X-Ray Machine Service

Validation/Verification

Validating a machine (a process sometimes called verification) involves passing contaminants through the x-ray machine to ensure that it gets rejected. Machine validations are usually done every hour, and buyers will often require records of this as part of their audit process. Our software package, DSO Sentinel, which also works with most machines, has a built-in function for this to streamline the process and ensure operators don't skip it and fill in a spreadsheet when you get audited. Because this is a universal, noninvasive procedure, we can do this for all machines. Our technicians can perform this function when needed and set your operators up to do it properly and regularly going forward.

Radiation Surveys

Radiation surveys are required by each state every year, and involve a certified tech using a rad meter to ensure the radiation output by each machine does not exceed the limit of that state. Most states defer to the national FDA's requirements, which is that no more than 500 microrem can escape past the curtains. Because this is noninvasive, we can also do this for all models on the market.

Radiation Packages

Radiation packages are safety parameters dictated by each state, and are required at machine setup. This involves dedicating a "Radiation Safety Officer," establishing safety procedures and documentation, and placing radiation safety signs, or postings, in certain conspicuous places as well as markings on the floor. Naturally, we also provide this service for all makes and models of x-ray machines.

Radiation Safety Training

ABM Equipment also provides the mandatory radiation safety training as required by each state. We are the only x-ray service company with an in-house, self-managed training program online, which your operators can take without all leaving the floor at once. Our program is only available for Eagle x-ray machines, but the online provider for all other manufacturers is RadCerts.com. The training is in English and Spanish.

Software

Most x-ray equipment's software is an afterthought, and producers are surprised at the lack of functions, including reporting and analytics. Our software package is designed to make x-ray machines more valuable to your process and easier to work with. We can install it on most x-ray machines on the market.

Calibrations

Calibrating an x-ray machine is needed when your machine isn't performing as desired or you change products and need different inspection parameters. Because this requires adjusting the machines' algorithms, our ability to do this will depend on which algorithms the manufacturer restricts. We can provide some level of calibration for nearly all machines, but some companies want to be able to charge you to change them. Eagle allows anyone to do this, and we have general instructions for sensitivity and autolearn for legacy machines here. PXT calibration instructions can be found here.

Repairs

ABM Equipment also provides repairs for any part the manufacturer will allow us to. We can service nearly all machines' external parts (conveyors, louvers, curtains, structural items, etc.). Replacing computers, detectors, air or water cooling systems, and light stacks are available depending on the access we're allowed and whether the parts are "proprietary" or widely available.

Maintenance

The most common maintenance procedures on an x-ray machine are belt changes, filter cleaning, bearing greasings (for the conveyor), motor maintenance, curtain changes, and belt tracking. The recommended time for checking these items is once every 3-6 months, depending on if you run the machine 24 or 12 hours per day respectively. We can perform these inspections for you or advise you on them—for free if you're a customer. The most common service products we're asked for are x-ray curtains, which we do provide).

Modifications and Customizations

Sometimes food manufacturers change their process but still want to keep the machine. Again, depending on the manufacturer, we can upgrade and modify certain aspects. This includes but is not limited to washdown ratings, height of the machine, cooling systems, tool-less belt removal upgrades, radiation shielding methods, conveyor types, reject types or lengths, and reject rework systems.

NEED SERVICE? CONTACT US BELOW! WE HAVE PREDEFINED SERVICE PACKAGES/MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS FOR EAGLE MACHINES AND CAN ALSO CREATE ONE FOR THE MACHINES YOU OWN AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR OPERATIONS.