How to find a piece of metal in food?

To find a piece of metal in food, metal detection technology is typically used. This is the most common and effective method for identifying metal contaminants during food processing, packaging, and distribution. Here’s an overview of how metal can be detected in food and some of the key methods used in the food industry:

1. Using Metal Detectors

Metal detectors are specifically designed to find metal objects (ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel) in food products. These devices work by passing food products through an electromagnetic field that can detect metallic objects.

How It Works:

· Electromagnetic field generation: The metal detector generates an electromagnetic field inside the detection chamber.

· Product passes through the field: As the food moves along a conveyor or through a gravity-fed chute, the electromagnetic field interacts with the product.

· Disturbance caused by metal: If a metal object is present in the food, it will disturb the electromagnetic field, creating a signal.

· Detection and rejection: The metal detector alerts the system when a contaminant is detected, and the contaminated product is rejected, typically through an automatic ejection system.

Types of Metal Detectors:

· Conveyorized Metal Detectors: Used for packaged or processed food that moves along a conveyor belt.

· Gravity-Fed Metal Detectors: Used for bulk products or powders, where food falls freely through the detector.

Example: Techik Metal Detectors

Techik provides advanced metal detection solutions with multi-frequency detection technology. This allows their systems to identify and reject metal contaminants in food products with high precision. Techik's detectors can detect ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel contaminants and are capable of working in high-speed, high-volume food production environments.

2. X-Ray Inspection

X-ray machines are another effective technology used to find metal contaminants in food. While they are often used to detect a broader range of foreign objects (such as glass, plastic, and stones), X-ray systems are highly effective in detecting metal contamination as well.

How It Works:

· X-ray imaging: Food products pass through an X-ray machine, which creates an image of the inside of the product.

· Image analysis: The system analyzes the X-ray image to detect any foreign objects, including metals. The machine can identify different materials based on their density.

· Rejection mechanism: If metal is detected, the contaminated product is automatically rejected from the production line.

X-ray systems are ideal for inspecting products that metal detectors may not be able to effectively inspect, such as metal packaging or products with dense materials that might block the electromagnetic signal of a metal detector.

Example: Techik X-Ray Systems

Techik’s X-ray inspection machines are designed to detect metal and other contaminants in food products. These systems are equipped with advanced image processing and high-resolution X-ray generators to accurately detect metallic objects, along with other non-metallic contaminants like glass, stones, or plastics.

Techik's X-ray systems provide detailed imaging and can detect a wide range of foreign objects, making them ideal for detecting even small metal pieces in challenging applications. Their X-ray systems are widely used in high-speed production lines and offer features like automatic contamination rejection, real-time detection, and easy integration into existing production workflows.

Techik's X-Ray BDX series, for example, can detect metal contaminants as small as 0.3mm in diameter, offering high precision in food safety applications. These systems also provide excellent sensitivity for a variety of packaging types, including metallic and non-metallic packaging, where traditional metal detectors may struggle.