ProteX X-ray Systems

Food products are made from natural ingredients. During the harvesting of these ingredients, foreign objects can sometimes find their way into the processing plant. X-ray inspection helps to identify such objects thereby protecting the integrity of the product.

Automated X-ray inspection releases small amounts of radiation which can cause some concern for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, the amount of radiation released is extremely small and complies with Australian guidelines for food safety.

The amount of radiation released is significantly less than that emitted by natural sources such as: radon gas, gamma decay in rocks, cosmic radiation and background radiation from the sun.

All X-ray equipment sold in Australia must be certified to ensure the operator is not exposed to more than 0.1 millirems (mrem) of radiation per hour. Assuming a typical 40-hour workweek, workers are only exposed to a maximum of 200 mrem per year.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection states that we can safely absorb up to 5000 mrem per year.

Yes, all major countries around the world have regulatory standards that ensure the safe use of radiological equipment. In Australia, radiological equipment is regulated by each state.

X-ray inspection helps food and pharmaceutical companies to safeguard the integrity of their products. This gives consumers confidence that these products are safe and helps to protect brands from the negative publicity caused by product recalls.

Previous methods for identifying foreign objects in food relied on metal detection. While this works effectively for both ferrous and nonferrous metals, metal detectors often struggle to detect bone, glass, stone or plastic fragments. Additionally, if the packaging has some form of metal/foil, then any contaminants will be difficult to be picked up on a metal detector.

X-ray detection machines are more effective at identifying these materials. Furthermore, X-ray machines produce high-resolution scans which can be used to identify faulty products and missing components before shipping.

Modern X-ray machines produce a stream of electromagnetic radiation that passes through an X-ray tube. This tube contains an anode that produces X-rays. These high-energy rays are then directed towards the product to be analysed.

Different materials absorb X-rays at different rates, soft material has a low absorption rate, while dense material has a high absorption rate. The absorption rates are detected by a sensor that uses them to build an image for analysis.

X-rays can detect a range of contaminants across a broad range of categories including plastic, metals, stone and bone. Machines can also be specified to detect specific contaminants and sizes. Examples include salt lumps, raw bone fragments and PTFE.

X-ray inspection is most effectively used in two places on the production line. They can be installed at the beginning of the production line to scan raw ingredients as they come in. This helps to identify objects picked up during harvesting.

They are then used again once production is completed to scan finished product / goods. This helps to detect contaminants introduced during the production process, and can be used to identify faults such as air bubbles and missing components.

Yes, this is one of the biggest benefits of using X-ray detection. The machines can be easily integrated into your existing production line process. This allows you to benefit from the technology without making significant changes to your production process.

The speed and accuracy of the machines also help to improve production efficiency. There are fewer false reject rates than other types of inspection equipment, plus X-ray machines can be specified to match your production line speed.

Yes, many major pharmaceutical and food manufacturers stipulate that X-ray inspection is essential in the manufacturing process of their products, while smaller brands are aware of the benefits of the technology. Installing an X-ray inspection system can help you secure new business.

X-ray detection is preferable to other methods because it’s capable of identifying more contaminants than metal detection alone. X-ray detection can also be used to detect contaminants where metal/foil packaging is used. Because of these extra benefits provided from a superior inspection system, X-ray systems are generally a lot more costly than metal detectors.

The X-ray inspection machine price is only part of the cost of installing the technology. X-ray machines need to be inspected and serviced each year to ensure they continue to work safely.

The cost of an annual inspection is affordable, however. Most X-ray inspection systems manufacturers will provide you with an inspection and service plan when you install your machine.