Conveyor Metal Detector

Industrial metal detectors are used in a wide range of applications from the inspection of raw ingredients to finished goods.  The most common location to find a detection system is toward the end of production on a conveyor system.

Typically the goods such as bread, cereal boxes, candy are transported through the opening of the metal detector.  The conveyor belt is a critical part of this system as it too is being inspected as it travels through the metal detector.

Top Conveyor Belt Installation Requirements For Metal Detectors

1. Insure the belt is 'clean' of
   1. Metal particles
   2. Built up food debris
   3. Dirt
2. The conveyor belt does not rub against the metal detector aperture either on the sides or under the belt transport bed
3. Fabric belt splice
   1. Use cold splicing on conveyor metal detectors
   2. Make sure the splice is clean from any debris
   3. Make sure the tools used to splice are clean and free of loose carbon build up
   4. DO NOT use zippers, metal or plastic
4. Plastic Chain Belt
   1. Make sure the belt material is non-conductive
   2. Check all pins for debris (typically carbon from iron) at ends
   3. Check static build up and discharge to conveyor frame or metal detector
   4. Check under belting for any debris

Most metal detector manufacturers offer basic instructions in there installation and operation manuals.

When testing a conveyor system normal product flow should be maintained. This will allow for a realistic test of all aspects of the conveyor system. A test package should be created with an imbedded metal test piece, such that it is located in the center of the aperture when passing through the metal detector. This test package should be introduced into regular flow before the metal detector conveyor, and automatically rejected by the reject mechanism.

Options

• Knife edge transfer either using flat belt or Intralox 1100
• Side transfer design
• Wide variety of automatic reject devices
• Low profile design
• Steep incline design
• Hazardous location ratings
• Reject confirm

Reporting Software

A PC software package which would monitor all critical parameters of each metal detector on-line

Automatically generates data for reports

There are three basic categories of conveyors; 

Carbon Steel

            Used for non-washdown applications with average size products

Stainless Steel

            Used for washdown or USDA approved applications

Automatic rejection systems are designed as an integral part of the conveyor metal detector package. A wide variety of rejection systems can be used on any conveyor, to insure contaminated product is removed without disruption to product flow.

Automatic Reject Devices :

• Air Blast
• Kicker
• Diverter Arm
• Flap Gate
• Linear Retraction
• Drop Nose

Design Considerations

Product flow should allow for evenly spaced products, this will minimize number of products rejected when metal has been detected.

Reject mechanism should be fast enough and strong enough to remove product without disturbing product flow.

•  Belting should be matched to environment and reject concerns
•  Product transfer between metal detector conveyor and existing conveyors