X38 Pipeline X-ray System: METTLER TOLEDO

METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection developed the X38 X-ray inspection system to deliver efficient, cost-effective production line X-ray inspection of pumped food products as they are moved towards final processing and packaging. Products from ground and minced meats to soups, dairy products and jams are inspected for potential contamination by glass, metal, mineral stone, calcified bone, high density plastic and rubber compounds.

The system can inspect and reject contaminated products at throughput speeds of up to 14 metric tons per hour, depending on pipe diameter and the nature of the product. In addition, as flow rates vary on the production line, the flow rate signal coming from the customer’s pump can automatically adjust the inspection system’s scan speed and rejector timing to match the production line’s flow speeds. Three standard pipe sizes.

Custom diameters, along with 2.5” (63 mm), 3” (75 mm) and 4” (100 mm) diameters, are available to meet customers’ needs. These pipes can be interchanged with different sizes to meet future production line needs.

The X38 is designed to the highest hygienic design standards, enabling it to withstand IP69 in-line cleaning. Its sloped shape and curved edges allows water to roll off, and the IP69 air conditioner meets the demands of high pressure cleaning in harsh manufacturing environments. Clean-in-place features maximize production uptime.

The X38 reportedly incorporates software that is sophisticated yet simple to use, giving line operators full control without requiring special training or previous X-ray knowledge. The system also develops full statistics for quality reporting.

The X-ray generator and detector are on a movable carriage that can be rolled backwards during a product calibration, eliminating the need to disconnect the pipe work. This allows the carriage to reposition away from the hot pipework during a CIP cycle. Built-in handshaking signals allow the customer to automate this process. An auto test facility option allows a contaminant sample (a stainless steel sphere) to move through the beam and verify the level of detection, eliminating the need to insert test pieces into the pipe. The unit also provides reliability due to its modular component construction and X-ray generator thermal cooling design.