Metal detection and removal stand as guardians of food safety, effectively screening products for metallic contaminants that might pose a threat to consumer health. The food industry extensively deploys metal detection and removal equipment to maintain compliance with global food safety standards like HACCP, and to meet consumer expectations of product integrity.
The presence of metal fragments in food products can lead to serious health risks. Consequently, manufacturers prioritize metal detection and removal to intercept and eliminate these hazards before products reach the marketplace, safeguarding public health and upholding brand reputation.
The Role of Magnetic Separators in Food Processing
Magnetic separation serves a dual purpose: extending the life of other processing equipment by protecting it from damage caused by metal and ensuring product purity by removing magnetic materials from products. Stainless steel fragments, if work-hardened, can also be removed from processing lines using magnetic separators.
This preparatory step augments the effectiveness of subsequent metal detection processes and is an integral part of the quality assurance protocols in food processing operations.
Complementing Technologies in Metal Separation
While magnetic separators excel at removing ferromagnetic materials, they constitute one aspect of an overarching metal separation strategy. Metal detectors and X-ray systems, which do not possess separation capabilities akin to magnetic separators, play a complementary role. Typically positioned after magnetic separation stages, these detectors provide an additional safeguard, identifying and flagging non-magnetic metals and other contaminants for removal.
Advances in metal detection include greater sensitivity to a wider range of metal types, including non-ferrous and stainless steel.
X-ray technology can detect non-metallic contaminants, further enhancing product safety and purity.
Combining magnetic separators with these technologies allows for a comprehensive approach to contaminant removal. This multi-layered defence is critical in food processing, where product safety is imperative.
It’s well known that both metal detectors and magnets have limitations – this is why, wherever possible, high-intensity compliant magnets and up-to-date metal detection technology combined are needed if the most responsible path of metal contamination risk reduction is to be pursued.
Magnattack® Magnetic Separators Designed To Boost Process Efficiency
Advancements in magnetic separation technology have come a long way, largely driven by increasing demands for product purity and process efficiency. Innovations include the development of stronger magnetic materials, which has led to enhanced capture abilities, as well as modular designs that improve maintenance and operational flexibility. Some of Magnattack’s magnetic separators most popular for their efficiency and convenience include:
The Mag-Ram® is an advanced self-cleaning magnetic separator, allowing for quick, hygienic, and efficient cleaning of grate magnets without interrupting the production process. The Mag-Ram enhances operational efficiency by minimising downtime and the need for operator intervention. The modular design allows for customisation with various magnetic rams and rows, making it adaptable for different applications.
The Rapidclean® Drawer Magnet is an easy-to-clean, sanitary grate magnet engineered to minimise recontamination risks during cleaning, as well as overcome the limitations of conventional grate magnet technology in the food industry. It features single-bar cleaning to prevent door jamming, a common issue in multi-bar and sleeved grate magnets. Its cleaning process takes place entirely outside of the product stream, allowing operators to access, inspect, and clean the magnet with minimal recontamination risk. Additionally, the Rapidclean’s quick-release magnetic door closure minimises powder and product leakage during cleaning.
Swift-Clean® Acutex® Probes are a game-changing advancement that makes cleaning of magnetic probes faster, simpler, and safer. For operators seeking an upgrade from the standard Magnattack Acutex Probe, the Swift-Clean® Acutex Probe delivers unmatched flexibility, reliability, and ease of use for maintaining a clean and efficient system. The Swift-Clean Acutex Probe can be easily removed from the system for out-of-stream cleaning. Once removed from the process, the plunger is simply retracted to initiate the demagnetisation process and detach metal particles from the probe. This design helps reduce risk of injury during cleaning and makes the overall cleaning process quick and efficient.
Find the Magnetic Separation Equipment You’ve Been Needing With Magnattack
Magnattack magnets can help your company create a safe and quality final product. By carefully selecting magnetic separation equipment, you can rest assured your magnets are as efficient as possible. Contact Magnattack for a free consultation to determine which equipment is right for your application.
