Abstract: A system and method for detecting pieces of polymer components such as food processing equipment components, includes adding a ceramic material to the polymer to form a combined material having metal detectable and/or magnetic removal properties. The item is manufactured out of the combined material, and food products on other material that is processed by processing equipment can be tested using metal detection and/or magnetic removal systems in order to detect and or remove any pieces of the components that may become entrained in the material being processed.

Abstract: An improved testing system and method and corresponding components can provide detection of polymer contaminant parts in processed materials such as food products, including finished packaged materials. Components of the system are made of a first polymer material combined with a second radiopaque material. The polymer include at least plastics and elastomers.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a polymer component comprises adding a radiopaque material to a polymer material to form a combined material having radiopaque properties, manufacturing the item at least partial out of the combined material, applying x-rays to the item, and viewing an x-ray image of the item to detect the structural condition of the item.

Abstract: A blade for mounting to a scraped surface heat exchanger drive shaft by pivotal connection with a mounting pin has a blade body having a first side and a second side, and a scraper edge and a hinge edge. At least one mounting hole extends through the blade body generally proximate at the hinge edge. An L-shaped locking track protrudes into the first set of the blade, having an entry track extending from the hinge edge and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to the mounting hole. An L-shaped locking track also protruding into the second side of the blade, has an entry track extending from the hinge edge of the blade and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to and past the mounting hole.

Abstract: A scraped surface heat exchanger includes a seal assembly between a rotating tube and the end housing. The seal assembly is removable by removing the tube.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam. The blades feature protective supporting nubs that are outwardly facing from the blade and located proximate to the mounting locations of the blade to provide a supporting rest for the drive shaft pin and blade assembly as it is slid into or out of its outer housing tube.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: A curved scraper blade for a scraped-surface heat exchanger pivots about an axis off the centerline of the blade. The profile of the blade is chosen to provide a low initial scrape angle and to change gradually if at all as the blade wears away in service. The off-center pivot placement allows scraped material to flow between the blade and the drive shaft. Several materials are suitable for the blade, including PEEK thermoplastic.