World Grain - December 2016 - 70

MILLING OPERATIONS

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ing or including a product spout allow product to
pass through the detection field as it moves from one
floor to another via gravity. Metal or foreign object
detectors identify the presence of foreign objects or
non-ferrous in a package or product stream and signal
mechanical diversion of suspect package or product
from the line.
Validation data should ensure that the equipment can
detect metal of the appropriate size at different locations on the belt and at different locations in or around
the package. For example, if a 50-pound (22.7-kilogram) sack of flour is to be tested, the system could be
validated by testing the standards at the leading edge,
the tailing edge, and on top of and under the bag. It is
suggested that this be done for each product type. The
standards might even be tested by inserting a detector
into the bag at different locations.
Multiple tests - a minimum of 10 - should be
done at each location. The persons doing the testing must also confirm that the settings remain the
same throughout the test. Settings should be recorded
throughout the test.
The result should be the determination of the location to place the test wands during calibration checks
during normal production. The bag should be sent
through the center of the tunnel as that is the least
sensitive area in conveyor systems. The test standard
for future verification must be placed in the location
where the magnetometer receives the weakest signal.
Rigorous test protocols like this will provide confidence that the system was set up properly and is doing
its job.
CONCLUSION
Magnets and metal detectors require specific design, installation, inspection and verification as part
of product safety and quality programs. It is critical
that design criteria be well developed and documented. Proper installation is required to ensure the magnet can function optimally within design parameters.
Validation ensures performance against design and
expected performance criteria and confirms installation has not compromised design. Inspection and
monitoring ensures performance is maintained over
time and identifies potential failures and/or operating
parameters, which might compromise product safety
and quality.
Jeff Gwirtz, a milling industry consultant, is president of JAG Services,
Inc. He may be reached at jeff@jagsi.com.
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worldgrain@sosland.com. For reprints of WG articles,
e-mail reprints@sosland.com.

December 2016 / World Grain / www.World-Grain.com

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World Grain - December 2016

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