IDM ¦ Technology/IT
interface. The new interface has improved historical information
and analysis tools to help the operator optimise the Food Radar’s
performance. Normally, the line can be operated with as little as
two to three different signal processing settings, but some customers
optimise the setting for each product.
The Food Radar has an open and flexible architecture and can
be completely integrated into the customers PLC system. In this
case no settings need to be done on the Food Radar, everything
is instead part of the control recipe of the production line, hence
minimizing human errors.
Some screening technologies, even when they can detect and
remove foreign bodies, can result in large amounts of waste – but
not the Food Radar, whose precision technology and fast reaction
time mean that rejections result in negligible losses of as little as
0.5-2 kg of product. The system also keeps a graphical historical
record of system performance, with full data and strength of all
rejections shown clearly on the screen.
Pilot tests
But what the team at Food Radar Systems really want food manufacturers
to know is that they can come and try out their technology
for themselves. When the team say, “seeing is believing”,
they really mean it. The cornerstone of their approach is to invite
potential customers to bring their own product and run it
through the Food Radar. And they are so confident in what their
technology can do, that manufacturers can add any of the usual
low-density contamination to their product and watch the Food
Radar ‘do its thing’. Mikael Reimers, Food Radar Systems’ Head
of Customer Care, says: “We really love demonstrating the Food
Radar to people in the industry, because we know just how en-
ergized they get when they see what the technology can do. We
get a real buzz when we see the initial scepticism disappear as
pieces of soft plastic are effortlessly and instantly removed from
the food.”
The pilot test takes place over two days at Food Radar Systems’
HQ in Gothenburg, Sweden. Customers are invited to bring
around 60 kgs of each product they would like to test, plus of
course some foreign bodies that typically pose a threat to production.
Sven Bodell, Food Radar Systems’ President, says: “In
addition to the unique capability of detecting wood, plastic and
even insects, the ability to detect organic faults, such as starch or
spice lumps, is another benefit that our customers have difficulty
in believing...that is until they see the system in operation.”
After the pilot test, each client will receive a full, detailed report
of the performance of the Food Radar when monitoring their
product over the course of the two days. And, if the client decides
to go ahead with the purchase, they will, together with the technicians
at Food Radar Systems, design a system specific to their
line. After that, they will receive detailed drawings and preparatory
documents to make the installation smooth and effective.
The entire point of the pilot is that the customer is fully assured
of the benefits of the system, and exactly how it will work,
before making an investment. For the team at Food Radar Systems,
this process is not only about demonstrating the effectiveness
of the technology but working closely with the customers to
understand their specific needs – it’s about demonstrating their
dedication to helping customers improve their business.
(All photos: Food Radar System)
Foreign bodies of different density can now be detected
using the new Swedish concept
Detection of rubber gaskets, and parts of them, increases
food safety
20 · September/October 2021 ¦ international-dairy.com
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