Thermo Scientific APEX 100, User Manual, Page: 292 / 442

Page 292
Thermo Scientific APEX User’s Guide
Mechanical Set-Up for Conveyor
Applications
The APEX with options is easily integrated into most conveyor line systems and requires
a minimal amount of adjustment. Correctly installed, the metal detector will operate
reliably for long periods without attention.
The customer is responsible for initial inspection of the equipment and site preparation.
It is essential that the customer place the equipment in the production line in
accordance with the guidelines below. The customer must assure that qualified service
personnel are available to make interconnections with other production equipment and
perform work at the installation site. A Thermo Fisher Scientific Products Customer
Service Representative is available to supervise installation and verify operation, as well
as train personnel assigned to operate and maintain the equipment.
APEX Installation Considerations
Customers who intend to install the APEX on an existing conveyor or a Thermo Fisher
Scientific-supplied conveyor, should study the following factors that can influence the
detector’s performance. The importance of studying this section and taking note of the
information given is very important. It has been proven that faulty metal detector
operation, such as random false alarm signals and undue sensitivity to vibration, are
usually due to incorrect installation of the metal detector or some other factors external
to the metal detector itself.
Location of the Detector
The APEX should be located to give easy access to the front panel. The installation
location of the display and/or electronics box should be considered.
Mounting the APEX
For trouble free and reliable operation, it is very important that the APEX be correctly
mounted. The support structure for mounting the APEX must transmit a minimum
amount of vibration to the metal detector. This structure must be flat and parallel,
thereby minimizing possible twisting torques to the metal detector case, which can
distort the electromagnetic field and cause false triggering. While the APEX and the
support structure may remain in contact, nothing, including the product, must be
allowed to touch any part of the aperture, as this could cause wear of the aperture lining
and give random false alarms. Any pressure, torque, or electrical ground will cause the
APEX to misfire. Any support platform, guide rails, or conveyor belt (including the joint
in the belt) which passes through the aperture must be completely free of all metal, and
must not touch any part of the aperture at any time. The packaging on any product to
be inspected must be completely free of any metal such as clips, aluminum foil, metallic
labels, staples, and lids.
Metal-Free Area
For optimum performance, non-moving metal should be allowed no closer to the
aperture opening than 1.5 times the smallest aperture height, measured outward from
the center of the aperture. Moving metal should be allowed no closer to the aperture
opening than 2.0 times the smallest aperture height, measured outward from the center