Potato X-Ray
The most popular—and optimally sized—X-ray models for potato applications are the bulk 415 and 540 models. These models are PXT-compatible, which is favored by larger producers for their precision in extremely messy images. French fries, for example, can cross each other or run perpendicular to detectors, making detection of small contaminants difficult for older X-ray models. Using photon-counting technology has allowed us to reduce false rejects and create rework procedures that are both simpler and more effective for our customers.
The Potato x-ray machine inspection system is designed to specifically address the unique handling requirements posed by bulk or loose products, as well as help food manufacturers comply with stringent HACCP protocols and food safety requirements. The x-ray machine’s unique cupped belt construction is ideal for the efficient transport, containment, inspection and rejection of high-volume dry bulk product. This innovative belt design promotes uniform flow of product while reducing spillage and product loss.
The infeed chute has been placed so product falls onto the already cupped belt, away from the end conveyor to reduce dust and product blowback therefore reducing wear on bearings, and increasing machine longevity. These components and a rugged, stainless steel construction, combined with hinged end-louvers, which contain the conveyor assembly, allow safe, easy belt access for fast maintenance and cleaning, make the Potato x-ray machine the right choice for high performance inspection applications.
MDX Advantage
Applications such as vegetables, nuts, cereals and other food ingredients can be challenging for standard x-ray systems as contaminants can prove difficult to detect in ‘busy’ x-ray images. However, Eagle’s MDX™ option overcomes these challenges by using dual energy technology to discriminate materials by chemical composition. Therefore a system equipped with MDX is able to detect contaminants that traditional x-ray systems may not be able to detect. This enables the Potato x-ray machine with MDX to more clearly identify any foreign contaminants contained within the product flow.
Software and Reports
By combining Eagle and ABM's software, processors are able to track who changed settings at what times, monitor abnormal reject rates indicating an issue with the processing line, receive automated shift reports, save and view inspection images, and monitor processing lines within or across manufacturing plants.
Rejecter
An innovative four-lane flap rejection mechanism, each covering one quarter of the belt, helps to ensure contamination is removed from the production process while keeping the ejection of good product to a minimum. This not only cuts the risk of substandard product reaching end consumers, but also reduces product waste, protecting profits and enhancing efficiency
Potato x-ray Features and Benefits
- Unique cupped belt design keeps product on the belt, promotes uniformity of flow and reduces spillage
- Proprietary SimulTaskTM PROsoftware provides advanced image analysis and is easy to use while delivering high performance inspection results
- Powerful image analysis routines, on-screen diagnostics and safety system status visualization
- Tool-less belt removal promotes ease of cleaning and maintenance for maximum uptime
- CAT 3 safety circuit with system status visualization comes as standard
- TraceServerTM option manages critical inspection data on a PC or Network
Cupped Belt and Hinged Louvers for Bulk
Potato x-ray machine unique cupped belt design keeps product centered on the belt, promotes uniformity of flow and reduces spillage. The stainless formed conveyor bed reduces belt wear and improves tracking. Hinged louvers allow easy access for cleaning, maintenance and belt change out is simple with minimal downtime.
Dimensions
Beam Geometry Diagram
Potato x-ray machine cupped belt design allows for inspection of up to 39mm (1.5”) of product depth at the edge of the belt.
Specifications
| Model | Potato x-ray |
|---|---|
| Conveyor Width & Length | 485 mm Wide x 2500 mm Long (19.1” Wide x 98.4” Long) |
| Line Height | 864 mm to 1067 mm, ±50 mm (34" to 42", ±2")1 |
| Conveyor Speed Range | 17 to 64 m/min (55 to 210 FPM) 1 |
| X-ray Power | 140kV @ 1mA (140W) Standard, or 140kV @ 3.5mA (490W) Optional |
| X-ray Type & Emissions | Single beam; x-ray emissions <1 µS/hr; 21 CFR 1020.40 and 21 CFR 179.21 compliant |
| Detector Resolution | 0.4 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1.2 mm pitch single energy, or 1.2 mm pitch MDX™ dual energy detector |
| Display & Operating System | 15" TFT color touch screen, 250GB memory, Windows Xp Embedded OS, SimulTask™ Imaging Software available in 19 different user interface languages |
| Safety | (2) E-Stops, LTO Main Disconnect, Category 3 (EN954), PLd (EN13849) safety circuit with system visualization via machine user interface |
| Communications | (2) USB 2.0 ports, (1) Ethernet 10 Base-T/100 mbps port, (1) RS232 serial port |
| I/O | (4) Input signals, (4) reject output signals, (5) output signals |
| Ingress Protection & Finish | IP65 Ingress Protection, Type 304 stainless steel bead blasted enclosure |
| Operating Range | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) 25% to 90% Relative Humidity Non-condensing |
| Power Requirements | 230 VAC, +10/-15%, 50/60 Hz, 20 Amp, single phase |
| System Cooling | 4000 BTU Air conditioner |
| Air Requirements | 5.5 BAR (80 psi), 3/8” (9.5 mm) line, dry & filtered when supplied with rejecter |
| Belt Specification | White TPU food grade seamless belt operating range -30° to 80°C (-22° to 176°F); Compliant to EC 1935/2004 & Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 & Directive 2002/72/EC; FDA 21 CFR Parts 170-190 |
| Reject | 24VDC Signal (Standard), 4 Lane Flap (Optional) |
| Options & Accessories | MDX Dual Energy, TraceServer™ Software, Low Air Pressure Sensor |