Improved contamination detection

Loma has introduced a number of upgrades to its IQ3+ metal detector.

The IQ3+ achieves a 20% increase in field strength through improved componentry and enhanced thermal management in its MaxDrive feature. This is of particular benefit for the inspection of dry goods, such as biscuits which lack moisture and so do not interact with the magnetic field. Running at higher field strength, the IQ3+ ensures greater sensitivity to contaminants, improved detection and superior performance.

Outside environmental noise resulting from vibrations or electrical interference can impair detection performance. Hand held metering systems are normally brought in to monitor such noise levels, identify ‘hot’ spots and facilitate line adjustments but are often not available for line operators to use on a just-in-time basis. The IQ3+ now streamlines this process with its built-in EnviroScan software which intuitively scans across frequencies from 30-900kHz to check if interference is detected , then these issues can then easily eliminated by switching to one of the alternative 70 frequencies available on the IQ3+ and quickly repeated by the operator on an ad hoc basis as the factory environment changes. In addition, technical enhancements to the noise filtering system further improve stability of the coil head by increasing its resistance to harsh electronic noise close to the contaminant signal.

Another industry first is the integration of Loma’s patented AutoBalance technology. This feature can be used to re-balance the coil heads in the IQ3+ which may expand or contract due to changes in temperature over time. It is an essential process which ensures the system remains highly sensitive to contaminants. Plus, by providing this capability across every frequency, AutoBalance offers operators a highly efficient way to optimise the dynamic range available and an easy-to-use alternative to traditional mechanical checks.