Mettler-Toledo's gravity flow metal detector slashes downtime

It is the first time the global metal detection and x-ray specialist's basic PowerPhasePRO model has been modified to include the gravity flow function, which can also be used to inspect bulk nuts, grains or legumes.

“The PowerPhasePRO metal detector was introduced several years ago, yet significant enhancements have been made in the last eight months to improve its performance and capabilities,”​ Sarrina Crowley, market communications specialist for Mettler-Toledo Safeline, told FoodProductionDaily.com. “Until now, the unit was only available as a rectangular aperture detector, and it is only in recent months that it is offered in a gravity flow unit.”​

Recalibration rarely needed​

The PowerPhasePRO Gravity Flow metal detector has been specially crafted to reduce the need for frequent recalibration, minimizing downtime and false rejects. “Many metal detectors can become unstable or stop performing as well as needed, which means the line needs to stop while it is calibrated again,”​ Sarrina Crowley, market communications specialist for Mettler-Toledo Safeline, told FoodProductionDaily.com.

“Unstable metal detectors cause false rejects which require reinspection. The PowerPhasePRO, due to the way it is manufactured, does not have this issue very often at all.”​

Flexibility is a major feature, with the equipment made to switch between handling multiple products, product clusters or individual items without having to be reset constantly.

“I do not believe any other metal detector manufacturers have this capability,”​ said Crowley. “It is extremely useful as the amount of downtime from stopping the line to set up products saved is significant, especially if a plant is dealing with many differing products.”​

Other design features​

The kit can detect ferrous, non-ferrous, irregularly shaped or non-magnetic metals. Use of a cowbell-style design avoids the need for a flap reject process, speeding up rejections and a ‘Seal-Tite’ rubber seal minimizes waste. “The ‘Seal-Tite’ is a rubber seal that keeps product in place and does not allow much extra product to drop through during rejects, so only the contaminated product gets rejected, instead of lots of other good product with it,”​ said Crowley.

The PowerPhasePRO Gravity Flow includes a built-in condition monitoring feature that alerts operatives to maintenance needs by email or text to catch problems before they require lengthy adjustments or repairs.

The machine will be showcased at Pack Expo 2009 in Las Vegas, which runs from October 5-7.