Thermo Fisher’s New Multi-frequency Metal Detector Integrates onto Checkweigher Frame to Reduce Footprint

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (United States) – Press Release: The Thermo Scientific Sentinel 3000 multiscan metal detector is the first multi-frequency detector compactly designed for checkweigher combination systems in food production facilities.

A new scanning multi-frequency metal detector is designed to enable food manufacturers and food quality managers to improve productivity and maximize factory floor space by combining the benefits of multiscan metal detection technology with accurate weight control.

The Thermo Scientific Sentinel 3000 multiscan metal detector is the smallest model in the line of Sentinel metal detectors and mounts on the frame of Thermo Scientific VersaWeigh and Versa GP checkweighers. The Sentinel 3000 detector is the first multi-frequency metal detector specifically designed for metal detection-checkweighing combination systems in food production, providing users with improved functionality and performance in a smaller footprint than typically required with two pieces of equipment. By integrating the detector onto the checkweigher frame, the need for an external metal detector conveyor is eliminated. New harmonized Versa checkweigher software incorporates capability to operate the checkweigher and metal detector from one screen and is designed to improve usability and reduce training time.

"Food manufacturers are increasingly adopting combination systems for more economical product inspection," said Bob Ries, lead product manager, metal detection and X-ray inspection for Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The Sentinel 3000 metal detector enables them to use advanced multi-frequency technology to keep consumers safe while optimizing space. An integrated metal detector also provides superior value since the hardware is shared with the checkweigher."

The Sentinel 3000 metal detector features multiscan technology, which allows users to select up to five frequencies from 50 to 1000 kHz and scan through each frequency at a rapid rate. It effectively acts like five metal detectors in one. Multiscan is designed with improved sensitivity to identify contaminants that are up to 30 percent smaller in volume than previous Thermo Scientific technologies. The technology also is devised to increase the probability that all random sizes, shapes and types of metal foreign objects are found before food products reach consumers.

The Sentinel 3000 metal detector is designed for a wide range of food applications, including dairy, meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables and bread.