How to Check the Performance of a Metal Detector?

In the Pharmaceutical industry metal detectors are used to eliminate the tablets, and capsules that contain any metal traces. So, the use of metal detectors is also a regulatory requirement for pharmaceutical manufacturers. The pharmaceutical industry has stringent regulations to guarantee the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. Here is the question for you all, how do you know if the metal detector is performing as intended?

Generally, the following metals are detected by metal detectors

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Ferrous

Sensitivity limits of metal detectors is the smallest traces of metal particles that can be detected by them. The selection of metal detectors is very important, so that they can detect the smallest levels of metal traces and prevent product contamination and risk to the patients.

Once a good metal detector is selected, companies have to ensure that these detectors are performing as intended. This can be achieved by checking the performance of the metal detectors at the start of the batch or campaign.

This is done by passing test samples, which are colored tablets containing different metals. These tablets are passed through the metal detector along with some test tablets or alone and they should get rejected after passing through the magnetic field of the metal detector. The operator will ensure by performing this performance test and documenting the results in the performance checklist or logbook of the respective metal detector.