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Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry technology for accurate fat analysis, contaminant identification and checkweighing
November 1, 2011 – Tampa, FL – Eagle (Formerly Smiths Detection Product Inspection) will showcase its fat analysis system, Eagle™ FA 720 PRO, for meat producers at Process Expo 2011 (November 1 – 4) at the McCormick Convention Center (Chicago, IL), booth #643. This advanced tool provides a non-invasive and highly accurate inline method of fat analysis with 100% inspection. Based on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technology, the system accurately produces chemical lean (CL) values within +/- 1CL. The accuracy of the measurement combined with its superior inspection capabilities provides meat producers with a cost-effective, efficient tool to prevent product giveaway and eliminate claims on fat content, helping to reduce costs.
In order to determine fat levels, the Eagle™ FA 720 PRO uses two energy spectrums to discriminate between high and low channel x-rays. By evaluating the ratio of energy absorbed at a high spectrum to the level of energy absorbed at a lower spectrum, the technology infers the average atomic numbers of the product scanned to provide an accurate and reliable CL value. Further, the inline system performs real-time scanning to allow manufacturers to quickly verify that incoming and outgoing meat, either in bulk or hygienic storage E2 size crates, is within specification – allowing for total control without disruption to output levels. Since x-ray cross-section absorption in the high energy beam is proportional to weight, the system can checkweigh products to better than 1.5% dynamic accuracy, independent of vibrations and air current.
To ensure compliance, the Eagle™ FA 720 PRO features Eagle’s intuitive management software, barcode readers and trace servers to allow quality personnel to remotely access real-time data . This is especially important considering new regulations calling for traceability through every stage of a product’s life cycle. Meat products now need to be effectively catalogued and product tracking information simple and easy to access.
A multifunctional machine, the Eagle™ FA 720 PRO can simultaneously inspect for metal, stone, glass and bone contaminants. The system not only monitors fat content of meat products, but it can also detect foreign objects and check mass at speeds of up to 320,000 pounds of bulk or carton meat per hour. For example, Lone Star Beef Processors installed an Eagle™ FA 720 PRO at its plant in San Angelo, Texas. The company, which is a full-service slaughter house processing between 920 and 930 head of cattle per day during peak season (typically late Spring through to mid December), is now able to identify and remove contaminants from the product prior to shipment. Since installation it has estimated an increase of over 90% in contaminant detection.
“Trends such as a focus on healthy living, demands for price competitiveness and stricter regulations are driving demand for more advanced fat analysis tools. The Eagle™ FA 720 PRO enables meat producers to meet these demands without impeding the productivity of their lines, saving costs from contaminants, unnecessary giveaway and fat claims,” said Terry Woolford, General Manager, Eagle Product Inspection. “It is the ideal combination of measurement accuracy and efficiency.”
Eagle will also be showcasing its Eagle™ Pack 430 PRO systems and advanced functionalities at Process Expo. Eagle™ Pack 430 PRO x-ray inspection systems use MDX and SimulTask™ technologies to allow food manufacturers to inspect products with complex density levels and in innovative pack styles with the high degree of reliability and flexibility required.