.svg)
Eagle system allows food manufacturers to increase uptime and energy efficiency
Tampa, Florida, September 2012 – Companies producing consumable products know that hygiene and cleaning procedures are of paramount importance, as are product inspection systems to ensure food is contaminant-free. At PACK EXPO 2012 Booth #2452 (Chicago, USA, 28-31 October), Eagle Product Inspection demonstrated how the advanced design of its Pack 400 HC x-ray inspection system can help food manufacturers in the packaged meat, poultry and dairy industries increase operational and energy efficiencies of their production lines, while meeting the strictest hygiene and food safety requirements. As with other x-ray inspection systems in the Eagle range, the Pack 400 HC can simultaneously inspect for foreign bodies including metal, glass, stone and bone, as well as checking products for correct weight, size and shape.
While frequent cleaning procedures in food processing environments are essential to protect consumers as well as brand reputation, they can result in costs for manufacturers in terms of time and labor. The Pack 400 HC’s design reduces the time required to perform cleaning procedures, with interlocked, hinged louvers that can easily be operated and lifted, reducing the time dedicated to reassembly after cleaning. The system also includes a conveyor belt designed for easy removal, which reduces downtime during production line changeovers or after product spillages. The Pack 400 HC’s design includes welded, thick stainless steel plates rather than traditional bolted plates, allowing for quick and easy cleaning. With less time and labor spent on cleaning and reassembly of equipment, manufacturers are able to increase overall productivity.
The Pack 400 HC is more energy efficient than other inspection systems that require a separate air conditioning unit as its integrated water-cooled heat exchanger prevents overheating. The new heat exchanger also reduces energy consumption and saves space in the production line, giving it a smaller footprint than machines that incorporate a separate unit for cooling. While other Eagle systems in the range for packaged products feature smaller conveyor belts, the Pack 400 HC offers a wider belt of 400mm for the inspection of mid-sized to larger products.
The Pack 400 HC’s design also allows manufacturers to meet international meat processing safety guidelines and regulations, including those published by the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group’s (EHEDG), as well as European regulations for safety of machinery and hygiene requirements (EN ISO 14159:2002 and EN 1672-2: 2005 +A1:2009).
“In the current climate, not only maintaining but improving the bottom line is essential for food processors and manufacturers at a global level,” said Christy Miller, Marketing Manager, Eagle Product Inspection. “Designed for efficiency, the Pack 400 HC offers Eagle’s high standards of inspection accuracy, while helping manufacturers improve their overall operation efficiencies and meet international hygiene requirements.”