X-ray detection for food inspection

Ensure product integrity in high-speed packaging lines by detecting metallic and non-metallic contaminants and quality anomalies, such as incorrect fill levels or missing parts, with advanced X-ray inspection systems designed for complex food products.

Detects and Inspects Foreign Objects in Food Products

The NextGuard X-Ray Detection Systems from Thermo Scientific provide unmatched contamination detection for food manufacturers and processors. Designed to seamlessly integrate into high-speed packaging lines, these systems utilize powerful X-ray technology and customizable vision software to detect metallic and non-metallic contaminants in a variety of packaged products, from canned soups to protein powders.

NextGuard C500 and C330 models offer comprehensive quality control, inspecting for missing components, under- or over-filled packages, and other issues. With belt speeds ranging up to 120m/min, these systems ensure continuous operation without compromising inspection accuracy. Sensitive detection algorithms are capable of identifying contaminants as small as 1mm, enhancing food safety and meeting regulatory compliance.

The systems are constructed using USDA/FDA approved materials and come with IP65 rating for challenging environments. Features include a touchscreen interface, modular design for easy maintenance, and advanced programming options for diverse product types. Optional enhancements, such as dual rejectors and a 0.4mm-pixel detector, provide flexible customization to meet specific production requirements. Additionally, integrated PLC control and remote monitoring capabilities streamline operations, reducing downtime and ensuring product safety.

Benefits

  • Enhances product safety by detecting contaminants as small as 1mm, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Increases production efficiency with high-speed inspection up to 120m/min, minimizing bottlenecks.
  • Reduces waste and improves quality control by separating contaminated products from standard quality errors.
  • Simplifies integration with versatile installation options and remote monitoring for seamless operation.
  • Minimizes maintenance with durable USDA/FDA approved materials and easy-to-remove interchangeable components.

General


Applications
Beverages,Sauces,Snacks,Nutraceuticals,Plant-based products,Sweets,Nuts,Spices,Packaged foods,Baby food,Dairy products
End products
Canned soups,Infant formula,Milk cartons,Juice boxes,Almond milk,Potato chips,Ketchup bottles,Chocolate bars,Protein powder,Almond packets,Cinnamon sticks
Steps before
Product Sorting,Pre-inspection Preparation
Steps after
Quality Assurance,Packing,Product Sorting,Rejection Handling
Input ingredients
packaged products,food applications,varied product sizes,dense contaminants,metals,glass,stone
Output ingredients
inspected products,images,event logs,statistics,audit reports,product files,machine parameters,Excel,PDF,XML
Market info
Thermo Fisher Scientific is renowned for providing innovative scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and engineered-to-order solutions across various industries, esteemed for their high-quality products and expertise in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.

Technical Specifications


Belt Speed
5-50m/min,10-120m/min
Belt Material
USDA/FDA Approved Urethane
Detector Scan Rate
Up to 1667 Lines/sec
Detector Resolution
0.8 mm standard,0.4 mm optional
IP Rating
IP65 with air conditioner,IP54 with cooling fans
Sensitivity
≥ 1mm diameter for Fe,non-Fe,SS,≥3mm for dense contaminants
X-Ray Power
160 W (80 kV/2mA) or 200 W (90 kV/2.2mA)
Electrical Requirements
208 to 250 VAC,50/60 Hz,single phase
Human Machine Interface
Windows™ 7,touchscreen,307 mm (12.1 in)
Maximum Conveyable Product Weight
11kg (25lbs)
Operating Temperature
5°C to 40°C
Outputs
Images,event logs,statistics,audit reports
System/Conveyor Lengths Available
1.2m,1.4m,1.5m
Detection Algorithms
Simple Threshold,Gradient,Morphologies

Operating Characteristics


Automation level
Manual / PLC / SCADA
CIP/SIP
CIP 121°C / SIP 135°C
Cleaning method
CIP / Manual
Energy efficiency
0.5–2 kWh/kg moisture
Batch vs. continuous operation
Batch / Inline Continuous

Material Compatibility


Density/particle size
0.5–2.5 g/cm³ / 50–1000 µm


Radiation Safety Conformance
FDA CFR 21 part 1020.40,RED act (Canada),IRR99 (UK),NCF 74-100 (France),UNE 73-302 (Spain),GB18871-2002 (China)

Physical Characteristics


Machine Footprint
Varies based on model
Belt Speed
5-50 m/min (C500),10-120 m/min (C330)
Conveyor Heights
800 mm,900 mm,1000 mm,1100 mm (all ± 80 mm)
System Lengths
1.2 m (C500),1 m or 1.4 m (C330)
Package Type
Max Product Width and Height
Weight
980 lbs (C500),780 lbs (C330)

Custom Options


Control panel type
Windows™ 7,touchscreen
Rejection system
Dual rejection
Air blast/pusher
X-Ray Power
100 W (80 kV/1.25mA) or 160 W (80 kV/2mA),or 200 W (90 kV,2.2mA)
Inspection Algorithms
Image processing/thresholding/blob analysis,grayscale profiling and mass estimation
Detector Resolution
0.8 mm standard,0.4 mm optional
Modular design
Yes,for high reliability and quick diagnosis and repair
Detector Type
Non-linear detector to eliminate blind spots
Customization Options
Configurable for dual rejection,separating contaminated products from other quality errors