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With the continuous development of the food industry, food packaging forms are becoming more and more diverse. In order to extend the shelf life, beautify the appearance or achieve differentiated competition, many food companies have adopted multi-layer packaging. However, while ensuring food quality, multi-layer packaging also brings new challenges to foreign body detection. So, can X-ray food inspection equipment be competent for this task? This article will answer you.

1. What is multi-layer packaged food?

Multi-layer packaged food refers to the packaging form that uses two or more different materials and different structures on the outside of the food. Common multi-layer packaging includes:

Aluminum foil + plastic film: commonly used for cooked food, canned food, frozen food;

Carton + inner bag: used for biscuits, candy, instant noodles, etc.;

Plastic pallet + heat-sealed film: used for fresh meat, fruit, ready-to-eat food;

Composite material packaging: packaging formed by laminating or bonding multiple materials, such as PET/PE, PET/Al/PE, etc.

This composite packaging not only protects food quality, but also improves transportation and storage performance. But at the same time, it also makes foreign body detection more complicated, especially the identification of non-metallic foreign bodies (such as glass, bones, and plastic fragments).

2. Working principle of X-ray food inspection equipment

The core principle of X-ray inspection equipment is to use the difference in the degree of X-ray absorption of different materials to identify abnormal density or composition structure. Simply put:

X-rays penetrate the food being inspected;

Substances of different densities have different attenuation degrees for X-rays;

The image sensor records the image after the X-rays pass through;

The software analyzes the abnormal areas in the image to determine whether there are foreign objects.

Since X-rays can not only detect metals, but also identify non-metallic impurities with higher density such as glass, stone, and hard bones, it has a wider range of applications than traditional metal detectors.

3. Factors affecting multi-layer packaging on X-ray detection

Multi-layer packaging does affect the effect of X-ray detection, which is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

3.1 Different absorption capacity of materials for X-rays

Different packaging materials have different attenuation degrees for X-rays, for example:

Metal aluminum foil has strong X-ray absorption capacity and is easy to form a "blind spot";

Plastic film and paper have high transmittance and have little effect on detection;

Composite materials may cause image distortion due to inconsistent thickness and density.

3.2 The more layers of packaging, the blurrier the image

If the packaging structure is complex and has many layers, the penetration of X-rays will be reduced, resulting in reduced imaging contrast, making it difficult to identify foreign objects and background.

3.3 The density difference between foreign objects and food materials is weakened

In some cases, if the food itself has a high density (such as meat and nuts) and the foreign object (such as plastic) has a low density, and the multi-layer packaging absorbs some X-rays, it will be more difficult to detect foreign objects with similar densities.

4 The adaptability of modern X-ray food inspection equipment to multi-layer packaging

Although multi-layer packaging increases the difficulty of inspection, modern X-ray inspection technology can effectively cope with most multi-layer packaging food inspection tasks, mainly relying on the following technical advantages:

4.1 High-resolution imaging technology

High-end equipment uses high-definition image sensors, which can identify more subtle density changes and can produce clear images even in complex packaging structures.

4.2 Multi-energy X-ray source

Some models are equipped with dual-energy or multi-energy X-ray sources, which can analyze the inspected objects in layers, make more accurate judgments on the inside of composite packaging, and improve inspection accuracy.

4.3 Intelligent image processing algorithm

Image analysis algorithms based on AI or deep learning can effectively eliminate interference from packaging materials and improve the accuracy of foreign body recognition through a large number of image sample training models.

4.4 Dynamic sensitivity adjustment

The equipment can automatically adjust the intensity and contrast of the rays according to the product size, density, and packaging material to enhance the detection capability under complex structures.

5. How to improve the detection effect of X-ray detection equipment in multi-layer packaged foods?

5.1 Select the appropriate detection equipment model

For multi-layer packaged foods, mid-to-high-end models with strong penetration, high image clarity, and intelligent algorithm functions should be selected.

5.2 Grouping and setting detection parameters for products

Different packaging structures should set different detection procedures to avoid one-size-fits-all configurations that reduce detection effects.

5.3 Appropriately simplify the packaging structure

Minimize the interference of metal layers or thick plastic layers on X-ray penetration while meeting food safety.

5.4 Regular maintenance and software upgrades

Keep the X-ray emitter stable and upgrade the image recognition algorithm to ensure that the detection accuracy does not decrease.

5.5 Use with visual or weight detection equipment

The final detection effect of multi-layer packaging can be achieved through a variety of detection methods to improve the overall food quality control level.

In summary, X-ray food inspection equipment is fully capable of meeting the challenges of foreign body detection in multi-layer packaged foods. With the continuous upgrading of detection technology and the development of AI image recognition algorithms, its adaptability and detection accuracy are constantly improving. Food companies only need to choose the right model according to their own product characteristics and scientifically deploy the detection plan to ensure food quality and safety while taking into account high efficiency and compliance requirements.

In the increasingly stringent regulatory environment of the food industry, choosing a high-performance X-ray inspection equipment is not only the basis for safety assurance, but also an important strategic means to enhance brand reputation and competitiveness.

If you need to know more about the selection recommendations, installation and commissioning of X-ray food inspection equipment, or the evaluation of foreign body recognition capabilities, please feel free to contact us-professional X-ray food inspection equipment factory for technical support. We escort your product safety!

http://www.vixdetect.net
Shanghai Vixdetect Inspection Equipment Co., Ltd.

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