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Mettler-Toledo Safeline, the worldwide leader in metal detection and x-ray inspection, announces a new metal detector designed specifically for the inspection of free falling products in vertical packaging applications. This detector will be showcased in booth S302 at Pack Expo in Chicago, October 31 – November 3, 2010.

At the heart of the new Super Throat metal detector is the company's revolutionary PowerPhasePRO electronics platform, which is available in fixed or multi frequency configurations. The new detector benefits from an advanced detection coil system and new detector head geometry that delivers incredible levels of sensitivity with improvements being greater than 30% in typical food production environments. Applications include the inspection of snack foods, cereals, confectionery, IQF products and any products packed in a VFFS bag making operation.

Since the introduction of its revolutionary Zero Metal Free Zone (ZMFZ) technology fifteen years ago, Mettler-Toledo has dominated this market segment. ZMFZ technology allows the metal detector to be installed in the confined space typically found between the outlet of a multi head weigher and the inlet to the VFFS bag maker. The new Super Throat also incorporates this unmatched technology.

The detection performance of the Super Throat has been further enhanced by a new software algorithm that identifies the signals given off by metal contamination and discriminates between these signals and those generated from the actual product itself.. "It is conceivable that many snack food producers could improve their current detection levels by a factor of two", says a company spokesman.

The Super Throat metal detector not only provides the ultimate in metal detection performance, but customers can benefit from reduced manufacturing costs and greater levels of production uptime through the development of a unique Condition Monitoring system that permanently monitors key elements of the metal detectors functionality and its performance levels.

During food safety risk management audits and HACCP analysis processes, many metal detectors are designated as Critical Control Points (CCPs). If a malfunction were to occur with the metal detector, the production line should shut down until the problem is rectified as the CCP is no longer protected. The costs associated with this can be very high; therefore a metal detector that alerts when a fault occurs is beneficial. However, a better solution is to have a metal detector that can provide an early warning before the fault actually occurs. This can provide a window of opportunity to conduct investigations and plan rectification maintenance work when it is more convenient; for example, during a planned line shut down or shift change.

While sensitivity is the measure of metal detection performance, other customer focused features have been developed to help make the Super Throat an integral part of a user's effective contamination prevention program.

Ensuring food safety compliance is met, helping to increase uptime and cost reduction are all key elements that are fundamental to the success of a food producer's business.

To help in avoiding this unnecessary downtime, the Super Throat has a secure personalized login system that allocates every user a unique access password linked to the user profile. Access levels can be configured in the language of the operator's choice from 18 options.

Several important functions and checks need to be performed on all metal detectors to maintain quality. These include the periodic testing of the metal detector systems' performance – which, if left unchecked, will lead to a non-compliance issue. Quality Managers need to be kept informed of test requirements and overdue tests. Likewise, if a breakdown or early warning alert is generated, this needs to be passed to the Maintenance Manager activate the necessary service intervention.

In highly automated processes, there are fewer operators working on the line and an increased risk that these occurrences could go unreported for considerable periods of time with the potential for an extremely costly outcome. All detectors in the PowerPhaserPRO range utilize the latest in communications technology enabling them to be configured to send email or text communications to various key people within the business meaning key personnel are never out of touch with the needs of the business.

About Mettler-Toledo Safeline
Mettler-Toledo Safeline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mettler-Toledo Inc., a global supplier of precision instruments with sales and service locations in 37 countries. The Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection Group, consisting of CI-Vision, Hi-Speed and Safeline, is the world's leading supplier of in-line checkweighers, metal detectors, machine vision systems and x-ray inspection systems. Industries including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, plastics and chemicals use our solutions to continuously improve the quality of their products and improve the efficiency of their manufacturing and packaging processes.

SOURCE: Mettler-Toledo Safeline