FHS-NOV23-PG30+31_Layout 1 17/11/2023 12:56 Page 31


MACHINERY & MACHINE SAFETY


Simultaneous multi-frequency delivers a far higher and more sensitive performance on challenging wet product applications that vary in size and conductivity. For example, meat cuts, fish, cheese wedges or prepared chilled and frozen meals. Compared to the traditional approach of tuning into specific frequencies, simultaneous multi-frequency technology applied to the Fortress Interceptor range combines the signal from each channel to overcome product effect and improve metal detection performance.


MASTERS OF MULTI-PROCESSES For snack and food-to-go producers especially, high speed packing, weight and fill systems are essential to generating more products to meet consumer demands. Although throughput determines the cost of production, it’s not purely about speed. Packing and processing lines must also accommodate multiple products in a growing assortment of sizes, packaging, private label and branded products. “This is where


flexibility really excels,” notes Curry. Multi-lane metal detectors, checkweighers


and combination systems can cater to these fast product changeovers and support expansion without having to increase physical footprints or employ more people to oversee production. Available in configurations of up to five lanes, the Fortress multi-aperture metal detector or combination metal detector and checkweigher, can provide a smarter and smaller option. Given that rental for commercial prime real


estate in the UK increased by another 4.3 per cent in 2022 , every centimetre of floor and vertical space carries economic worth. Curry expands: “The under-utilisation of vertical and horizontal space can often be attributed to piecemeal rather than considered machinery investments. Even small changes, such as switching out bulky equipment for a combination or multi-lane machine can add rapid value.” Singling out and rejecting products from just


one conveyor also significantly reduces the volume of good product being wasted. Plus, if one lane requires unplanned downtime or maintenance, the remaining can continue to run. Different products can also be run side-by-side, increasing flexibility for production plants that have multiple SKUs, different product flavours and size variants to inspect.


Addressing product effect, the Interceptor metal detector combines the signal from each channel to improve metal detection performance.


DATA MERGER Food processors are surrounded by immense volumes of data. Keeping track of every contaminant reject, report, parameter change and data-logged event can be especially challenging for production managers. The processes for extracting and managing data are becoming more streamlined. With


integration of equipment commonplace in production environments, for example with baggers, gravity hoppers and checkweighers, it is now feasible to have a single screen setup. By connecting machinery together, it becomes much easier to gather and consolidate data into a comprehensive performance overview that can help to speed up changeovers. Integrating a metal detector, x-ray or


checkweigher with existing weighers, baggers and factory management systems, is typically straightforward. However, it does depend on the complexity of the interface technology.


MAKING MULTI-EVERYTHING WORK SMARTER Where there might appear to be a need for multiple machines to cope with the increase in upstream output, Fortress recommends closely examining the options. Ask numerous questions. For example, could a multi-lane system offer a better return on investment in a smaller footprint? Is it possible to channel multiple product lanes through a larger aperture? What sort of reject system is required? Examine how modular the inspection systems


are. Do they provide integration flexibility? Can you extract data and merge this information into a common reporting template? Can you upgrade to newer software? Curry concludes: “Managed well, multi-


everything technology can elevate your business and deliver a cost-efficient inspection solution, without compromising on any performance criteria, space and inspection sensitivity.”


Fortress Technology www.fortresstechnology.com


FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023 31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50