S+S Separation and Sorting Technology GmbH of Schönberg, Germany is a leading manufacturer of metal detectors, metal separators and magnets. S+S offers a comprehensive range of systems, many designed especially for the food industry. There are standard and specialist solutions for all stages of the manufacturing process and all types of conveying systems.

Sesotec has developed a range of equipment that can be incorporated into free-fall pipes, vacuum and pressure pipes. The company also offers metal detectors to inspect product flow on conveyor belts or chutes, providing precise detection and separation of any metal-contaminated products.

Metal contamination in food means product re-calls, loss of customer confidence, loss of reputation and worse, legal liabilities. Sesotec and its customers have one common goal: products that are 100% free of metal contamination. Sesotec metal detectors and separators find and separate all types of metals, including steel, brass, aluminium or stainless steel. They are an essential part of the quality control process for ready packed products.

Metal detectors / separators for free-fail applications

For free-fall applications the RAPID 5000 and 6000 series of metal separators is most effective at removing metal particles from bulk material via a reject outlet. This range has been specially designed to meet the demanding hygiene standards of the food industry. The RZ tunnel metal detectors are built with circular openings and are generally used with bagging machinery, multi-head weighers and form, fill and seal machines where metal detection generates an alarm signal.

Product inspection system with X-ray scanner

Sesotec RAYCON product inspection system operates with X-ray technology to allow highly accurate inline detection of a great variety of contaminants such as magnetic and non-magnetic metals, glass, ceramics, stones, raw bones and some types of plastics. Detection is even possible with aluminium-packed products or with other kinds of metallic packaging. Other product defects such as broken, malformed or missing products, clumping, entrapped air or overweight and underweight can also be detected.

Metal separators for vacuum and pressure pipes

The GF 4000 range of metal separators is intended for integration into vacuum and pressure pipes. They have been designed for the efficient and reliable rejection of metal contaminants, without interruption to the flow of material, even at high conveying speeds.

Metal detection systems for examination of raw materials

The VARICON and UNICON metal detection systems are used for the examination of raw materials. This method of metal detection protects machines further down the line and prevents large pieces of metal from being shredded and contaminating other parts of the production process. With the optional multi-frequency technology, VARICON and UNICON metal-detection systems achieve excellent detection results even when products of different temperatures (raw or frozen) are processed.

Metal inspection of end products

VARICON and UNICON metal detection systems are also used for final metal inspection of end products, during weighing or labelling, or after packing, before the food products are dispatched to the shops. VARICON and UNICON systems, with integrated components (conveyor belt, metal detector and separating unit), provide high-precision detection and reliable automatic separation. VARICON and UNICON metal-detection conveyors are designed for operation in dry and wet areas. The standard configuration (conveyor belt with metal detector) can be modified and extended to match the customer’s own requirements. Additionally, there is a wide range of separating units for metal-contaminated products available separately.

Pipeline metal separator for inspection for liquid and paste products

The LIQUISCAN pipeline metal separator is designed especially for the inspection of liquid and paste products. Because of its compact design, it can be installed directly between the outlet of the vacuum filler machine and the filling pipe of a clipper machine. When a metal contaminant is detected, a pneumatic valve automatically separates the contaminated product by removing it from the filling process and depositing it in a container. Various flange systems allow the metal separator to be easily integrated with all types of conveyor pipe systems. Different separator valves ensure metal contaminant separation is optimally adapted to the product properties.

Removal of ferrous metal and magnetic stainless steel particles

Magnet systems ensure the efficient removal of the tiniest ferrous metal and magnetic stainless steel particles. Typically, magnetic grid systems and inline or roller magnets are used, utilizing neodymium magnetic material, which has a magnetic strength eleven times stronger than normal ferrite. Non-magnetic metals are removed by using electronic metal separators. A combination of magnet and electronic separation systems offers a highly effective and comprehensive method of removing all metal contaminants with the added advantage of low mechanical wear and tear.