One new innovation is the Alexus PureAqua detection system, a state-of-the-art system that provides on-line inspection of refillable water bottles for foreign compounds.
The company claims that the installation of the product can lead to reduced production costs and improved product quality.
Floor-mounted, the Alexus PureAqua is a non-contact vapour analysis 'sniffer' system enabling bottles to be 'sniffed' without physical contact, eliminating any possible bottle contamination or damage. When foreign matter is detected an alarm and warning light are activated and the contaminated bottle can then be removed, either automatically or manually.
By being located pre-washer, the system saves on washer downtime, decreasing production costs and increasing production speeds, as well as cutting down on potential washer contamination.
Thermo says that PureAqua can be used with a number of different-sized containers and runs at speeds of up to 3,600 bottles per hour or 75 feet per minute. Its ultra-sensitive detection modules have a hydrocarbon detection limit of less that 1 part per million.
PureAqua can also detect a variety of petroleum distillates, solvents and residual beverages. Offered as an option, the system can also detect nitrogen-based compounds and a fully integrated line stop and reject system is also available.
EU rules oblige food manufacturers to bear full responsibility for the food they produce and the introduction of a system to enable them to ensure the safety and quality of the foodstuffs they produce or handle. This involves both applying the principles of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) system and use by producers of quality assurance, often in the form of company certification.
In addition, there are rules under Directive 92/117 for the compulsory monitoring of four zoonotic agents (salmonellosis, brucellosis, trichinosis and tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis) as well as voluntary monitoring for others.
Thermo is also set to unveil its state-of-the-art Goring Kerr DSP3 gravity feed metal detector, a highly sensitive solution for process and end-of-line applications.
Thermo Electron says that the DSP3, which incorporates the company's Digital Signal Processing, ensures higher sensitivity levels and superior performance by automatically monitoring its own sensitivity levels.
Designed to screen both metallised and non-metallised packaging for metal contaminants, the DSP3 also features Thermo's patented AuditCheck self-monitoring system.
And finally, the company is about to launch its Spectra Quad on-line moisture and constituent analyser. This advanced system provides real-time information on moisture and other critical product parameters. Designed for long-term, uninterrupted duty in demanding process environments, Thermo Electron claims that the SpectraQuad is easy to install, maintain and operate.
US-based Thermo has an annual turnover of more than $2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 people in 30 countries. All the new products will be on display at K 2004 in Dusseldorf, Germany from 20 to 27 October 2004.