The inspection challenge
Accurate fat content control is a critical requirement in meat processing. Fat percentage directly affects product quality, nutritional compliance, pricing, and yield optimisation. Variability in raw material, trimming processes, and product thickness makes consistent fat control difficult using traditional methods.
Common challenges include:
- Natural variation in meat density and composition
- Inconsistent sampling with off-line laboratory analysis
- Limited effectiveness of surface-based inspection methods
As processors seek tighter process control and reduced waste, X-ray inspection is increasingly used for in-line, non-destructive fat analysis.
Why in-line X-ray is essential for meat fat analysis
X-ray attenuation differs between lean meat and fat due to their differing densities and elemental composition. By analysing attenuation across the product, X-ray systems can estimate fat content in real time, enabling continuous monitoring and control.
For meat fat analysis, X-ray enables:
- In-line measurement without interrupting production
- Analysis of bulk or packaged products
- Improved consistency compared to sample-based methods
Unlike contaminant detection, fat analysis is a quantitative measurement problem, placing particularly high demands on detector accuracy and stability.
Detector and signal chain requirements
Reliable fat analysis depends on the detector’s ability to deliver precise and repeatable measurements over extended operating periods.
Measurement stability
Small drifts in detector response can lead to systematic fat measurement errors, impacting product compliance and yield.
Low noise performance
Noise directly affects measurement precision. A low noise floor is essential for resolving small composition differences, especially in mixed or variable products.
Consistent energy response
Changes in product thickness, temperature, or composition must not compromise measurement accuracy. Stable energy response reduces the need for frequent recalibration.
Integration and lifecycle considerations
Meat fat analysis systems are often integrated into demanding production environments with high throughput and strict hygiene requirements.
Key considerations include:
- Continuous operation at industrial line speeds
- Robust performance in washdown environments
- Minimal operator intervention and recalibration
For OEMs, detector reliability and long-term stability are central to delivering systems that processors can trust for compliance and yield optimisation.
Sens-Tech’s approach to meat fat analysis applications
Sens-Tech’s X-ray detectors are developed with a focus on measurement accuracy, signal stability, and long-term reliability.
By prioritising:
- Stable signal chains
- Consistent detector response
- Platform reuse across food inspection and analysis
Sens-Tech supports OEMs in delivering fat analysis systems that maintain performance over time while minimising operational disruption.
This platform-based approach enables inspection and analysis solutions to share a common detector foundation, simplifying system design and lifecycle management.
Related food inspection applications
Meat Fat Analysis Products
Product Family
Type
Length of active area
Detector pitch
Energy
Scintillator
Data Sheet
