FOREIGN OBJECT DETECTOR

Simply detecting more: X-ray assisted empty bottle inspection based on the HEUFT SPECTRUM II.

The HEUFT InLine II IXS achieves simply more precision during the complete all-around inspection of empty bottles. For this it is not only equipped with highly efficient optical detection modules but also with X-ray strobes. Its high degree of automation and its self-explanatory user guidance make error-free operation simply easy.

X-ray base inspection
Simply detecting more:  unique X-ray strobes for maximum detection reliability.

Chips, shell-shaped fractures, cracks, broken glass and even glass splinters surrounded by residual liquid:  the system identifies those faults on the base of the bottle, which can hardly be seen with the naked eye, using pulsed X-ray technology.  Unique X-ray strobes achieve maximum detection reliability.

In contrast to the conventional X-ray scanner radiation is only emitted at the moment when a product to be examined is in the inspection area.  This minimises the radiation exposure.  Each individual empty container is optimally aligned using servo technology so that the inspection covers the whole base area completely.  The HEUFTreflexx A.I image processing system combines and analyses the detection pictures in real time and implements a specific teaching in procedure.

Optical base inspection
Covering everything:  continuous complete inspection of the total container base.

Film, cigarette ends and insects: the system carries out an optical base inspection in order to detect such low density foreign objects reliably. An illumination without reflections or shadows and specially positioned high-performance cameras even make transparent and reflecting faults visible.

Each individual empty container is optimally aligned using servo technology so that the inspection covers the whole base area completely. The HEUFT reflexx A.I image processing system combines and analyses the detection pictures in real time and implements a specific teaching in procedure.

Finish and thread inspection
Finding defects and cracks:  safety around the bottle opening.

Defects, cracks, rust rings, dirt on the bottle finish and defects on the thread: the system has an ingenious technology for an optical finish and thread inspection in order to find such faults before they can endanger product safety. It not only covers the complete sealing surface but also the whole underchip / thread area.

360° sidewall inspection
Inspecting all around:  a thorough complete examination.

Dirt, defects, cracks or scuffing:  anyone wishing to detect such quality flaws reliably cannot afford to ignore an all-around inspection.  Because it is finally necessary to completely cover the sidewalls of the empty bottles.

This is possible using servo technology for specifically aligning the containers, an illumination without reflections or shadows and specially positioned high-performance cameras.  The HEUFT reflexx A.I image processing system combines and analyses the detection pictures in real time and clearly differentiates between container structures and real faults and implements a specific teaching in procedure.

Residual liquid detection
Tracking down lye, oil and varnish:  effective protection against product contamination.

Caustic lye, oil or varnish:  even minute amounts of such residual liquids seriously threaten the safety of the end product.  The system has two different methods in order to detect and remove the empty bottles in question before the filling process:  it identifies residual lye using high frequency technology and oil and varnish with infrared sensors.

Lifetime-optimised pulsed X-ray

Simply better and more sustainable detecting: Unique technology with extended reliability.

More precise, gentler, more durable: what makes the HEUFT X-ray systems so unique is above all the pulsed X-ray technology which is exclusively available from us. Instead of an uninterrupted continuous beam only a short X-ray pulse of a millisecond is emitted. And only at the moment when a product to be examined for dangerous foreign bodies and other safety risks is actually in the detection area. Even if the line speeds are extremely high or fluctuate, full detection reliability is achieved with unrivalled low radiation. The specially developed X-ray tube and other sustainably optimised components not only increase the coverage and sensitivity of radiometric inspection. The same applies to reliability and lifetime, so that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is significantly reduced.

Long before individual X-ray components can lose performance or fail, users are also informed in good time so that they still have enough time for preventive maintenance. Filaments are even integrated redundantly: if one should fail, the other takes over immediately and fully automatically, so that production can continue without interruption. Furthermore novel full-field image converters for which HEUFT can now guarantee a lifetime of eight years* within the framework of an existing maintenance contract and a free replacement within this period in the case of a defect ensure considerably more sensitivity, availability and operational reliability with a reduced TCO.

HEUFT SPECTRUM II

Simply automating:  universal device platform for maximum performance.

Highly automated, universal and powerful:  the HEUFT SPECTRUM II ensures optimum detection and operational reliability during an in-line quality assurance for the sustainable safeguarding of product quality and line efficiency.

The cross-system control unit with multiprocessing capability for different modules, systems and applications convinces due to its exceptional degree of automation.  Brand and format changes can be carried out without manual intervention.  The unique human machine interface of the universal device platform is self-explanatory.  Human resources are effectively saved in this way.  In-house developed hardware and software of the latest generation and a future-proof network connection achieve highest computing power and data transmission in real time.  The result:  maximum precision during purposeful product tracking, inspection and rejection.

HEUFT reflexx A.I.

Simply detecting more:  real-time image processing with artificial intelligence.

The AI discipline of machine learning for targeted object classification has been mastered by our self-developed image processing since 2010! And since then it has learned a lot: intelligent filters distinguish drops of water on the container from air bubbles in the glass and even make it possible to identify tiny defects which are hidden behind ACLs or embossings. HEUFT reflexx A.I. now also uses deep learning!

Appropriately trained neural networks are used for example to denoise X-ray images or to find dangerous foreign objects in structured products and to reliably distinguish them from good objects which are extremely similar in their shape, size and density. With true artificial intelligence, the hardware and software from our own development and production again increases detection reliability – and minimises the false rejection rate. The smart image processing can be directly integrated into the HEUFT reflexx A.I. camera which was developed in-house and which processes and evaluates its own images directly in real time and raises the adaptive image analysis to a top level.

HEUFT NaVi

Simply knowing what to do:  self-explanatory audiovisual user guidance.

Intuitive, individual and audiovisual:  previous knowledge is not required in order to operate the HEUFT SPECTRUM II systems reliably.  The HEUFT NaVi user guidance is self-explanatory and supports the respective user step by step.

An RFID login with user-related access rights provides an overview and makes the respective user’s work simply easy:  he only sees what he really needs to on the clearly arranged touchscreen user interface with a flat menu structure, integrated tutorials and precise auxiliary tools in order to fulfil his specific tasks optimally.  He is supported by a virtual assistant in the course of this.  She speaks to him and clearly explains what has to be done when and where.  Purposeful and focussed on the essentials – the audiovisual HEUFT NaVi user guidance makes the reliable operation of HEUFT systems simply easy!

HEUFT checkPoints

Simply seeing where what has to be done:  trouble-free localisation.

Clear, direct and purposeful:  the user can cope immediately on the rare occasions when manual intervention is needed.  Because eye-catching HEUFT checkPoints make it clear at a glance exactly when it is necessary to take matters in hand in addition to the audiovisual information which the HEUFT NaVi provides.

The orange tags not only flash on the touchscreen but also at the respective component if the worst comes to the worst.  The problem is located without a long search.  This saves time and human resources, shortens standstills and therefore increases productivity.

Network technologies

Networking everything:  online connection for increased efficiency and quality.

Information transmission in real time, production data acquisition, line analysis and remote maintenance:  networking is the answer!

HEUFT systems have future-proof network interfaces (Gigabit Ethernet and TCP / IP) for an online connection via the Internet and the database interface (SQL / DDE) for top line efficiency and an optimum quality management with considerably faster and easier workflows.  Therefore production data, shift records, productivity faults and HACCP limit value analyses are available network-wide.  The result:  early identification of quality and efficiency problems.  The firewall protected direct connection to the HEUFT TeleService makes competent remote maintenance possible all around the clock.

HEUFT CleanDesign

Cleaning quite simply:  hygiene-optimised construction.

Accessible, clean and safe:  its HEUFT CleanDesign predestines the system for use in hygienically sensitive areas.

Sloping surfaces facilitate cleaning and prevent the accumulation of stubborn dirt.  Special channels and openings allow the liquids required for cleaning purposes to be drained off completely.  Consequently dangerous germs and bacteria have no contact surface whatsoever.  Specially constructed casings and doors create optimum accessibility.  The electronics are totally encapsulated.  Sensitive areas such as the inspection units are dust-proof and protected against contact as well as water jets.

HEUFT rejector

Removing faulty products:  the right rejector for all cases.

For example, the single-segment HEUFT mono and HEUFT flip rejectors as well as the multi-segment HEUFT DELTA-FW and HEUFT DELTA-K systems are ideally suited for the reliable rejection of faulty empty bottles.

  • maximum detection reliability with a minimum false rejection rate
  • continuous complete inspection of the total container volume
  • unique pulsed X-ray technology for extremely clear detection pictures without any motion blurs and with minimum radiation exposure
  • powerful optical detection technologies
  • highly automated HEUFT SPECTRUM II platform with self-explanatory HEUFT NaVi user guidance
  • automatic adjustment of detection units during brand and format changes
  • hygiene-optimised HEUFT CleanDesign
  • online connection for remote maintenance and production data acquisition
  • performance range – up to 72,000 empty bottles per hour
  • 0.03% false rejection rate during the base and sidewall inspection
  • 0.01% false rejection rate during the residual liquid detection

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