Automation and software developments continue at pace, yet so many processes on bulk inspection lines remain paper-based and labor-intensive. What’s more, a number of these repeatable manual tests carried out on large gravity and pipeline metal detectors can be dangerous for staff to perform, interrupt production by as much as 20 minutes every time, create a mess and an abundance of product waste, and the reported results aren’t always credible. This can put bulk ingredient processors and suppliers at risk of a potentially costly recall and litigation situation.

Automatic testing is one of several safeguards that can be introduced to overcome the major limitations of performing manual checks on fast-flowing gravity lines, enclosed pipelines and bulk applications passing through large conveyor apertures.