How to setup your Fortress Phantom Metal Detector?

The correct setup of your Phantom metal detector is essential to detecting accurately metal contaminates.  Doing so will also reduce the number of false rejects and overall increase your production throughput.

Phantom Metal Detector Installation

As with any conveyor metal detector correctly installing the system is vital to its operation.  The Fortress systems like others require the correct isolation and grounding in order to operate correctly.  The Phantom Manual illustrates and explains all the correct installation requirements for peak performance.

Adjusting a Phantom Metal Detector.

Industrial metal detectors must be calibrated to the specific application.  This adjustment, often called phase mode, tells the system what type of product you are running.  Setup instructions in the Phantom Metal Detector Manual walk you through step by step on how to do this.

Conveyor metal detectors are used in a wide range of applications.  If you are looking for a Goring Kerr metal detector to inspect food, candy, bread, gum or needing to inspect paper, plastic then you need to understand the operation.

A metal detector is like a large very sensitive radio.  In fact it's just like an A.M. radio.  For those of you who remember what it was like to listen to an A.M. radio you will recall that they are generally noisy.  Industrial metal detectors, especial conveyor metal detectors, are also very sensitive to interference in your plant.

Buying a Used Metal Detector

When purchasing a used metal detector you have to consider a number of factors.  Was the system originally manufactured for a product like the one I am going to inspect.  Are the electronics still working.  How do I test this specific model?  The list goes on.

The first thing you need to do after purchasing a used Goring Kerr is to setup the electronics.  You can buy any manual directly from our website.  Once you have this manual you will be able to correctly setup the electronics as well ensure that the conveying systems is operating correctly.

All these factors must be tested first prior to installing the system in you plant.   

Thermo Goring Kerr manufactured tens of thousands of industrial metal detectors the history of Goring Kerr reaching back to 1934. Many of these conveyor metal detectors are still in service today.  As the founder of this technology Goring Kerr, or Thermo Goring Kerr, developed some leading technologies with the Tektamet, DSP 1, DSP 2 and DSP 3.  With the introduction of the balanced coil design and auto-phasing they were ideally used as food metal detectors.

Service Technician

Many service calls can be avoided by following the installation and operation manuals for each of these metal detection systems.  If are searching for a Goring Kerr manual you can purchase it here.

• DSP 1 (Installation)
• DSP 1 (User)
• DSP 2
• DSP 2S
• DSP 3
• TEK 21
• TEK DSP
• TEKTAMET 2

If your conveyor metal detector is still not working correctly and you require a service technician contact us today.  We have a network of Thermo Goring Kerr Service Technicians capable of repairing your Goring Kerr metal detectors.

Metal Detector Repairs

Like many other electronic devices an industrial metal detector will break down.  The systems are designed to operate 24/7 in harsh industrial environments.  This will cause the electronics to fatigue and loss calibration.  Often these adjustments are minor in nature and require a simple service call.

If your metal detection system has external damage that require service it is possible to send in your unit to a repair shop.  

When requesting a service repair professional please include all information about the model and application of your Goring Kerr metal detector

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.

Things to consider when testing an inline detection system

There are a number of elements of any conveyor system that can adversely affect the performance of a metal detector.  This will apply to almost all installations and require ongoing observation and maintenance.

Mechanical Assemblies

Metal detectors are very sensitive devices and can be impacted by external mechanical vibrations and movement.  As conveyor systems wear they often loosen up and cause new vibrations throughout the frame work.  These vibrations will introduce low and high frequency vibrations in to the metal detector.  In turn this will lead to either an increase of false rejections or an automatic reduction of the system’s ability to detector metal.  

A simple way to test for this type of problem is to simply stop the conveyor.  Once the conveyor has stopped moving observe the reaction of the detection system.  If the indicators settle down or the reject mechanisms stops operating you can almost be 100% sure you have an installation problem with the conveyor.

Check your manufactures installation manual for the correct installation requirements for your system.

How often should i test my metal detector?

You should test your metal detector as often as needed to reduce risk.  This risk is typically judged by how fast your inventory moves.  Warehousing the finished goods and not shipping between testing periods allows you time to recall and retest any suspect product.  This window reduces the risk and allows for corrective action – typically re-testing the finished goods.

Testing for many food producers is every hour, every shift and every batch.  Most metal detector manufacturers have a testing schedule in their manuals.  Check your manufacture to see if they have provided you one.

Quality control testing procedures for metal detectors

As with many industrial machines testing and recording the results is often the key to trouble shooting later on.  This is very important when testing a metal detection system such as a conveyor metal detector.

Quick Steps For Testing a Conveyor Metal Detector

1. Ensure product passes through the opening (aperture) without touching the inside
2. Allow several products to pass through undetected
3. Place metal sample in center of product as it passes through the metal detector
4. Wait for rejection device to correctly remove the tested product from the production line.
5. Test 10 times for 100% success.
6. Test with both ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel test samples

IF you have any question on how to test your metal detector leave a comment below.

Today’s world of high speed food production and consumer awareness it is critical to ensure the quality and safety of the food we eat. 

Metal Detector

The food processing environment, such as bread factories and candy plants, utilize an inline metal detection system designed to detect and remove the smallest piece of metal contaminate.  These highly sophisticated systems are specifically designed for each application.  Detecting metal in a loaf of bread, bagel or muffin is very different then doing the same metal detection in a chocolate bar, candy cane or bad of potatoes chips. 

Metal Detection Setup

How do you know if you have the metal detection system setup correctly?  The first place to start is with the manufactures manual.  Having the correct manual is a must when setting up a metal detection system.  The Thermo Goring Kerr Manuals are designed for each specific model of detector they manufacture.  Just the same the Safeline Metal Detector manual is designed for their specific models. Conveyor metal detectors from Graseby Goring Kerr like the Thermo Metal Detector Manuals offer a range of settings and typical setup instructions that will help to guide you to the optimal performance.  

Food Metal Detector

In the food industry metal detection is an integral part of any process.  From the raw ingredients to the finished goods metal detectors are everywhere.  Utilizing pipeline systems to capture in process liquids offers a low cost solution to your quality control needs.  Goring Kerr pipelines have a range of features that both detect and confirm the removal, or rejection, of metal fragments.  

Free Flowing (Gravity Fed) Metal Detector

With dry goods food producers generally utilize a gravity system to flow the product, grains, flour, sugar and other dry goods past or through a metal detection system.  The Goring Kerr system (Model 401) has the ability to both detect and accurately reject with confirmation the tramp metal.

Metal Detector Manuals

As with any piece of equipment installation and correct operation are critical.  Having the right manual is mandatory in any food processing plant.  The Goring Kerr (Thermo Goring Kerr) metal detection systems have a very comprehensive manual.  From how to install to how to use these manuals for are a must have for any maintenance department.  

Here is a list of Goring Kerr Manuals For Download

• DSP 3
  
• DSP 2
  
• DSP 2S
  
• DSP 1
  
• TEK 21
  
• Tektamet 2
  
• Tektamet 1
  

make sure you read and follow your specific manual in order to achieve the best performance of your Goring Kerr metal detector.

Purchase the complete Goring Kerr Tektemat 1 User Manual today.  After purchasing you will receive a PDF file containing the complete Installation and Operation manual for the Goring Kerr Tektemat 1 metal Detector.

Purchase today and receive a 35% discount off the regular price.

Have questions?

Leave us a message, our staff have over 20 years experience in the Industrial Metal Detection industry and are intimately familiar with all models of Goring Kerr metal detectors.

Used Conveyor Metal Detectors

Many companies turn to the used metal detector market for their needs when purchasing an industrial metal detector.  This is often a good way to start when first using a metal detection system.  Some key points to remember when purchasing a used metal detector. 

• Is the metal detector functioning correctly?
• Is the conveyor belt clean and free of contamination?
• Will your product (candy boxes, bread, etc..) pass through the metal detector opening easily?
• Was the used conveyor metal detector built for your type of product?

These are some basic question you should ask yourself when purchasing a used metal detector system.  As you research further to understand the systems performance make sure you ask the seller for performance capabilities so that you are well protected.

There are many factors that influence how a conveyor metal detector performs.  The ability to detect metal fragments within any given food, such as bread candy chocolate or meat, depends on a range of factors.

• Type of metal
• Shape of metal
• Orientation of metal
• The opening or aperture of the metal detector
•  Location of metal within the aperture
• Environmental conditions
• The type of product and its consistency
• Operating frequency of metal detector
• Speed of production line

All of these factors and the combination of them and further the variance of them can greatly impact how a metal detector performs.

Lets talk about one of those factors “Metal Orientation”

Metal detector companies such as Safeline, Loma, Fortress Technologies, Goring Kerr, also known as Greaseby Goring Kerr and Thermo Goring Kerr, Eriez and more all rate their performance based on small spheres of metal.

Why do metal detectors use spheres to test performance?

A sphere is the only shape that has the same shape regardless of how you look at it.  No other shape when turned and rotated presents the same shape.  It is this reason alone why all industrial conveyor metal detector companies use a sphere to test performance of an industrial metal detector.  It is common practise to place this test sample inside the product being inspected and passed through the metal detector just as it would in production.  This is done so that you can best simulate a real world condition of having a metal contaminate in your product.  The frequency or how often you should test a metal detector is dependant on your company policy and risk aversion.

Metal orientation is a nightmare for any metal detector and an untold problem within the metal detection industry.  In the real world metal fragments come in all shapes and size and are placed anywhere within the product.  This wide range of variations makes it almost impossible to guarantee any real life performance for the food industry. 

Metal detectors only see cross-sectionally

When metal is passing through the metal detector the metal detection systems only see’s the cross-section of the piece of metal.  This is one of the main reasons spheres are used, their cross-section doesn’t change when you change the location of the sample.  However, in the real world metal fragments have changing cross-sections and are highly unpredictable. 

Learn more on how to test your metal detector for the inspection of candy, ground beef, cheese, chocolate, cereal and more.

Read more on the correct testing procedures in the Goring Kerr Manual, Graseby Goring Kerr Manual and the Thermo Goring Kerr Manual