The X-ray inspection system helps Keystone Meats inspect a few hundred cans per minute.
Image provided by Mettler Toledo
Keystone Meats, a canned meat producer based in Lima, Ohio, has introduced a state-of-the-art X-ray inspection system to help ensure the safety of the company’s canned meats, broths, and soups.
Keystone’s meat processing involves substantial cutting, grinding, and canning of their products. Thus, the company needed a way to prevent metal from contaminating the production line. In addition, an overall quality checker was needed. That is where Mettler Toledo’s X37 X-ray inspection system comes in.
“While a metal detector could have worked earlier in our process, we wanted inspection at the very end of the packaging line to help ensure overall final product quality before distribution,” says Pete Dorley, President of Keystone Meats.
The X37 X-ray system helps Keystone inspect the company’s entire range of canned products, which include beef, chicken, pork, and turkey. These products are packed in 14.5 oz, 28 oz, and 50 oz metal cans. The X37 can run at 1,200 packages-per-minute processing speed. It finds and removes a variety of foreign materials from products including metal, glass, bone, and dense plastic.
Keystone’s X37 inspects a few hundred cans per minute and gives the company flexibility to increase its line speed if needed, according to Dorley.
A user friendly and sanitary design
The X-ray system's interface allows for smooth training and operations.Image provided by Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo’s X37 X-ray inspection system contains a touchscreen feature that enhances its user-friendliness. The feature is designed to help make the training process for new users quick and simple.
Keystone conducts product changeovers two to three times daily, and the X37 allows the company to complete each one in roughly two minutes. Operators can select a new recipe on the system’s control panel and adjust rail size as needed.
Furthermore, the X37’s system design integrates with Keystone’s sanitation processes.
“While sanitation requirements are minimal after the cans are sealed, we maintain extremely high standards throughout our facility," states Dorley. “The X37 only requires a simple wipe down and quick visual inspection at the end of each shift.”
The addition of the X37 has enhanced Keystone’s detection process, with promising prevention of contaminants.
“The detection sensitivity of our X37 is truly remarkable. We haven’t had any contaminants in the ‘wild’ yet—which is fortunate, since that means our prevention protocols are working, but we test our X-ray system with extremely small test strips every day, and it never fails,” Dorley says. “Additionally, we have had virtually no false rejects, which is impressive considering how sensitive this technology is.”
Keystone Meats has slow–cooked, all-natural meats in small batches and hand-picked them for more than 60 years. However, the introduction of machinery like the X37 is helping thecompany to further develop.
“Although we have deep roots in tradition, we're always looking for ways to improve as more advanced technology becomes available,” Dorley notes. “As a small, specialty meat packer, we're proud to demonstrate that family businesses can lead the way in food safety innovation and still stay true to our values. Our Mettler-Toledo X37 X-ray system helps us deliver the premium quality products that have set Keystone Meats apart for generations while helping us prepare for future growth.”
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