Dairy Processing - June 2021 - 54

FOOD SAFETY
for, product integrity can still be compromised.
" There are virtually no limitations to installing metal
detectors, " Mason said. " Although specific features of likely
contaminants, the product, packaging, processing and supply
chain may determine whether metal detection is chosen for
a particular point in the process. If a dairy processor needs
to detect other physical contaminants, for example glass or
bone, they may opt for X-ray. However, this technology might
not be viable for specific applications. "
From research Fortress has conducted with food
manufacturers and dairy processors over the years, naturally
occurring food contaminants such as fruit pits or shell remain
the most prevalent consumer complaint. Closely followed by
insects. However, contaminants that could potentially harm
a person - such as glass, rock or metal - are still the most
potentially brand-damaging.
Foil is also a primary contaminant on dairy processing
lines due to the widespread use of items such as masks, hair
nets and gloves. They are often designed with a foil strip in
them, making items visible to a metal detector.
Hygiene can be another challenge. Adhering to best
practice is critical. While standards are typically high in dairy
plants, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly reaffirmed
the importance of conveying confidence to consumers,
Mason said.
DETECTOR ADVANCEMENTS
Fortunately for dairy processors, suppliers of metal detectors
continue to introduce advances that improve the process.
Mettler Toledo offers metal detectors for all types of dairy
products, including pumped slurries, unwrapped cheese, and
packaged products. Their Profile Advantage metal detector is
54 JUN 2021 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
Pipeline applications are wide and
varied, choosing the right metal
detection solution will ensure
maximum performance.
Camilo Sanchez, Mettler Toledo
designed for pumped and conveyorized products. Due to the
high moisture and saline content, dairy products can exhibit
product effect, where the product itself interferes with the
sensitivity. The Profile Advantage metal detector, which uses
multi-simultaneous frequencies to overcome the product
effect. The Profile Advantage metal detectors use various
combinations of high and low frequencies simultaneously,
along with built-in Product Signal Suppression technology
with two stages of discrimination, frequency and phase.
This cancels the information from these combinations of
high and low frequencies to effectively remove the product
signal or 'Product Effect', allowing for much smaller metal
contaminants to be detected.
Other technological advances include metal detectors that
have automatic Condition Monitoring which continuously
monitors the functionality to assess key component
performance and to give advanced warning of adverse trends
that could lead to equipment failure if left unaddressed.
Early warnings can be communicated via SMS text messages
or email to key operational personnel.
Recent software developments from Advanced Detection
Systems allow dairy processors to make better use of their
metal detection investment. The web server enabled touch
PHoto courtesy of Fortress Technology, Inc.
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
Dairy Processing - June 2021

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