Do-it-all analysers for packaged meat

THE MULTIFUNCTION FA3 series from Eagle Product Inspection addresses manufacturers' demand for equipment that can analyse in-line fat and moisture of fresh and frozen meat products, as well as detect contaminants and measure weight simultaneously. The high-performance equipment which went on display for the first time at interpack 2014, speeds up throughput as it performs these functions for bulk flow and carton meat.

 

The new series incorporates Eagle's third-generation refinement of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology, which features the company's single-beam geometry introduced in 2004. The x-rays enable FA3 to distinguish between fat and lean meat, providing Chemical Lean (CL) measurements to better than +/- 1CL accuracy of all meat products.

 

As a detector of contaminants, the FA3 series has the capability to identify different chemical compositions. According to Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Frank Seelig, EMEA Partner sales manager at Eagle, these contaminants can range from glass shards to mineral stones to bones. Meat also comes in contact with rubber, metal fragments and plastics that may accidentally be left behind during packaging. The FA3 machines have the ability to distinguish these materials. The FA3/C in particular, can analyse products in cardboard cartons, plastic crates, and vacuum-packed frozen blocks, with the capability to do the measurements for 2,500 packaged per hour. The precision of the FA3/C is guaranteed by the SimulTaskTM, the company's proprietary advanced imaging software that helps identify contaminants fast so that reworking, if needed, can be done quickly as well.

 

Also integrated into the FA3/C is the UPSHOT^TM Compact X-Ray Imaging Geometry that scans packages from the bottom whilst detectors are secured above the package. This positioning gives the machine a better view since the x-ray source and detectors are closer to the package. Another breakthrough feature on the FA3/C simply called the Product Switch automatically adjusts the inspection parameters even as the line is running. By scanning a barcode, the switch allows products to move continuously along the line so that there is no downtime for manually switching products and recalibrating. The FA3/C is also painless to integrate into a manufacturer's floor. It has the optional Eagle TraceServer^TM for this job. This function provides real-time monitoring and archiving of inspection statistics, product images, and FA3/C reports via any computer with network access to the FA3/C.

Alternatively, integration can be done via Ethernet.

 

Unique to Eagle's fat analysers is the automated calibration system for pushbutton calibration without the need to handle bulky and potentially unsafe calibration "phantom blocks" on the factory floor. An auto-calibration stepper motor mechanism cycles a series of internal calibration standards through the beam in less than a minute, keeping the system operational with a single tap on the touch screen monitor.

 

Also exclusive to Eagle's machines is the VALIDATE^TM , a function that supports calibration check any time. With internal standards, the FA3/C will confirm calibration, record the validation results in a retrievable, secure electronic log, and advise the operator to recalibrate the system if needed. The electronic results log provides documentation which may later on be needed to dispute commercial claims that a product does not meet specifications.

 

Analyser for bulk flow meat

The FA3/B model from Eagle has several of the functions and features found in the FA3/C. It is designed to measure in-line fat and to detect contaminants on fresh, chilled, frozen or mixed bulk flow meat. For improved sanitation, this analyser has a troughed, friction-driven conveyor belt that can control products through the inspection zone as it also provides x-ray cross section to the imaging system. The maximum throughput of the FA3/B is 54 tonnes per hour.

Of this new product from Eagle, Simon King, Global Head Sales said, "This is testament to our commitment to innovation to make the best technology in the industry even better. By developing products that truly 'do it all', we can help manufacturers realise their efficiency and productivity goals, reducing waste and making tangible savings."

 

The FA3/B analyser for fresh, chilled, frozen or mixed bulk flow meat