Sapphire’s x-ray systems can detect contaminants such as metal, bone, stone, glass and certain plastics.

In addition, our systems can check for anomalies, such as inaccurate fill levels, missing or broken components, incomplete items, seal inspection, conduct mass measurement (product weight), and count products. Our systems can also identify food conglomerations such as pieces of pasta stuck together, and inaccurately distributed seasoning/toppings on, or within, products.

As a general rule, x-ray can detect items denser than water. So, if it floats on water it is likely to be undetectable by x-ray.

For a free trial with your products to identify ways we can help your production process, contact us.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that x-ray does not harm food or other products. Food products that have been inspected by x-ray are unaffected in terms of taste and nutritional value.

The safety of operators using the x-ray machine is also assured. Exposure whilst the machines are in operation is less than that received from general everyday, naturally occurring background radiation. Sapphire x-ray systems use a much lower intensity and emit less radiation than x-rays in other industries such as airport security. Food and products that pass through the x-ray are not harmed and any handlers using the machine are well protected from x-ray exposure, thanks to careful design and use of safety materials.

We will fully train your staff how to operate the x-ray systems. This includes training on changing programmes, running reports, shutting the system down, and dismantling for hygienic wash-down, where appropriate.

We also run regular technical training programmes which include RPS (Radiation Protection Supervisor) training throughout the year at our headquarters in Cambridgeshire.

Training is tiered appropriately for user type and system software tracks changes made by operators, ensuring traceability at all times.

We will work in consultation with you to ensure that machine design, build and installation meets with the exact requirements of your production line. We will take into account the impact of downtime and work with you to manage the least disruptive installation process to your schedule.

Sapphire systems are highly adaptable and can be modified to match most line speeds. Some of our systems are designed in an ‘up and over’ style, allowing you to utilise your existing conveyor so that products do not need to transfer from one conveyor to another.

You can see the maximum line speeds for each of our machines here.

X-ray systems are more costly than metal detectors due to their up-scaled technology and capabilities.  However, the extra functionality and detection opportunities, plus the added benefits in terms of product safety and quality control is balanced by the comparatively extra cost. X-ray is more cost effective than the associated costs of a product recall and damage to reputation.

If you are concerned about costs, you may be interested in finding out more about machine rental and stepped payments. Contact us for more information.

In addition to contaminant detection, our x-ray systems can :

• check for inaccurate fill levels
• check for missing or broken components
• check for incomplete items
• conduct seal inspection
• conduct mass measurement (product weight or medical dosage)
• identify food conglomerations – such as pieces of pasta stuck together or inaccurately distributed seasoning/toppings on, or within, products.
• check for other anomalies such as air bubbles in medical injection devices
• check for product integrity

We will ensure your staff receive appropriate training to manage standard system set-up and to be able diagnose system irregularities.
Should you require further assistance, our service team are available 24-7 and can access the system remotely to fault-find and access software, performing fixes if necessary.

Alternatively, should your machine need a new part or hardware repairs, site visits can be arranged quickly and efficiently.

A range of service contracts are available.

We actively manage a consistent stock of spare parts and we manufacture components for our x-ray systems in-house. This minimises lead times for parts and eliminates the risk of essential parts getting discontinued.

Lead times for complete machines are competitive. Contact us to discuss your requirements.