Product category:
Metal detection and X-ray systems
News Release from: Eclipse Magnetics | Subject: Dodson and Horrell
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 April 2008
Eclipse Magnetics Horse-Guard
The efficiency of foreign body detection equipment is critical to all animal feed production operations in order to maintain the high standards required in today's demanding market
Martyn Cotterill of Eclipse Magnetics looks at how a metal detection system recently installed at the Dodson and Horrell production facility was able to maintain the high standards they have become renowned for "Metal detection equipment is most commonly used by the feed processing industry for the final inspection of goods
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 3 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Most equipment can easily be integrated into an existing production process with many units offering excellent detection of both ferrous and non-magnetic metal contamination in applications that demand the highest level of detection sensitivity.
For most quality animal feed manufacturers and Dodson and Horrell in particular, adding a final check before the product is shipped to the customer was considered vital to maintain their quality ethos.
The company had always had metal detection equipment to scan the bags for presence of tramp and so were eager to install our latest equipment that offered even better operating sensitivities, as soon as it became available.
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We were particularly impressed with their production line because they already had many different foreign body detection and separation equipments throughout, which meant the metal detectors were really an additional final check before despatch.
Although the quality of the company's locally sourced raw material is second to none, installing the new equipment was their absolute guarantee of maintaining the integrity of their products.
After assessing their requirements we installed one of our super efficient Unicon Dry systems which is able to detect even the smallest contamination in the bagged feed.
Even though the company has numerous other detection and separation equipment throughout the process, installing the metal detector removed the infinitesimal chance of such material entering the finished product.
The latest metal detection equipment offers very high detection sensitivities which ensure that even the smallest problematic tramp metal can be detected.
In the case of Dodson and Horrell the new equipment is now capable of detecting all ferrous and non-ferrous metals including steel, stainless steel and aluminium down to 0.5mm in size.
In addition the fact that we supply the complete unit including detector head, electronic control system and conveyor belt with framework ensures that it quickly and easily integrated into their existing production processes.
The unit we installed at Dodson and Horrell incorporated the latest GLS Metal Detector Head which is used extensively in the feed and food industries because it offers excellent detection of both ferrous and non-magnetic metal contamination.
This allows it to be used in areas that require the highest levels of detection sensitivity.
The detection head is filled with silicon beads and resin to reduce any potential external anomalies and ensure consistent performance is achieved.
The majority of these units are supplied with the Genius electronic control system which can store the number of activations and the date and time those activation occurred.
This enables the unit to be utilised as part of the company HACCP system.
Dodson and Horrell have been manufacturing high quality horse feed for over 70 years and their wealth of experience in formulating these products ensure horses receive the best nutrition possible.
Founded in Ringstead, Northamptonshire in 1939 by Claude Horrell, Dodson and Horrell has grown to become a respected authority on animal nutrition and Europe's leading horse feed manufacturer.
Although best known for horse feed, the company has been manufacturing the Chudley range of dog and pet food for over 30 years and further consolidated its position as a leading animal feed manufacturer, through the 1999 acquisition of a sister company, Gold Line Pet Products.
The reputation of Dodson and Horrell as a manufacturer of high quality horse feed is such that the company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1985, the coveted Royal Warrant was further extended to that of Horse and Dog Food Manufacturer to HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
The Eclipse Magnetics metal detection equipment was fitted in the Dodson and Horrell high volume line which is responsible for producing over 50,000 metric tonnes per annum of the UK's leading feed brands.
Product security is one of the paramount measures of the company and the advanced new system is part of their continuous improvement programme.
The company takes the quality of their feed to such a level that the metal detectors are in addition to many other rigorous measures in the production process, all of which help protect the integrity of their feed.
Metal detection equipment has been used within the feed industry for many decades.
Over recent years there have been significant advances made in the design of these units, which means they now offer unprecedented operating sensitivities.
Eclipse Magnetics offer Conveyor / Inline equipment along with gravity fed units, and are able to offer technical advice, design and installation around specific requirements.
GLS Metal Detector Heads are available in over 200 sizes within our standard range, which ensures there is a size to suit most feed manufacturing applications.
We are also able to build units to exact site requirements.
For further information on Eclipse Magnetics metal detection, or to arrange a site visit please call the Eclipse Magnetics sales office.
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