Photoelectric sensors used in the complete food production process for frozen pizzas 
(15/09/2006)
The E3Z family of photoelectric sensors is used in the complete food production process from growing the vegetables in greenhouses right up to the purchasing of the frozen pizza in the supermarket.
Greenhouse automation (growing the tomatoes)
The E3Z family is designed to reduce the influence of sunlight to a minimal angle directly from the front. In addition, for maximum immunity against artificial light, the E3Z uses Omron’s unique pulse synchronization method. In combination with the robust and watertight housing, the E3Z ensures non-stop conveying operations in automated greenhouses.
Processing of meat and dairy products (cutting of ham & cheese)
Omron’s E3ZM metal housing photoelectric sensors provide the same sensing performance as the E3Z series and fulfill both the requirements of hygienic design and maximum lifetime. The tested high detergent and water resistance (Ecolab and IP69k certified) of the smooth SUS 316L housing makes it last more than 20-times longer than standard metal housing sensors.
New anti-microbial sensor
Creating added value for sensors that are used in food and packaging is the aim of a continuous cooperation between Omron and its specialized partners. The innovative use of anti-microbial material in food applications can extend the necessary cleaning cycles and improve the availability of production remarkably.
A pizza without tomato is not a real pizza, so to start with, the tomatoes have to be grown and harvested. Today, many vegetables are grown in fully automated greenhouses where plants grow on trays and are transported along automated conveying systems for harvesting. In the horticulture area, the total production facilities and logistics are completely integrated at a high level of industrial automation. The greenhouses are built to allow maximum sunlight to reach the plants.
But this positive aspect for plants can be a major cause of optical sensor malfunctions, creating interruptions of the automated conveying operations. In sunlight, basically all wavelengths of visible, IR and UV light are present, and the only real protection for photoelectric sensors is by mechanically blocking sunlight.
The E3Z family is designed to reduce the influence of sunlight to a minimal angle directly from the front. In addition, for maximum immunity against artificial light, the E3Z uses Omron’s unique pulse synchronization method. In combination with the robust and watertight housing, the E3Z ensures non-stop conveying operations in automated greenhouses.
But not only vegetables are grown in greenhouses. A majority of flowers and plants are also grown there. So, while in the greenhouse, let’s also pick up some flowers for our dinner for two. Pizza in company tastes better anyway. Other ingredients for Pizza Hawaii are cooked ham and, of course, cheese.
To satisfy the demand of millions of today’s consumers for fresh, high-quality meat and dairy products, the production processes are highly automated. In addition to the logistical challenges of processing, high quantities of perishable goods must be packaged and delivered in a short time, which requires maximum machine availability.
Maximum hygiene has to be ensured during the operation of the machines to avoid contamination of the food through bacteria, microbes or foreign bodies. The machines are designed according to hygienic guidelines that require, e.g. smooth surfaces, minimal gaps and indents, and easy access to all machine areas for complete cleaning. Areas where water or dirt can collect should be avoided.
The cleaning cycles between production processes involve aggressive detergents and high temperatures to kill and remove potential bacteria and microbes. In addition, high-pressure water is used to remove all food remains. These cleaning measures are very severe on the materials. Mechanical and temperature stress and aggressive chemicals reduce the lifetime of machines using ordinary materials drastically and therefore most machines use high-grade stainless-steel and high-performance plastics.
When all ingredients are on the dough, the pizzas enter a pre-baking process followed by shock frosting before they are packaged and stored for delivery. These areas with high temperature changes between operation and, e.g. cleaning periods, can lead to condensation influencing the optical performance of the photoelectric sensors.
Omron’s optional anti-fogging lenses for photoelectric sensors prevent condensation and ensure 100% machine availability after power-up or cleaning procedures.
Related categories: Detection and Sensors Industrial
