Meat + Poultry - November 2010 - 109

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION * ADVERTORIAL

Inspection and detection
Dietz & Watson makes the switch to Fortress Technology for its metal detection systems
Four years ago, while shopping the
showroom floor at PackExpo, Paul
Slaweski, maintenance manager for Dietz
& Watson, came across an equipment
display that caught his attention. It was a
metal detector from Fortress Technology
that was totally submerged in a tank
of water. Thinking of what the metal
detectors in his premium deli products
plant go through with continuous
washdown procedures, this piece of
equipment piqued his interest.
Even though he wasn't in the market
to replace his plant's metal detectors,
Slaweski decided to test drive one from
Fortress to decide whether the switch
was worthwhile. After a 30-day trial,
Slaweski was convinced Dietz & Watson's
Philadelphia deli meats processing
facility could benefit from implementing
the Fortress system.
"The Fortress metal detectors are great,
even better than we expected them to
be," Slaweski said. "We have them in our
processing areas and in packaging and
they do a phenomenal job."
The company's Philadelphia plant
processes about 1.5 million pounds of
deli meat per week. Its Baltimore facility
houses its poultry processing operation.

Vector Conveyor System

Now that Fortress metal detectors have
replaced the pre-existing systems in
Philadelphia, the company is starting to
convert its Baltimore plant.
"Fortress systems are ideal for a
meat processing operation like Dietz
& Watson," said Andrew Frei, Fortress
sales manager. "All of their products are
conductive and our detectors are highly
sensitive at detecting."
The Dietz & Watson system features

various Phantom series metal detectors
including standard, conveyor and
pipeline formats. Digital Signal Processing
technology allows for detection and
rejection of ferrous and non-ferrous
metals, including stainless steel. Standard
Phantom metal detectors are available in
aluminum or stainless steel with a variety
of aperture sizes.
The Phantom pipeline metal detector is

Phantom Pipeline Metal Detector

automatically calibrate the system with
the touch of a button. And, the auto-test
function allows for short automated tests
without an operator, which saves the time
and money of doing manual testing."
The system also allows for remote
wireless access. One display panel can
control a number of different detectors
ideal for the inline inspection of pumped
in a single facility, and it can be used as a
liquids and pastes that are transported
portable device.
through a pipe, such as the sausage
The process of converting an entire
emulsions at Dietz & Watson.
operation to a new detection system is
There are several material options for
more extensive than simply replacing
non-metallic pipe including nylon, rubber equipment on the line. The time and effort
and Teflon for more demanding high
to train personnel on new equipment
temperature or pressure applications.
can oftentimes be the hardest part of the
Pipe diameters can range from 1.5-inch
process. This, however, was not much of a
to 4-inch pipes. An automatic reject valve challenge for Dietz & Watson, according to
can also be incorporated into the system
Slaweski. "Fortress brings personnel into the
to remove contaminated product from
plant to train the staff and their follow-up
the flow as well as a test ball insertion and service is phenomenal," he said. "Whenever
retrieval kit which allows for easy manual
we have an issue, need a new part or
product testing.
want to change something, they will send
The Fortress inline Vector conveyor
someone to the plant to help get it done."
system works in conjunction with its
"Spare parts, if they're needed, are also 60
standard metal detectors. The modular
percent cheaper with our systems than with
conveyor is constructed to individual plant our competitors," Frei added.
"I'm glad I stopped and took a second
specifications using a Stainless Steel 304
look at the submerged metal detector I saw
frame. The system offers a wide range
at PackExpo years ago. It caught my eye and
of belt sizes in standard or heavy-duty
turned out to be exactly what we needed,"
configurations depending on processing
Slaweski said. "We have been more than
specifics. The Phantom detector works
satisfied with our switch to Fortress."
directly with the conveying system to
identify the precise operation and timing
of the conveyor for the most effective and
efficient results.
Slaweski considered a number of the
system's features and benefits before
making the switch at Dietz & Watson. At
the top of the list, however, was that the
Fortress Technology Inc.
Fortress system is simply easy to use. "It's
Toronto, Ontario * 888 220 8737
www.fortresstechnology.com
easy to program," Slaweski said. "You can
http://www.fortresstechnology.com
Meat + Poultry - November 2010

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