THE PIES THE LIMIT FOR LOMA’S NEW X5 SPACESAVER X-RAY
The Welsh Pantry chooses latest X-ray inspection system for groundbreaking detection performance, super compact design and ease of use
LOMA SYSTEMS® one of the leading global supplier of food industry Metal Detectors, Checkweighers and X-Ray Inspection equipment – has recently completed one of the first installations of an X5 SpaceSaver X-Ray Inspection unit. Manufacturer of savoury pastry products, The Welsh Pantry, chose the recently launched model for its groundbreaking detection performance, super compact design and ease of use.
The Welsh Pantry, which already has LOMA Metal Detectors and Checkweighers, is using the advanced X5 SpaceSaver X-Ray system to inspect its pie products for glass, ceramic and stainless steel contaminants.
Adhering to LOMA’s ‘Designed to Survive®’ ethos and delivering maximum uptime at a low lifetime cost of ownership, the X5 SpaceSaver measures only one meter in length. The reduced size enables customers to reclaim valuable floor space and is one of the key reasons why The Welsh Pantry chose this latest model for its Glamorgan-based plant.
Alan Shaw, Technical Manager at The Welsh Pantry comments: “I have a long-standing relationship with LOMA having used its equipment at a previous company, as well as in my current role at The Welsh Pantry. The need to inspect pies for a range of foreign body contaminants, not just metal, down to the smallest size meant X-ray technology was the best choice for this particular application.
“However, like many food production facilities, space is at a premium so the launch of the LOMA’s super compact X5 SpaceSaver X-Ray with significantly smaller footprint was great timing. The system’s market leading detection performance is also helping to further strengthen our strict quality control and food safety procedures.”
Incorporating Adaptive Array Technology (AAT), LOMA’s X5 Spacesaver offers market leading detection capabilities. This new technology tailors resolution, depth and scaling to give the best performance for any product requiring inspection. AAT eliminates the previous need to specify the diode array pixel size as the X5 SpaceSaver will adjust to give ultimate detection performance for every product.
Whilst the X5 SpaceSaver installed at The Welsh Pantry is currently operating at speeds up to 35 metres per minute (m/min), the system is capable of running up to 75 m/min.
The X5 SpaceSaver X-ray can identify improperly packaged product for: size, shape, length, fill level, component count and presence; all essential quality control elements for food processors.
Made from brushed stainless steel, the X5 SpaceSaver is more rugged than previous models boasting IP66 ingress protection and enhanced resistance to static discharge. A new quick release belt comes as standard. The tension can be released for cleaning under the belt or can be completely removed without tools.
For further ease of cleaning and reduced maintenance, the X5 SpaceSaver X-ray also offers rounded, sloping surfaces to stop food particles and washdown droplets accumulating in crevices, aiding dry time and ensuring maximum uptime. The intuitive touch screen has IP69K rating while the belt is FDA/EU approved making the entire system designed to withstand high pressure washdown applications.
Modular in design, and fitted with the latest Alan Bradley electronics, the system can be retrofitted to work alongside existing production and inspection equipment. The Welsh Pantry X5 SpaceSaver is conveniently located at the exit of a Bradman Lake packaging machine.
Alan Shaw adds: “Despite all the advanced features offered by the X5 SpaceSaver, its automated set up, intuitive touch screen display, high speed USB sensor and simple Ethernet connection for easy reporting all combine to make it extremely simple to use.
“Like LOMA’s other inspection equipment, the X5 SpaceSaver is well built and proving reliable and accurate plus the company continues to impress with its high level of service and support,” he concludes.