“There were several reasons behind our decision to purchase the additional EZx units,” comments Des McMenamin, training & recruitment manager, Pinneys of Scotland. “Our customers have started to encourage us to choose x-ray technology due to the increased sensitivity, which ultimately helps protect their brands. Also, our machine operators find the EZx system easier and simpler to use than other contaminant detection equipment.”

Des continues: “I’d say that the EZx averages a score of nine out of ten for performance, ease of installation, operation, reliability, and user friendliness. They require minimal input from our operators and the product libraries are more manageable as well as highly accurate. I’ve heard that Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced some upgrades to the system so a ten out of ten ranking is likely for the future.”

The latest Thermo Scientific EZx contaminant detection units are installed on separate lines handling the new fish-based ready meals, which are packaged in either aluminium foil trays or apet. The previous EZx machines were installed at Pinneys of Scotland around 12 months ago and inspect traditional meal products as well as the company’s popular smoked salmon.

Providing complete protection from metal, glass, stone, bone, plastic and other dense foreign objects, the Thermo Scientific EZx contaminant inspection system is particularly effective on lines utilising metallised film or foil packaging increasingly used for ready meals. In fact, it can find virtually any substance that is denser than the object it is contained in.

The robust and compact EZx is an entry-level machine offering the simplicity of a metal detector but with the enhanced detection capability and sensitivity of an x-ray solution.  Recognising a gap in the market, the machine was specially designed by Thermo Fisher Scientific with traditional metal detector users in mind. Features like a touchscreen with built-in QuickLearn Wizard make it easy to use and set-up.

In addition, the EZx is available in various aperture sizes and line heights, operates over a wide temperature range and meets IP65 washdown requirements. A special source/detector assures there are never any blind spots in the inspection tunnel.

Pinneys of Scotland is part of Uniq plc, a European chilled convenience food group with customers in the UK and Continental Europe. It employs some 7,600 people and manufactures in the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Netherlands and Spain. Products are also sold in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Sweden.

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.