Bunting-Newton donates metal detection system worth $45K to Purdue

Magnetic technology company Bunting-Newton has donated a state-of-the-art metal detection system with an integrated control package to Purdue University’s Department of Food Science.

The system will associate with the department’s latest ZSK 27 Mv Plus Twin screw extruder to validate and test extruded high moisture meat analogs, according to a news release. The adaptable meTRON 07 Metal Detector, valued at more than $45,000, will support studies in the alternative protein foods sector.

Bunting’s metal detectors include a triple frequency coil with an integrated control package and an IP69K Ingress Protection rating. The meTRON 07 Metal Detector works well with the DCM conveyor package, which can be used in any factory or food processing environment, according to the release.

Subhashis Chakraborty, who is heading the extruder’s qualification and validation activities, said in the release that the metal detection system will support “the first-ever attempts in academic and state history to use Purdue Food Science’s novel validation studies and procedures on thermally extruded high moisture plant-based protein alternatives through the pilot scale equipment.”

He said the work is timely, noting that the U.S. alternative protein market exceeded $60.5 billion in 2021.

“We understand the paramount importance of this study in our food sector in the present context and support it by providing an equipment which is the latest in its class.” Robert Bunting, Bunting president and CEO, said in the release.

Michael Wilks, Bunting-Newton global marketing director, said

Allison Kingery, managing director of Purdue’s Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute, said the new extruder replaces a 25-year-model.

“We are looking forward to having a new, up-to-date extruder that includes new controls as advanced metal detection systems required for food safety studies,” she said. “The researchers and students will certainly benefit from utilizing a metal detector with such exceptional reputation in the food industry.”