Mettler-Toledo Presents X33 Series Bulk Variant

Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray  has launched the X33 Series Bulk Variant with optimal contamination detection for dry and sticky bulk foods, inspecting products for contaminants such as glass and metal fragments, calcified bone, mineral stone and high-density plastic. Food manufacturers working with bulk food staples such as cereals, raisins, olives, dried fruits and even prawns or minced meat have long had to safeguard their production lines against the dampness and dust caused by these products, with wash-down procedures that are onerous and time-consuming. Specially developed to handle virgin and unformed food materials, the X33 Series bulk variant combines hygienic design and enhanced conveyor mechanism for easy access and wash-down.

The bulk variant also features the revolutionary energy-saving x-ray generator developed by Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray in 2012 for the X33 Series. This technology offers the same exceptional level of contamination detection as standard systems while using only a fifth of the power, lowering energy consumption and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). It also minimises product waste through the machine’s rejection system that can be tailored to the application, using a four lane flap or an air blast reject to divert contaminated product to a lockable waste bin. In this way, only a small amount of product is rejected. 

At the same time, a large viewing window facilitates straightforward calibration of the rejection system and allows the operator to quickly check to see if product is transiting smoothly. The machine includes covers that can be lifted to provide easy access to all components as well as two in-feed options, a conveyor belt and a removable hopper, for in-depth cleaning and full IP69K wash-down compliance. The hopper incorporates a unique split design, making it lighter and considerably easier to remove and providing enhanced access for cleaning.   

“Hygiene is a key concern for food manufacturers working with bulk variants, as they seek to provide consumers with high quality products, ready for consumption,” explained Anthony Darragh, Head of Product Engineering, Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray. “With the design of the new X33 Series bulk variant, we’ve focused on ensuring any residue or dust from sticky or dry granulars can be removed easily, enabling companies to safeguard the quality and safety of their bulk products.”

The X33 Series bulk variant hygienic design and wash-down capabilities prevent any contamination during product inspection in compliance with a range of important food safety standards, such as the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) guidelines, the US 3-A sanitary standards and the NSF food safety standards. In addition, like all the machines in the X33 series, the bulk variant features a standard 20 Watt x-ray generator, rather than the 100 Watt generator used in traditional x-ray systems. This means that under typical operating conditions, the machine consumes 20 per cent less energy, helping to minimise production costs.