Metal detectors are used to locate objects made of metal that cannot be seen with the naked eye, or is submerged or covered in another substance like sand. Various types and sizes of detectors are used for different purposes – hobbyists will normally have a light, handheld device which they will swoop in a zigzag movement just above ground in order to find items such as coins, rings, watches and other metal pieces.
In some cases these pieces can be quite valuable and as a result it is quite a popular hobby. The industrial metal detector is normally used for industrial or manufacturing applications and is in most cases applied to finding contaminants in a particular substance, to clean metal contaminants from liquids or solids, and also to clean metal substances from inside machinery.
Choosing a Suitable Detector
As there is such a wide range of these machines and they are applied to many different uses, it is essential that you have specific knowledge of the type of detector you require. The environment in which the detector will work is also very important and factors such as substances that it will come into contact with, the temperature and the presence of other metals should also be noted. Other factors such as the particular method of detection and where the detector is used in a process are also vital.
If you have a metal contamination problem that is unusual, it could be very difficult to determine what the most appropriate detector and accessories would be for the detection and removal of these substances. You are possibly also not aware of all the possible detectors and their strong points and disadvantages. It is therefore essential that you speak to a professional in the business that can help determine a suitable detector for your purposes.
Maintenance
There are three factors that negatively affect the operation of an industrial metal detector. Electrical noise, water and impact can all damage the detector. Where the damage that is caused by water or impact in usually immediately apparent, the damage caused by electrical noise in the surrounding environment of the detector is not immediately apparent. It is however just as damaging as water or impact. Ensure that your detector is protected and guarded from all of these.
- Water: If water get into the part that houses the detector, corrosion and electronic malfunctions can take place which could result in the total failure of the machine. At the very least it could lead to less sensitivity of the detectors and contaminants may not be identified effectively. Detectors are usually designed to avoid water penetration, but other factors such as electrical noise could affect the effectiveness of the seals and allow water to enter. It is therefore essential that detectors are not cleaned with pressure hoses. If the operation requires regular use of pressure hoses in the vicinity of the detector, suitable guards must be set up to protect the detector.
- Impact: lmpact in the sensor area is very detrimental to detectors and can cause a lot of damage or machine failure. Work pressures and production schedules may make it tempted to let a damaged machine continue to operate. It is essential that the detector is inspected regularly – a damaged detector can allow a huge quantity of product to pass without the relevant contamination removal. Regular quality control is essential to ensure feasible operation of the detector.
- Electrical noise: This often causes in the operation of the detector or the sensitivity of the detector device and may sometimes cause the detector to be removed from the line as a result of irregular and inconsistent operation. An industrial metal detector can be negatively affected by radiated noise and production line noise from motor controls. In order for the detector to continue to function optimally it is necessary to remove sources of noise and check the noise levels often. Keep in mind that the electrical noise may come from other sources and nearby places, so be sure to check for noise in other locations or levels in the building. There could also be more than one source and it could be difficult to identify all of these, but it is essential to do this as thoroughly as possible to ensure continued and consistent operation of the detector.
For more information Industrial Metal Detectors, simply contact our team at Teraoka today.