Most X-ray inspection systems for food inspection worldwide are enclosed stainless steel boxes. Sparc Systems will be presenting a new design concept for X-ray inspection lane sliding doors at interpack in Düsseldorf.
Safety issues relating to radiation and the handling of potentially high-voltage components mean that many food manufacturers are considering the purchase of X-ray inspection systems for their production lines. The basic problem is the factory staff's concern about dangers that cannot be seen.
To counteract this, Sparc Systems has now developed a protective acrylic glass window for its Apollo (X-ray) and Theia (X-ray and checkweigher combination systems). As the X-rays are fully shielded, staff can work alongside the machines and see up to 200 packages per minute pass through the system without jeopardising personal safety.
Food residues, product accumulations, jams, etc. are immediately visible. Instead of continuing to work without recognising such problems, the employees can stop the production lines immediately, the Open sliding doors and clean the conveyor belt, minimising disruption and reducing the likelihood of product damage.
The unique design, as explained by Charlie Graham, Sparc's European Sales Manager, makes every aspect of product handling transparent. „Having a clear view of what's going on removes the mystery and fear factor, especially when you're standing next to a stainless steel box with a large radiation warning symbol.“
An additional advantage of this visual inspection is that bulky protective equipment is no longer required. The temptation to lean into the machine to rectify a production interruption is also significantly reduced, which is very important for the health and safety of employees.
Instead of using compressed air, all Sparc X-ray machines are equipped with electric servo drives, allowing food manufacturers to save up to €4,000 per year per production line. The electric drives also mean that the machines can run up to 200 packs per minute and sort out contaminated products more quickly and precisely.
6 mm thick steel sheets so that no additional protective lead is required.
The construction from 6 mm thick sheet steel (around twice as thick as other food x-ray machines on the market) eliminates the need for additional protective lead. And as there are no separately enclosed areas, meaning fewer welded joints and fewer perforated conveyor belts, there is less chance of cross-contamination from product residues and water droplets from cleaning processes.
Charlie Graham adds: „The systems Sparc is presenting at Interpack 2020 are high-performance, easy to use, have low energy consumption and enable fully digital machine inspection audits.“.
Sparc's full range of machines, including Apollo (X-ray), Theia (X-ray and cradle combination system), Cerberus (cradle and metal detector combination machine) and Sentinel (a customised weighing unit) will be on display at Interpack 2020 (Hall 11, Stand G65). Fortress Technology will have a Sparc Iris X-ray pipework system on its stand (Hall 12, Stand 60).
Source: Sparc Systems
