Focused on metal detection: Thermo Goring Kerr continues perfecting systems for the food and beverage industries - Supplier close-up: technology spotlight

Food & Drug Packaging, Oct, 2003

In today's mechanized food production areas, the danger of metallic contamination is ever present. So much so that metal detection has become a necessary part of the manufacturing chain.

The Thermo Goring Kerr unit of Thermo Electron is synonymous with the science of metal detection, the principles of which were applied more than 50 years ago by the eminent Bruce Goring Kerr. Since that time, the company has remained at the forefront of research in this field and has invested substantially in perfecting ever more refined metal detection systems.

Increasing pressure from government, major retailers, and consumer groups is driving up standards as never before. This, combined with the total industrialization of the production process and the subsequent risk of metal contamination, has created a demand for metal detection systems capable of the utmost sensitivity. With its worldwide scientific resources and vast experience, Thermo Goring Kerr is equipped to design and supply a range of systems that are at the forefront of technology in the field.

Most recently, the company launched what it calls the world's very first food and beverage line metal detection system that is truly impervious to high-pressure washdown. Company executives say the new Goring Kerr DSP IP sets another new global standard by meeting and exceeding the IP69k specifications--the most demanding washdown rating, developed originally for the automotive industry.

The IP69k standard specifies proof against ingress of water from jets at a pressure of 1,450 psi and at temperatures of up to 176[degrees]F. This is the level of pressure and temperature required for thorough cleaning of meat, fish, poultry, and dairy processing lines. Until the development of the Goring Kerr DSP IP, this had not been achievable, the company says.

Based on the well-proven Goring Kerr DSP3 range of digital signal processing metal detectors, the DSP IP features a unique stainless steel membrane keyboard. The membranes, traditionally the weakest point during washdown, are made from extremely thin stainless steel etched with key symbols. Another innovative feature is the incorporation of all power supply and I/O wiring directly into the detection head instead of in the usually separate control box. This not only provides a more compact unit, but it also eliminates any wiring that would normally run between the two in traditional systems.

Finally, the seals of the unit have been specially engineered to include protective metal flanges designed to deflect water jets away from the seals.

At maximum line speeds, the DSP IP can detect metal that other systems might miss without rejecting product unnecessarily, the company claims. An operation stays fast and efficient, and waste is minimized without jeopardizing quality. The company's optional and world-patented AuditCheck automatic performance verification system gives customers even more control. By continuously monitoring the performance of the metal detector, it quickly spots and reports even small changes in sensitivity. This lets customers fine-tune operations in real time to deliver more product and waste less.

For more information

Thermo Electron Corp.

763-783-2500; www.thermo.com/process