(LWX) LONG WAVE X-RAYS
FOR LONG-TERM QUALITY EXCELLENCE
The award-winning LW X-ray technology is developed by InnospeXion and uses long-wavelenght X-rays, which makes it possible to detect even small differences in thickness and density. Such differences cannot be detected by standard X-ray systems, making our systems superior not only in terms of contrast, but also image resolution and high inspection speed.
HIGH SPEED, HIGH CONTRAST & HIGH PRECISION
- Conveyor belt speed up to 30 m/min
- Inspection accuracy down to 0.1 mm
The LW X-ray energy results in a high contrast for even small manufacturing irregularities, which cannot be detected using standard X-ray systems that
use shorter wavelengths and therefore lose the contrast from small, thin or light material differences. Image acquisition is at a very high frame rate, which entails a high inspection speed – up to 30 m/min, in standard applications.
The image resolution used by InnospeXion is 0.1 mm × 0.1 mm compared to 0.4 mm × 0.4 mm used in standard X-ray systems. Because of the high resolution, it is possible to detect small details in the image. The high imaging resolution implies that a defect is represented by many pixels, which highly improves the software ability to recognize a defect as such and reduces false rejects due to lower noise.
INNOSPEXION LWX TECHNOLOGY
The core of the InnospeXion Long Wave X-ray technology is a specifically developed high flux, low-energy X-ray source, with high stability and uniformity. At low energy, the attenuation between two substances is distinctly higher than at higher energy (e.g. above 25-30 keV).
A tailored, high sensitivity detector offers a high resolution of 0.1 mm. A special high strength, low density, and low thickness conveyor belt secures little degradation of the signal, and a special design secures optimal use of the radiation beam. This constellation secures very high-quality images of small details, e.g. fish bones.
STANDARD TECHNOLOGY
Standard X-ray technology is dominated by the use of a GadoX scintillation detector. This has a lower detection efficiency, is only sensitive above 25 keV, and therefore inherently gives a reduced contrast.
In addition, the low sensitivity precludes a high resolution, and therefore the typical pixel resolution is 0.4 or 0.8 mm, i.e. up to 64 times worse than for InnospeXion’s low-energy technology. Evidently, with a 0.4 mm resolution, imaging of e.g. a 0.35 mm fishbone is imperfect, and automatic detection therefore unreliable.
- Noise level: <70dB (A)
- Voltage EU: 220-240 VAC 1/N/PE (Voltage U.S.100-120 VAC 1/N/PE)
- Power consumption: 600Watt
- Pressurized air: Max. 3 atm.
- Communications: RJ45 – Network Connection
- PC: XP Pro basis w/ dedicated image analysis software, PLC interfaced
- X-ray characteristics: 20-40 kV, 1 – 12mA.
- X-ray safety: <5 µSv/hr at 5 cm distance
- Detection limit: 0.1 mm
- Belt speed: 1-30 m/min
- Cooling: Internal circulation – no fans to exterior
- User interface: Touch panel
- Supervisor interface: Monitor, keyboard & mouse (internally in locked control compartment)
- Environment: Indoor use only, between 5°C and 35°C, Max. 50% humidity
X-RAY INNOVATION THROUGH RESEARCH
- Hygienic design
- Intended for 24/7 operation
- Fully automatic
- Online inspection
- Real-time inspection sorting
INNOSPEXION TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES
COST EFFECTIVE
Investing in an X-ray system is a long-lasting solution to improving the quality of your product. The benefits of incorporating an X-ray inspection system based on low-energy technology as a part of the production line can be directly measured, and the return on investment varies from 6-12 months depending on the product.
PROCESS CONTROL
Conventionally, X-ray systems are used as an end control where the finished product is X-ray inspected and is discarded if flawed. Our low-energy technology based systems are an incorporated part of your production and can be therefore used as process control, where a flawed product is automatically discarded during the production process.
TAILORED TO EXISTING PRODUCTION
Our X-ray systems are an integral part of the production line. Tailoring to the client’s requests is a key asset. X-ray technology as a production control enables the characterization and measurement of the inner structure of an object, combined with shape, density, composition, and other parameters in real.
Application areas
Our low-energy technology is suitable for various applications, and the list of possibilities continues to grow
Research & Development
The technology is under constant development through our participation in various R&D projects
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
Based on LW X-ray, the long wave X-ray technology built system operates at a speed up to 150 items per minute. When an item enters the system, a sensor is activated and a time stamp is related to the item. When the item has passed the radiation beam, the imaging and data processing is accomplished, in near real-time.
Based on the image analysis result, the item may be sorted in up to 16 different classes. This classification and its timing parameters are PLC controlled, and accessible through I/O terminals. The specific sorting is accomplished by means of e.g. a pneumatic cylinder. For some defined error types, a signal is sent as well to a central PLC, enabling a corrective action to be enforced so further similar errors or deviations can be avoided.
Cleaning can be accomplished after opening the system hatches, extraction of belt and withdrawal of the steel flap or rubber flap curtains. All hatches, tunnels and curtain arrangements are part of the safety system and are interlocked.
Human-machine interfacing is generally through a simple touchscreen, however, external control is also possible.
Discover more about how the system works in the context of different application areas through our case stories.
FISH BONE DETECTION CASE STORY
At InnospeXion, our fishbone detection methods and capabilities are constantly developed as a response to the increasing demands for bone-free products in the fishing industry.
Read how the cost-benefit is documented.