Mettler-Toledo Boosts Food Safety with Next Generation Bulk Flow Inspection

Manufacturers of bulk flow food products can now benefit from optimized detection sensitivity and maximized productivity with the X36 Series Bulk Variant x-ray inspection system from Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray. Incorporating high-performance technology and software algorithms developed specifically for bulk flow product lines, the X36 Bulk Variant offers precise removal of contaminated product at high throughput rates. The system is ideal for the inspection of dried fruit and nuts, processed meats, cereals, grains, frozen fruit and vegetables, seafood and dried pet food as well as other bulk flow products, boosting production line efficiency and ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.

The X36 Bulk Variant is a single vertical x-ray beam system capable of sensitive detection of dense contaminants, including metal and glass shards, calcified bone, mineral stone and high-density plastic and rubber. The system is capable of throughputs up to 14,000kg/hour, depending on product depth and density, ensuring food safety whilst maximizing line efficiency. Advanced detector technology also allows for lower power consumption thereby reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and increasing bottom line savings.

A specially developed six-scoop rejection mechanism enhances precision contaminant removal with minimal rejection of good product, while a troughed conveyor prevents product spilling from the line, reducing product waste. The X36 Bulk Variant is also available with a range of optional rejection devices to suit the individual needs of specific applications, options include air blast reject systems.

Built according to the principles of the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), the X36 Bulk Variant features an Ingress Protection (IP) 69 rated stainless steel cabinet, making it capable of withstanding the harshest wash-down regimes. Sloped surfaces and curved edges minimize bacteria traps and allow water to run off, enabling quick and effective cleaning with minimal downtime, further enhancing line productivity.

In addition, the x-ray cabinet gives easy access to internal mechanisms for essential maintenance, while the rejection mechanism can be easily removed for cleaning. The conveyor’s automatic tracking feature corrects any belt misalignment without the need to stop the conveyor, maximizing production uptime.

The X36 Bulk Variant features a 15.6 inch touchscreen display with intuitive software and automated set-up to facilitate quicker product changeovers. The x-ray system’s PC boasts a large memory to store time-stamped images of every product reject, enhancing traceability for manufacturers to help them demonstrate due diligence in the event of a product recall. The integrated software monitors the system’s Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), providing manufacturers with the relevant information they require to make improvements to machine and line performance, enabling them to further enhance efficiency and productivity. The X36 Bulk Variant can also be connected to the manufacturers’ network, giving authorized personnel the ability to store and analyze inspection and performance data from a remote location.

Paul King, Sales Head & Market Manager – Americas / Spain at Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray said, “In today’s highly competitive manufacturing climate, food processors need to ensure that their products are contaminant-free and at the highest quality standards whilst meeting tough key performance indicators (KPIs). Typical KPIs include meeting high production targets, reducing operational costs and lowering wastage. With these pressures in mind, our advanced X36 Bulk Variant has been designed to provide precision contaminant detection and removal without compromising on line speeds or production uptime.”