Safeline, the leader in the field of industrial metal detection solutions have launched a new Super Throat metal detector (ST) designed specifically for the inspection of free falling products in vertical packaging applications.

At the heart of the new ST Series metal detector is the company’s revolutionary Profile electronics platform which is available in fixed or multi frequency configurations. The new detector benefits from an advanced detection coil system and new detector head geometry that delivers incredible levels of sensitivity with improvements being greater than 30% in typical food production environments. Applications include the inspection of snack foods, cereals, confectionery, IQF products and any products packed in a VFFS bag making operation.

Since the introduction of its revolutionary Zero Metal Free Zone (ZMFZ) technology some 15 years ago, Safeline has dominated this market segment. ZMFZ technology allows the metal detector to be installed in the confined space typically found between the outlet of a multi head weigher and the inlet to the VFFS bag maker – the new ST Series detector also incorporates this world beating technology.

The detection performance of the ST Series has been further enhanced by the development of a new software algorithm that identifies the signals given off by metal contamination and discriminates between these signals and those generated from the actual product itself. Once identified, these unwanted signals are amplified and subsequently processed to take detection performance levels to a new level. It is conceivable that many snack food producers could improve their current detection levels by a factor of 2 says a company spokesman.

The ST Series metal detector not only provides the ultimate in metal detection performance. Just like other detectors in the Profile range of products, customers can benefit from reduced manufacturing costs and greater levels of production uptime through the development of a unique Condition Monitoring system that permanently monitors key elements of the metal detectors functionality and its performance levels.

During food safety risk management audits and HACCP analysis processes, many metal detectors are designated as Critical Control Points (CCP’s). Should a malfunction occur with the metal detector then the production line should shut down until the problem is rectified as the CCP is no longer protected. The costs associated with a production line shutdown can be very high so a metal detector that can tell you when a fault occurs can be seen as beneficial. However, a better solution is to have a metal detector that can give you an early warning before the fault actually occurs. This can provide a buffer or window of opportunity to conduct investigations and plan rectification maintenance work when it is more convenient, for example, during a planned line shut down or shift change.

Ensuring food safety compliance is met, helping to increase on line uptime and hence cost reduction are all key elements that typical food producers will see as fundamental to the success of their business.

When it comes to maintaining quality, a number of important functions and checks need to be carried out on all metal detectors. These include the periodic testing of the metal detection systems’ performance which, if left unchecked will lead to a non-compliance issue. Quality Managers need to be kept informed of test requirements and overdue tests. Likewise if a break down or early warning alert is generated, this needs to be passed to the Maintenance Manager to put in place the necessary service intervention.

In highly automated processes, there are fewer operators working on the line and an increased risk that these occurrences could go unreported for considerable periods of time with the potential for an extremely costly outcome.

All detectors in the Profile range utilise the latest in communications technology enabling them to be configured to send email or text communications to various key people within the business meaning key personnel are never out of touch with the needs of the business.