLEDO supplies a range of fittings, custom support frames, floor-mounted and suspended options for easy integration with other production equipment.

Step 5: Choose the right reject mechanism

The right reject mechanism will depend on the product characteristics. Three-way diverter valves are available for most liquid or soft slurry applications, however, if there are any solid elements within the product flow, a specialized reject mechanism may be required.

Related Content:

How to Choose the Right Pipeline Metal Detection System

Detection of metal contamination in food products in pipes, such as in the inspection of pumped liquids, slurries and pastes, can be achieved by replacing a short section of the metal in the transport pipe with a food-grade, non-metallic pipe that will pass through the metal detector.

Care should be taken in the design and installation so that the replacement pipe will not be under too much strain from the weight of the incoming and outgoing stainless steel transport pipes.

The operator control panel to the metal detector can be installed to be accessed remotely from the search head. This allows the point of inspection to be located in inaccessible places such as high elevations and in complex and congested pipeline networks.

METTLER TOLEDO Safeline HDS Pipeline Metal Detectors are designed for easy integration with other processing equipment.

This inline metal detector can be configured to suit the production of continuous, linked, or clipped sausages and other food products in natural or collagen cases. Internal Cancellation Field (ICF) technology allows the metal fittings of the throughput pipe and other process equipment to be positioned closer to the detection head without affecting the detector performance and sensitivity. This allows a short throughput pipe - which is essential to avoid product creaming - and gives the added benefit of a compact system size to reduce space requirements.

Related Information:

• Industrial Metal Detectors for Meat Processing
• Industrial Metal Detectors for the Seafood Industry

METTLER TOLEDO Safeline's Profile Advantage Pipeline Metal Detector is ideal for use in challenging applications, particularly when there is a potential for bubbles or voids to be present in the product flow. Using a combination of Multi-Simultaneous Frequency and Product Signal Suppression technology, Profile Advantage Pipeline Metal Detectors can overcome this issue and virtually eliminate false rejects, maximizing operational efficiency and improving productivity.

When metal is detected by an industrial pipeline metal detector, a sanitary three-way valve can divert flow of the contaminated product. Alternatively, the pump can be stopped, and the metal flushed out manually. The best choice of valve will depend on product type, temperature, and viscosity. Some valves are ideally suited to low-viscosity products such as juices.

Additional Related Content:

• How do metal detectors work in the food industry?
• Product recall prevention with metal detection