Fortress enhances metal detector testing technology

Fortress Technology has launched an updated version of its Halo automatic testing technology, designed to strengthen food safety compliance and metal detector system security on processing and packing lines.

Demonstrated on a conveyor rectangular aperture system connected to a computer at the PPMA Total Show in Birmingham, UK, last week, Halo 2 automatically generates a signal calibrated to specified sphere sizes, logging the test results to provide an audit trail.

Like all food sectors, confectionery uses metal detectors to safeguard against metal contaminants. Forming an important part of manufacturing due diligence, Fortress says automatic testing offers a repeatable and objective overview, checking that a metal detector is working as it should.

Halo 2, it adds, provides confectionery suppliers with a traceable and auditable testing procedure, satisfying retailer Codes of Practice. Capable of independently testing for all metal materials – ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steelthe system also checks the performance of the reject system.

Most food manufacturers will test each metal detector at the start and end of the production shift, and then throughout the day at regular intervals, typically hourly.

European sales director Phil Brown notes, “In many applications, testing a metal detector is made difficult due to access, machine position, product flow and environmental conditions. This is especially true in throat and gravity metal detectors connected to confectionery form, fill and seal systems that inspect loose or free-falling products, including sugar, sweets, chocolates and snack foods.”

For confectioners using gravity units on free-falling products, Halo is beneficial as it overcomes the challenge of trying to drop the manual test piece into the exact centre of aperture and product flow, the company adds.

Halo 2 mimics the signal disturbance that occurs during manual testing, without having to physically pass a metal contaminant through the metal detector. Because the system is configured to the same consistent signal, the demonstration results mirrored each other, resulting in a more reliable and credible test.

Aside from eliminating human error, the time spent running and documenting repetitive tests translates into cost savings. The company says payback for a new Fortress metal detector fitted with Halo 2 is typically less than 12 months.