The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Anritsu Infivis has introduced a vision inspection machine – IP69K sanitary X-ray – designed to meet the high-pressure washing and sanitary standards for meat or wet products in the Americas and Europe. Arnitsu stated that IP69K is ideal for positioning within in the production line processing area, as opposed to the packaging area. It combines "reliability, ease of use and low cost of ownership in a robust and compact footprint," said the company. The machine uses DualX+ technology, which sharpens the X-ray image and significantly lessens the impact of the product, allowing it to detect the smallest levels of foreign material in products, such as low-density particles like fish and chicken bones. In addition, the IP69K can withstand washdown at pressures of 80 to 100 bar (1,160 to 1,450 PSI), with rates of 14 to 16 litres per minute, and at temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius in certain conditions. This means food manufacturers no longer have to deal with inspection technology that needs to be kept away from water, which can be inconvenient and unhygienic. According to the company, the equipment allows for easy cleaning with high-pressure jets due to its gasketed joints, robust HMI screen guard and heavy-duty stacklight cage. Its open design enables accessible cleaning to a microbiological level, with sloped surfaces and drainage holes to prevent water pooling. The machine features fully welded seams, eliminating the risk associated with deteriorating silicone seals. Additionally, its conveyor belt is sealed with a specialised coating, preventing the permeation of bacteria or moisture. Michael Stuart, Anritsu’s European sales director, commented: “Low-density particles such as fish and poultry bones can be notoriously difficult to detect, so it’s imperative that inspection equipment offers the highest level of sensitivity. But it’s no good doing this during the production stage, if the inspection equipment can’t be thoroughly cleaned. That’s just removing one hazard but adding another. This is why we’ve introduced the new, washable IP69K, which is really setting the standard for hygienic design within the industry.”