X-ray Beam Orientation in Food Inspection: Maximizing Detection Performance
1/26/2021 Mekitec
Understanding X-ray Beam Orientation in Food Inspection
Selecting the right X-ray beam orientation for food products is crucial. There are three primary types of X-ray systems:
- Vertical beam systems
- Horizontal beam systems
- Combined beam systems
A good rule of thumb is to choose the inspection method based on your product's shape:
- If your product is taller than wider, image it from the side
- For products that are wide and low in height, use top-down inspection
Vertical Beam Systems: When and Why to Use Them
Standard X-ray inspection systems are typically designed for flat packages like:
- Flow wraps
- Pouches
- Small bags
Vertical beam systems offer several advantages:
Top-Down vs. Down-Top Configurations
- Top-down: X-ray generator placed above the products
- Down-top: X-ray generator placed below the products
Benefits of top-down systems include:
- Smaller generator size
- Reduced X-ray power requirements
- Prolonged generator lifetime
- Lower operating costs
- Compact system design
Horizontal Beam Systems: Ideal for Tall Packages
Horizontal (side-shoot) X-ray systems are best for products that are:
- Taller than wide
- Packaged in containers like:
- Cans
- Bottles
- Tall cartons
Challenges with Tall Packaging
Tall food products present unique inspection challenges:
- Foreign objects often settle at the bottom
- Package quality defects appear in upper sections
- High production line speeds
- Minimal gaps between packages
Single vs. Multi-Beam X-ray Systems
Addressing Inspection Limitations
Challenges with single-beam systems:
- Potential blind spots
- Difficulty detecting contaminants in glass packaging
- Limited visibility across different product sections
Multi-beam advantages:
- Reduced blind spots
- Improved detection from multiple angles
- Better suited for complex packaging
Need Help Choosing the Right Inspection Method?
Mekitec offers complimentary application testing where they:
- Test your product samples
- Provide detailed performance reports
- Help you make an informed decision about X-ray inspection technology
Recommended Next Steps
- Review your current packaging types
- Consider your specific inspection needs
- Contact Mekitec for personalized guidance
- Schedule an application testing session