6 Priorities to Evaluate when Choosing a Food X-Ray System
The optimal x-ray inspection system for a food processing facility should excel in six areas: Conformity, Safety, Operation, Hygiene, Efficiency, Service.
X-ray inspection devices are an indispensable technology for the global
food industry, helping to ensure the quality and safety of food products. But
while the functional principles of x-ray detection are always the same (a beam
passes through the product, creating a layer-by-layer image for a computer to
evaluate as either safe or faulty), x-ray detection systems are not all equal.
Different x-ray systems can display considerable differences in performance
that can in turn have a significant impact on food safety.
To help food manufacturing and processing businesses better evaluate the
wide range of x-ray inspection devices on the market and choose the optimal
system for their production process, the food safety experts at Sesotec have
developed a simple six-point framework.
The 6P-Concept
The 6P-Concept encompasses six priorities that food processors can evaluate to
determine if an x-ray inspection system will optimally serve their overarching
food safety goals.
1.
Conformity
The
system should make it possible to comply with all necessary food safety
standards and regulations.
X-ray
inspection devices are a tool for avoiding the physical contamination of food
products. In order to assist manufacturers in upholding legal requirements and
third-party standards for food safety, x-ray detection devices must be
integrated at identified critical
control points and
consistently perform at detection accuracy levels appropriate for the present risk.
2.
Safety
The
system reliably protects employees, products, the brand, and data.
Beyond
protecting consumers from contamination hazards, x-ray inspection machines
should also serve to protect the company who uses it in a number of ways.
For
one thing, the consistent detection of physical contaminants in products is
crucial to preventing product recalls. This in turn protects the brand from financial
and reputational damage. And in order to ensure food
traceability, data
processed by x-ray inspection devices must also be stored securely in such a
way that it can be quickly recalled and referenced.
Additionally,
x-ray systems must be built to minimize exposure to radiation for both
employees and products.
3.
Operation
The
system should be simple and intuitive to operate so as to reduce the risk of
human error.
The
initial set-up of a new x-ray inspection device is always a complex process
that must be performed by an experienced specialist. However, once in
operation, an x-ray food scanner should include an electronic interface that is
intuitive enough that all relevant employees, regardless of experience level,
can feel confident using it. Clear and simple functionality and navigation
helps to prevent errors and reduce time and resources spent training staff.
4. Hygiene
The system
is designed according to the best practices of hygienic design and offers easy
cleaning and maintenance.
Like
any equipment used in a facility that processes food, x-ray inspection devices
should be designed to minimize the risk that the device itself becomes a factor for cross-contamination. An x-ray inspection device built according to hygienic
design best
practices should be easy to clean, resistant to wear, and free of areas where
moisture can accumulate, among other things.
5.
Efficiency
The
system should increase output and reduce food waste.
The
optimal x-ray inspection device should improve a processing facility’s
productivity rather than hinder it. To do so, the system must be able to
reliably operate at the pace of production and should experience as little
unplanned downtime as possible. Furthermore, x-ray inspection devices should be
as precise as possible so as to avoid wasting food through false rejects.
6. Service
The
manufacturer of the system should provide comprehensive service and support to
guarantee continued performance.
Over
the course of an x-ray device’s lifecycle, ongoing service from the equipment
manufacturer is crucial to ensuring that the proceeding five points are
sufficiently addressed. From validation assistance prior to the purchase, to the initial
installation and calibration of a device, to ongoing maintenance visits,
predictive maintenance, and quickly supplying spare parts – the breadth and
quality of services provided by the original equipment manufacturer are
decisive for ensuring the continued effectiveness of your device and the
avoidance of unplanned downtime.
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The
following checklist gives specific examples of features and specifications that
a food processor might consider when assessing a device according to the 6P
framework:
1. Conformity
Detection accuracy – The x-ray system meets or exceeds
requirements for detection accuracy. IFS Food V7, for example, requires that
systems can detect particles of stainless steel as small as 0.8mm.
In-process integration – The x-ray system can be
integrated directly at all critical control points identified in the HACCP
plan.
Documentation – The x-ray system archives
inspection data in keeping with traceability protocols.
Certifications – The x-ray system carries
certifications from UL and CSA, among others.
2. Safety
Radiation dose – The radiation from x-ray system is less than 1 mSv/a, a
value which does not pose a danger to employees.
Design for safety – The device includes safety
features, such as a safety cover whose removal automatically turns off the
x-ray beam.
Data security – The x-ray system uses a secure
user login system, such as RFID, to protect data.
3. Operation
Ergonomics – The x-ray system interface is
physically easy to use (e.g. touchscreen operation, height position,
legibility, RFID login)
Intuitive design – The x-ray system interface is easy
to navigate, requires no prior experience to quickly learn, and includes an
auto-learning function.
Multifunctional – The x-ray system interface can
automatically inspect different products on the same line.
4. Hygiene
Accessibility – The x-ray system includes
features, such as toolless access to the conveyor belt, that simplify cleaning
and maintenance.
Hygienic design – The x-ray systems is designed in a
way that reduces cleaning effort, such as through the elimination of radiation
protection curtains.
Hygienic materials – The x-ray system is built with
materials that are certifiably food-safe, wear-resistant, and suitable for wet cleaning.
5. Efficiency
Operating speed – The x-ray system can process goods
at a pace in keeping with production by means of parallel lanes and high
conveyance speeds.
Sensitivity – The x-ray system can be configured
to detect further defects such as under- and overweight packages, broken and
misshapen products.
False rejection rate – The x-ray system displays a
verifiably low rate of false rejects, thus reducing food waste.
Predictive maintenance – The x-ray system includes early
alerts for maintenance requirements, such as a notification when the x-ray
source must be changed.
6. Service
Pre-purchase – The manufacturer of the x-ray
system provides validation assistance
Post-purchase – The manufacturer provides
installation and configuration services as well as training materials for
employees.
Technical support – The manufacturer provides comprehensive
remote support and on-site maintenance, as well as service packages for spare
parts and replacement devices.
Warranty – The manufacturer offers robust warranty and
service packages for every stage of the device’s lifecycle.
Conclusions
In order to
sufficiently support food safety in a processing facility, a sophisticated
x-ray inspection device should excel in all areas addressed by the 6P concept.
Over time, deficiencies in any of these six aspects could lead to significant
performance issues that carry negative consequences for food safety and company.
On the other hand, x-ray devices whose design,
functionality, and service show careful attention to each of the six priorities
can provide reliable and lasting performance
in service of your company’s food safety management program.
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Sesotec has completed the proven RAYCON product family and
thus offers X-ray inspection solutions for all applications in the food
industry.
In our E-Book you can learn more about the RAYCON X-ray systems and how they implement the 6 priorities of food processing.
