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Contaminant

ComplimentaryComplimentary Aspects of Contaminant Detection Systems

The continuing development of inline food inspection technologies means that the discovery of a broad spectrum of contaminants is achievable using either x-ray, metal detectors or magnets. Selecting the technology for a specific application will have a substantial influence on the safety of your end-product.  Simply stated, there are complimentary aspects of contaminant detection systems.

The three technologies available for contaminant detection and removal are not necessarily in competition with one another. In fact, they are complementary to one another. Each inspection system type has its place in the process line and benefits for the extraction of foreign material.

Magnets are used “pre-packaging.” They function best on free-flowing bulk type products. Contaminants must come in contact with the magnetic fields and therefore require product passing through the magnet to be uninhibited in its flow characteristics. (You cannot choke fill a magnet). The ferrous metal particles must be pulled through the product onto the magnetic bars where they will be held until cleaned or released. A magnet can detect smaller pieces of ferrous metal than either x-ray or metal detectors.

A good location for magnets are in bulk-handling lines/railcar load-outs and incoming truck load-out areas.

X-ray systems work on the principle of measuring density. Two major factors determine detection capabilities of an X-ray system. They are the product over-all density and the uniformity of the density signature. The more dense the product, the less sensitive the system becomes. The more complex the density signature, the less sensitive the system becomes.

X-ray technology, as you might expect, is able to detect metal and some non-metal contaminants. In general, since most food products have an atomic density that is close to water (1), If the contaminant floats in water it is not detectable with x-ray. Contaminants such as hair, plastics, wood, fruit pits and metal foil are all examples of contaminants that are not detectable with x-ray.

Some application specific x-ray systems can also perform a variety of in-line quality checks. These applications are far and few between and using other “technology specific techniques” usually surpassing and x-ray system with these application specific requirements.

An X-ray system excels in applications when a known contaminant is integral to the product being produced. Such as bone/meat, stones/nuts, metal/foil pouches. In some cases, an x-ray system can outperform a metal detector in the detection of metal contaminants. But is rarely the reason to invest in an x-ray system. An x-ray system can detect dense material in foil pouches and therefore has an advantage over metal detectors on these types of finished packages. Also, since x-ray systems measure detection based on density, product conductivity would no longer impede detectability. An x-ray system is limited by the product being produced (too light weight/too heavy weight/complex radiographic image/free flowing products). Not all metals are detected by X-ray, Aluminum has low density characteristics and aluminum foil is not detectable.

A good location for an x-ray system is when a contaminant is integral to the product or when the product/packaging inhibits the use of a metal detector.

A metal detector can detect all metals based on their conductive and or magnetic properties. Detection levels, like X-ray and Magnets are still application specific. A metal detector can be used in almost any configuration (gravity/pipeline/conveyor). There is no limit to the size product that can be run through a metal detector. As long as metal is not integral to the product (metalized film/foil packaging) a metal detectors can be used in almost any application.

A good location for metal detector is when the product or packaging will allow for its use. Products in bulk, packaged or un-packaged products can all be inspected with a metal detector for the detection of metal.

Metal detectors/magnets/x-ray system are complementary contaminant detection devices. Each application will dictate the device type used. And in most cases they ALL could all be used in various locations within the plant to ensure that the “best” is being done to control foreign material from getting into your product.

So, given that there are complimentary aspects of contaminant detection systems, at Testrods.com, we offer 18 contaminants that can be used for x-ray inspection*:

Polypropylene 0.9 g/cm3 Borosilicate Glass 2.23 g/cm3
Nylon 1.1 g/cm3 Soda-Lime Glass 2.5g/cm3
EPDM Rubber 1.14 g/cm3 Aluminum 2.7g/cm3
Buna Rubber 1.2g/cm3 Ceramic AL203 3.9 g/cm3
PVC 1.41 g/cm3 Ceramic ZrO2 6.30g/cm3
Delrin (Acetal) 1.4g/cm3 Stainless Steel 316 7.82g/cm3
Viton Rubber 1.85g/cm3 Ferrous (Chrome Steel) 7.85g/cm3
PTFE (Teflon) 2.2g/cm3 Non-Ferrous (Brass) 8.48g/cm3
Fused (Synthetic) Quartz 2.2g/cm3 Bone similar to aluminum

Knowing that complimentary aspects of contaminant detection systems, here at Regal, we specialize in an application specific  approach to contaminant detection equipment.  Regal Packaging Services represents Fortress Technology in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa.  We can help you determine which type technology is best for your application.  Our goal is not just sales; we bring a great deal of knowledge, experience and service to the table.  Our goal, ultimately, is the same as yours – to put quality, safe products on the marketplace.  Give us a call at 630-942-8461 or email regalpack@regalpack.com.  If it’s test pieces you need, visit us at Testrods.com, call 866-691-8560 or email testrods@testrods.com.

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Floatable Thermoform Test Cards

Some applications involve large tubs, vats, or some other type of product travel where it would be nice to have a test piece that floats. Once again, our thermoform cards provide the simplest solution. We simply insert some type of structure that forces the thermoform card to retain air, which, of course, is what makes it float. We have also manufactured floating rods, which are more difficult because there is less space to close in enough air to make the rod float but is doable.

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We took an ordinary plastic “chip clip” as defined by the customer and embedded the contaminant into the clip. The clip can be attached to the product on the line without damaging or opening the product for testing purposes.

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Bone is a difficult contaminant to find because it can vary widely based on the size, age, and calcium content (as well as feed used) of the animal. After working with several customers, Regal Packaging Services offers Pork, Beef and Chicken Bone Simulate. We have a small range of sizes at a variety of depths to simulate whatever you might expect to find in the product. Our recommendation (assuming your x-ray has visual display) is always to start with a multi-card. Using a multi-card gives you an easy way to test several sizes and depths to determine what matches the bone you’re using. Once you’ve made a comparison, testing the card against the bone you’re looking for, you can purchase a card with a single contaminant for regular testing.

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This small pill shaped test piece is used in a system with a vacuum tube that shoots the test piece through the aperture and returns it to the “home” base. Your system may never be like it, but the point is that we can make a customized solution no matter how unusual or impossible it might seem.

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As you may have seen in some of the other thermoform card descriptions, we can put nearly as many seeds as you can imagine on a single card. Pictured here you will find a wide variety of configurations and contaminants. Just let us know your specs: size of the card (up to 8” x 8”) along with size and type contaminant(s) and we’ll get you a quote as quickly as possible. Working with a multi-card is especially helpful when you are looking for multiple types of contaminants or when you want to determine what size of the same contaminant you are able to detect. In that event, once the size is chosen, you can order individual card(s) for regular, standard inspection and detection.

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There are a wide range of applications that require a test piece much longer than our standard 5” or 6” Testrods. We can make up to 3/8” x 34” or 1/2” x 34” rigid test pieces which can then be extended well beyond that length with a “handle” made of acetal cylinder larger than the 3/8” or 1/2” extension. In the photos, we used a 1” x 24” cylinder handle with a 3/8” x 24” inch extension.

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Test pieces can be made in a variety of sizes and given a pointed end in applications that require the contaminant (metal) to be inserted into a food package such as sugar or some other soft packaged food product. This allows the metal to reach the center of the aperture.

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Double-End Test Whips are also available, with metal in both ends. One consideration is to make certain that the whip is long enough to keep the metal on the non-testing side of the whip outside the metal free zone of your detector. If you insert, for instance one end of a whip with 2.0mm and 3.0mm Ferrous, you need to make certain that the 2.0mm metal doesn’t affect the detection of the 3.0mm metal (and vice versa). If the 3.0mm metal is inside the metal free zone, then the detector will be reacting to the 2.0 as well as the 3.0 as if they were combined.

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Multi-seed laminate test cards are designed for seeds 4.0mm or less. Multi-cards are useful in x-ray inspection to determine what sizes and types of contaminants your system can achieve. They can be especially useful in temperate environments and applications. If your application is rugged or wet, or your standards are larger, we recommend our thermoform multi-cards.

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We can simulate a variety of packaging in an application where you need the test piece to mimic what is traveling down the production line. In this case, we manufactured a clear “package” with the seed inside. With this method, the customer is able to reject the container appropriately, and, in the event the package is not rejected, it is easily seen by the line worker for manual removal.

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There are two types of “candy bars” pictured here – one similar to a flat candy bar and the other in a custom, near perfect copy of a candy bar. Since we’re now able to produce many variations using colored material, the copy was made in red (Fe), green (NFe) and blue (SS 316). We have the equipment to accomplish nearly anything you can imagine, and these kinds of designs are proof positive.

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Need a test piece that looks and handles like chicken nugget? We can do it. Interestingly enough, in this situation, our first version for the customer left too much “void” in the hole where the metal was placed. Given the sensitivity the customer system was using, the void had the effect of causing false positives. We were able to minimize that hole and supply the test piece with almost no void. It’s an example of how we can work with you before, during and after manufacturing to ensure all the specifications were met.

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Our standard acetal card is 2 1/4"x3 3/8,” but if needed, we can cut that size down to as small as 1 1/4” x 1 1/4” (with limited engraving). If a larger card or a card with multiple seeds is needed, see our Custom Shape-Size Blocks and Tablets.

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This distinctive test piece was created to mimic an actual hamburger patty. The customer supplied photos of the raw product, which we were able to reproduce and then we placed blue glove contaminant. Using this configuration, the customer was able to determine what size piece the vision scanning system could detect with the raw burger as the background. Had they simply used a blank card with the glove, the system could easily have achieved contaminant rejection, but they needed to be sure the system could “see” the blue against the product itself.

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A card with 100 seeds in a 10x10 configuration is used to place beneath whole chickens on a production line. This gives the x-ray system operator the ability not just to see IF the equipment can detect the metal in the card, but also WHERE the equipment can detect it. If there is a problem, the operator (or company) can make any changes necessary to achieve the end goal – safe chicken in this case. This card really highlights another valuable facet of our thermoform cards.

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In this scenario, a company processing sugar needed to have a “bag” simulated with the same weight in order to accurately fall through the reject mechanism. A lighter test piece had the risk of passing over the reject mechanism.

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Our standard cubes are 1” and 1.5,” but we can also manufacture other sizes if needed. The cubes shown here are 1/2" in dimensions. Cubes can be helpful in applications where a ball or cylinder may bounce or roll away during testing, making their retrieval difficult, or, in some cases, present a hazard to the product or production equipment.

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This is a test piece that is dropped into a bottle. It’s designed so that the metal appears in the center of the aperture when testing the metal detector. In addition, the round stop makes the test piece easily removable after testing.

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Hexagonal Shaped test pieces can be very useful in places where a cylinder or ball might roll or bounce around a production floor whether dropped by a line worker or ejection from a reject mechanism. Hexagons are similar in weight to the 1inch cylinders without having the smooth, rounded cylinder edge.

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Our customer in this plant needed a test piece with a thickness less than 5.0mm. Because we have the capacity to customize sizes and shapes, we were able to mill down a product that met their specifications. That’s always our goal, meeting the specs you need for your product, testing environment and contaminants.