Metal Detection: Detector Sensitivity

The theoretical sensitivity of a given metal detector is determined by the aperture size. The smaller the aperture, the smaller the piece of metal that can be detected.

The smaller dimension of rectangular apertures is used to calculate the sensitivity, although the length also contributes.

To maximize sensitivity a detector the smallest size aperture should be selected. However there are some exceptions:

• Metalized Film
• Oxygen Scavengers
• Highly Conductive product (large blocks of cheese)

Product effect, metal free area, type and orientation of contaminant and other factors can affect the practical sensitivity in any application.