For optimal reporting efficiency and to assist with transparency , the combi system features data logging and can also be connected to Fortress Technology ’ s Contact 4.0 software .
present on the weigh conveyor at a time . This will ensure that packages are not rejected as unstable weight readings ,” explains Fortress Technology Europe ’ s checkweighing specialist Dan Shail .
Constructed to the highest food grade standards , the metal detector and checkweigher conveyor decks and belts are all designed to be easily removed from the machine for rapid deep sanitation and maintenance . In seconds , and without using tools , plant operators can unclip and disconnect the conveyor motor , sanitise it , and instantly restore tracking once the conveyor is clipped back into place .
DOUBLE INSPECTION CAPACITY … HALF THE WASTE
The inspection machine consolidates a single metal detector uniquely divided into two compact apertures , plus two independent weight verification checkweighers . Each technology and lane have individual air blast
reject mechanisms to isolate metal contaminants and weight rejects . This helps to reduce and minimise quality cheese products being wasted by over 50 percent .
As each lane , metal detector aperture , checkweigher and reject is programmed to run independently , interruptions are minimised during product switchovers or maintenance . Additionally , it is possible to run two different product lines , pack sizes or SKUs simultaneously on the adjacent conveyors .
Putting into context the significance of aperture size when inspecting cheese for metal contaminations , Dan expands : “ Reducing aperture size is one of the most effective ways to increase metal detector sensitivity . The reason for this is sensitivity is measured at the geometric centre of the aperture . Making the ratio of the aperture to the size of the product an essential consideration .”
METROLOGICAL COMPLIANCE After inspecting the cheese packs for metal contaminants , good cheese packs – at 140 ppm per line – are fed into the Raptor digital checkweighing system . To comply with global Weights and Measures Regulations , in just milliseconds the in-motion , three-belt checkweigher weighs , analyses , captures and reports data simultaneously .
Replicating the reject motion of the metal detectors , air nozzles blast out-of-tolerance products off the line into lockable bins , requiring minimal intervention from operators . Sophisticated software adds full transparency , with an average weight mode making instant reject decisions and combining the batch statistical data from across both lanes .
Products that pass both inspection tests then move onto a merging conveyor , aligning and presenting the packs to an automated downstream case packing system .
HOLDING FOOD SAFETY TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD For a GFSI-certified business with a continuous-improvement mindset , best practice robustness is of utmost importance to this dairy firm . The processing plant is equally dependent on automated and intelligent machinery to extract data for traceability and to support immediate quality control decision-making and production improvements .
Both the metal detector and checkweigher assist on all levels by capturing easy-to-read live OEE data . “ By gathering live production information from each lane independently , a fastpaced food facility can establish the operational parameters and extract statistics that are most valuable to them ,” notes Dan . Analysed data can include volume , weight , inspection rates , rejects and downtime .
For optimal reporting efficiency and to assist with transparency , the combi system features data logging and can also be connected to Fortress Technology ’ s Contact 4.0 software . Auditor-friendly , data reports can be exported as either PDF or Excel files covering a specific production line and / or time period . “ Rather than monitoring machine performance manually , this level of cohesive reporting on a dual-lane system provides valuable OEE data to help boost operational efficiencies ,” ends Dan .
To optimise production efficiency , Fortress designed a customised curved product feed conveyor and outfeed merging case loading conveyor . www . fortresstechnology . co . uk FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk 61