Here you will find guides to various types of inspection applications, as well as the answers to frequently asked questions such as “What can be found using x-ray?” and “How does your software enable traceability?”.
What can x-ray find?
Sapphire systems can detect contaminants such as metal, bone, stone, glass and certain plastics.
In addition, our systems can check for anomalies, such as inaccurate fill levels, missing or broken components, incomplete items, seal inspection and mass measurement (product weight), product counting and identify food conglomerations – such as pieces of pasta stuck together or inaccurately distributed seasoning or topping on or within products.
As a general rule, x-ray can detect items denser than water. So, if it floats on water it is likely to be undetectable by x-ray.
We offer a free trial of your products on our systems to identify how we can help your production process with product safety and quality control.
Is x-ray harmful in anyway?
Scientific evidence shows that x-rays don’t harm food. Food products that have been inspected by x-ray are unaffected in terms of taste and nutritional value.
The safety of operators using the x-ray machine is also protected, their exposure whilst using the machine is less than they received from everyday naturally occurring background radiation. Sapphire x-ray systems use a much lower intensity and emit less radiation than other industries such as airport security or in medicine. Food and products that pass through the x-ray are not harmed and any handlers using the machine are well protected from any x-ray exposure thanks to the careful design and use of safety materials.
This looks technical, how will our operators manage this machine?
When we install your system on site we also train your staff in how to operate the machine. This includes changing programmes, running reports, shutting the system down and dismantling for hygienic wash-down where appropriate.
We also run regular technical training programmes which include RPS (Radiation Protection Supervisor) training throughout the year at our headquarters in Cambridgeshire.
Training is tiered appropriately for user types and our systems are equipped to track changes made by your operators with the software ensuring traceability at all times.
My production line is busy and complex, how can you fit an x-ray without disruption?
We work in consultation with you to ensure that our machine design, build and installation meets with the exact requirements of your production line. We’ll take into account the impact of downtime and work with you to manage the least disruptive installation process to your schedule.
Will adding in an x-ray inspection slow my production line?
Sapphire systems are highly adaptable and can be modified to match most line speeds. Some of our systems are designed in an ‘up and over’ style, allowing you to utilise your existing conveyor so that products do not need to transfer from one conveyor to another.
You can see the maximum line speeds for each of our machines here.
I already have a metal detector, isn’t x-ray very expensive?
Because of their up-scaled technology and capabilities x-ray systems do cost more than metal detectors.
However, with their extra capabilities and detection opportunities the added benefits in terms of product safety and quality control for your production line is balanced by the comparatively extra cost, certainly far less than the cost of a product recall.
Sapphire Inspection Systems also offer machine rental and stepped payments to ease the cost of introducing an x-ray system to your plant.
How reliable is an x-ray machine?
The long-term reliability of the machine, or cost-of-ownership as it is also called is much improved compared to other manufacturers.
What else can your machines do other than inspect for contaminants?
In addition, our systems can check for anomalies, such as inaccurate fill levels, missing or broken components, incomplete items, seal inspection and mass measurement (product weight) and identify food conglomerations – such as pieces of pasta stuck together or inaccurately distributed seasoning or topping on or within products.
We offer a free trial of your products on our systems to identify how we can help your production process with product safety and quality control.
If the systems fails, how can Sapphire ensure my production line isn’t compromised?
When we install our systems our team ensure your staff receive appropriate training to manage standard system set-up and diagnose system irregularities.
Should you require further assistance, our service team are available 24-7 and can remote dial in to fault find and software fix.
Alternatively, should your machine need a new part of repair we can make a site visit quickly and efficiently.
Varying service contracts are available.
What are the lead times for your machines and parts?
We are fortunate enough to work alongside Cheyney, our sister company who manufacture components for x-ray systems.
Because of this not only do we manage a consistent stock of spare parts, our lead times for complete machine build is greatly reduced compared to many other manufacturers.
As we build our video library you’ll find machine demonstrations, product inspections and instructional videos.
With over 35 years of knowledge and experience, Sapphire are undoubtedly the foremost expert on x-ray and vision systems.
We will be sharing a collection of white papers and guides in the near future, to share our knowledge and findings accessible with everyone.
We always like to talk about our work so if you would like more detailed information on any of our featured applications, please do contact our team here to discuss your requirement.
