Entry-level X-ray inspection system targets food sector
cost-effective way of meeting the EU's food safety requirements,
its UK-based manufacturer claims.
Loma Systems says its new machine, released in June, offersprocessors with small pockets an advanced X-ray technology for detectingcontaminants such as metal, stone, glass, dense plastics, bone and ceramics in their products.
In addition, the X-ray system can detect other productproblems such as over or underfill, Loma Systems stated.
"Key drivers such as supermarket codes of practice and other important food manufacturing regulations are having major impact on suppliers who are now demanding increasingly better technology as well as value for money," the company said in a press release this month.
New EU hygiene regulations now require all food businessesto implement a documented safety management system based on Hazard Analysis andCritical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
HACCP is a tool to assess hazards and establish controlsystems that focus on prevention rather than relying mainly on end-producttesting. It is an internationally accepted systematic method of identifyingspecific hazards in plants and measures for their control to ensure the safetyof food.
Loma Systems said the design of its X-ray collimatorimproves its penetration of products making contaminant detection more precise.
Loma said it also improved its X-ray tank for better thermalmanagement and build consistency in high speed processing lines.
Loma has also redesigned the machine's cabinet to providebetter protection and stability. The design for the X-ray tube protects it fromthe extreme temperatures use in manufacturing facilities such as those forfrozen foods, the company claimed.
The product on the machine's computerised menu holds up to50 different product specifications, which can be automatically called up andreset. Operators can access statistical data and automatic 'pop up' faultdisplay.
