Rapiscan Aviation Spec RTT110 for Offline Meat R&D in Australia

Summary

Although medical X-ray computerised tomography (CT) technology has been used in the red meat industry to take objective measurements of a carcase, it is not capable of operating in a high-volume abattoir or routinely provide the data needed to support a large-scale processor.

This project assessed the feasibility of adapting an X-ray CT scanner developed for the aviation industry – which produces continuous, high resolution 3D X-ray images – to scan carcases at full process speed over extended operating periods, to sort on quality and identify robotic cutting lines.

Initial results showed that the scanner’s imaging system would need some re-optimisation to meet the requirements of application in the red meat industry. Following a major upgrade to the scanner’s imaging system, the image quality would improve significantly so it could be used at full processor line speed.

Objectives

The main objectives of this project were to:

• introduce Rapiscan Systems’ RTT110 3D X-ray scanner technology from the aviation industry into the red meat industry
• scan red meat carcases using this technology
• evaluate the technology’s potential to support processing automation and objective measurement programs.

Key findings

• MLA’s partnership with Rapiscan Systems is a world first integrating this restricted technology to red meat supply chains.
• Initial results showed that the performance of the standard aviation X-ray CT scanner system was not to the level required to deliver accurate objective measurement in the red meat industry.
• The images were not able to accurately differentiate the segmentation between fat, lean meat and bone.
• However, with an upgrade to the system imaging program, the scanner would be capable of operating 24 hours a day in a red meat processing plant, with real-time production of objective measurement at a conveyor speed up to 500mm/second.

Benefits to industry

Benefits to the red meat processing industry from using 3D X-ray scanning technology include:

• reduced staffing due to increased adoption of targeted automation systems
• improved yield due to accurate objective measurement information, including robotic cutting lines
• adoption of new meat grading schemes based on X-ray data rather than surface attributes such as muscle area, fat thickness and pH at single localised positions on the carcase
• improved quality control at all stages of carcase processing.

MLA action

MLA engineers are working with processing plants and technology providers, Scott Automation and Rapiscan, to design and integrate a solution to process beef rack-loin primals and assisted offal inspection, to demonstrate its performance and potential.

Future research

To generate significant impact, further investment will be required to develop:

• the meat science methodologies required to deliver meat grading based on objective measurement
• the veterinary science methodologies required to deliver objective animal heath traits for assisted offal inspection
• hardware modifications to facilitate equipment use in the food preparation environment
• integration into processing plant operations.