Safeline Pipeline X-ray Inspection Equipment

Pipeline x-ray inspection solutions enhance the safety of pumped food products

Pipeline Applications

Safeline provides pipeline x-ray inspection solutions that are specifically designed to inspect pumped product (typically meat and poultry) such as slurries, semi-solids and fluids, at any stage before final processing and packaging. Applications typically include sauces, jams, minced meat, whole mussels, chocolate and dairy spreads, as well as products that cannot be sieved – for example, textured fruit purees and yogurts containing fruit chunks.

High Throughput Capabilities

Safeline’s pipeline system offers high throughput, automatic calibration and a hygienic design. The average throughput for slurries, semi solids and fluids is up to 18 tonnes an hour and up to 9 tonnes for meat and poultry applications. Pipeline x-ray systems are designed to automatically adapt to changes in the flow rate of the product and can adjust the scan speed, as well as the associated reject timing, in accordance with a speed signal from the production line.

Superior Product Safety

Pipeline x-ray inspection delivers superior product safety for pumped food applications through the detection and removal of contaminants such as glass, metal, mineral stone, calcified bone, mineral stone and high density plastic in the early stages of production. High accuracy x-ray inspection technology minimises the risk of product recalls, protects consumers from harm and safeguards brand reputation.

Reducing Product Waste

Contaminant detection levels are typically greater in the early stages of the production process where unprocessed pumped product can be presented in a shallower depth and with a more uniform (homogeneous) texture. Removing contaminants early in the production process reduces product waste and cost as well as protecting valuable processing equipment from further damage downstream.

Pipeline X-ray Inspection Equipment for Food

Safeline’s pipeline x-ray inspection equipment is specifically designed to inspect pumped foods, typically meat and poultry, as well as dairy and bakery applications for foreign body contaminants.

Where is the best location for a pipeline x-ray system?
Due to the nature of the application, the most efficient location for pipeline x-ray equipment is at the start of the production process for multiple reasons:

The risk of contaminants from incoming raw ingredients is at its highest.
The foreign body will be at its largest and therefore easier to detect before being broken down in consecutive production processes.
Detection levels are typically better as the unprocessed pumped product is presented in a shallower depth and with a more uniform (homogeneous) texture.
The product cost is at its lowest before more value is added in terms of time, processes and additional ingredients.
It enables manufacturers to monitor their suppliers’ quality control.

Market Leading Hygiene Standards
The sanitary design of pipeline x-ray equipment is crucial. The design of Safeline’s pipeline x-ray systems follow quality standards and guidelines from the highest hygiene principles worldwide including the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) principles.

As standard, the machines feature Ingress Protection (IP) 69 rated stainless steel cabinets, making them capable of withstanding harsh wash-down regimes. Sloped surfaces and curved edges minimise bacteria traps and allow water to run off, enabling quick and effective cleaning with minimal downtime, further enhancing line productivity.

For higher grade cleaning requirements, aseptic x-ray pipeline inspection systems are available. An aseptic design allows for manufacturers to conduct high pressure wash-downs to ensure destruction of pathogenic bacteria growth.

Product Testing to Verify Detection Sensitivity
Regular testing using contaminant samples is essential to verify that the detector sensitivity levels are fully optimised. There are two main options to achieve this:

An infeed pipe with a test piece insertion port allows the machine operators to manually perform easy and regular testing.
An automatic test facility consisting of a test sphere is seamlessly fed through the x-ray beam while the product is moving. The sensitivity of detection levels is assessed without interrupting production, thereby maximising production uptime.

All testing and production inspection activity is monitored, recorded and easily-retrievable for due diligence purposes.

Why is Regulatory Compliance Important?
Regulatory compliance is necessary for manufacturers and retailers to export their products into different markets throughout the globe. Installing an x-ray systems for pipeline inspection helps food manufacturers comply with the following Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) based Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognised standards:

International Featured Standard (IFS)
The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety
Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 Code
Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000
US Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA)

For pharmaceutical manufacturers, Safeline’s Glass Container x-ray technology can facilitate compliance with:

Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) coming into force in the UK in 2019
US Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)
US Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
European Commission Eudralex V30

Mettler Toledo – Al Thika Packaging LLC

Al Thika Packaging is the exclusive distributor of Mettler Toledo in the Middle East. Since 1994 Al Thika has been supplying a wide range of machinery including Garvens dynamic Checkweighing systems, Safeline X-ray inspection, Safeline integrated metal detection systems and CI-Vision inspection systems for food & non-food industries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the many other Gulf countries.

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