Description
Sartorius MDB-5E | Single-Channel Metal Detector Control
Product Introduction
The Sartorius MDB-5E is the standard-model evaluation unit in the MDB metal-detection family. Sartorius documentation describes it as an economical single-channel, microprocessor-based evaluator with manual phase adjustment and internal function control. It is paired with the appropriate MDB search-coil hardware to form a complete industrial metal-detection system.
This is not simply a sensor amplifier. The MDB-5E performs the evaluation function between the search coil and the machine’s detection/rejection sequence. The documented design emphasizes simple function-key operation, manual phase adjustment, and internal functional checking rather than the multi-channel architecture used by the higher-level MDB-8E.
MDB-5E
Key Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sartorius
- Model: MDB-5E
- Product Type: Metal Detector Evaluation Electronics / Control Unit
- Detection Channels: Single-channel
- Processing: Microprocessor-based
- Supply Voltage: 85–264 VAC
- Phase Adjustment: Manual
- Function Monitoring: Internal function control
- User Operation: Function-key based control
- Associated System: Sartorius MDB industrial metal-detection equipment
- Primary Application: Equipment protection and product inspection
- Lifecycle: Discontinued by manufacturer; replacement procurement should be based on exact system compatibility.
Important Identification Note
There is misleading secondary information online describing MDB-5E as a weighing transmitter or load-cell interface. That description conflicts with Sartorius’s own MDB literature, which identifies MDB-5E as metal-detector evaluation electronics. For procurement purposes, the metal-detector identification is the one supported by the manufacturer’s published MDB documentation.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
Conveyor Metal Detection
The can serve as the evaluation electronics in an MDB metal-detection installation where material passes through an appropriate search coil. A failure in the evaluator can stop the detection system even when the search coil itself remains operational.
Production-Line Equipment Protection
Sartorius documentation describes MDB metal detectors as equipment-protection systems for industries including plastics, chemicals, rubber, wood, textiles, mining, and food processing. The purpose is not limited to consumer-product inspection; detecting metal before it reaches downstream machinery can prevent expensive mechanical damage.
Legacy Inspection-System Maintenance
Because the is discontinued, maintaining an existing installation can require sourcing tested legacy hardware rather than expecting a current-production direct replacement. Exact system configuration should be established before purchasing a used or surplus unit.
Single-Channel Detection
The is specifically documented as a single-channel evaluator. It should not be treated as interchangeable with the multi-channel MDB-8E simply because both belong to the same MDB family.
QA & Live Testing SOP
A useful acceptance test needs to confirm the evaluation electronics and the associated detection chain.
1. Identity Verification
- Confirm Sartorius manufacturer marking.
- Confirm model.
- Photograph the complete nameplate and electrical markings.
- Record serial number and revision information.
- Verify the supply specification before energizing.
2. Physical Inspection
- Inspect the enclosure for impact or corrosion.
- Check terminal blocks and connectors.
- Inspect internal electronics for evidence of overheating or unauthorized repair.
- Check switches, function keys, and adjustment controls for mechanical damage.
- Inspect the grounding arrangement.
3. Power-Up Test
Using a properly protected test setup:
- Apply the correct AC supply within the documented range.
- Confirm normal startup behavior.
- Check the operator interface and function keys.
- Verify that no abnormal fault indication appears.
- Allow the unit to reach stable operating condition before functional testing.
4. Detection Test
Connect the to the correct compatible search-coil assembly.
Test with appropriate reference metal samples and verify:
- Detection response
- Phase adjustment
- Repeatability
- Alarm output
- Reject-system interface, where fitted
- Internal function monitoring
The test should be performed with the actual system configuration or an approved equivalent test fixture. A powered-up evaluator without a validated search-coil signal path is not a complete functional test.
5. Packaging
- Use ESD-safe protection around the electronic assemblies.
- Protect switches, connectors, and adjustment controls.
- Keep the unit dry.
- Prevent shock loads during transport.
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
❗ Do not confuse with MDB-8E. MDB-8E is the premium multi-channel evaluator, while is the standard single-channel model. They are not interchangeable merely because the model names are similar.
❗ Do not assume this is a weighing transmitter. Some aftermarket pages incorrectly describe as a load-cell weighing module. Sartorius’s MDB documentation identifies it as metal-detector evaluation electronics. Verify the physical application and nameplate before procurement.
❗ Verify the search coil. The evaluator and search coil form a system. A healthy connected to the wrong coil configuration can produce misleading detection behavior.
❗ Check phase adjustment after replacement. The uses manual phase adjustment. Replacing the evaluator without checking the detection setup can change the operating point and detection performance.
❗ Do not assume modern PLC communications. The available Sartorius documentation describes the primarily as evaluation electronics. Do not advertise Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, or other communications unless the specific installed configuration has been verified.
Intent-Driven FAQ
What is Sartorius ?
is a Sartorius single-channel microprocessor-based metal-detector evaluation/control unit. It is part of the MDB industrial metal-detection system family.
Is a metal detector?
More precisely, it is the evaluation/control electronics used with the metal detector’s search-coil system. The search coil and evaluation electronics work together as the detection system.
What is the power supply?
Current industrial documentation identifies 85–264 VAC for the . Verify the actual nameplate on the unit before applying power, particularly when dealing with older equipment.
How many channels does support?
The is documented as a single-channel evaluator. Sartorius positions the MDB-8E as the multi-channel premium model.
Does use manual phase adjustment?
Yes. Manual phase adjustment is one of the characteristics specifically identified in Sartorius’s MDB documentation.
Is discontinued?
Current industrial parts documentation identifies the as discontinued by the manufacturer. This makes exact identification and functional testing particularly important when sourcing a maintenance spare.
What should I verify before buying a replacement ?
Verify the complete Sartorius nameplate, supply voltage, system revision, compatible search coil, connector configuration, and application setup. If buying used or surplus, request photographs of the actual unit rather than relying solely on a catalog description.
