Metal detectors Discrimination How does it work?

 Metal detectors even though they are indispensable nowadays especially in the current security context do not date so long that ca. In fact the principle of operation of metal detectors is pretty simple to understand.It emits magnetic signals to probe a given surface. Sensors with the unit measure the time between the issuance of a signal and its reception at the level of the disk provided for this purpose (when this signal is sent by surface probed to the detector). 

You should know that different metals return a signal to the disc at different speeds. So when you are looking for a specific metal, you can be on to not be wrong about the presence and the nature of this metal in many cases. That is the principle of discrimination of metals. In fact, people with enough sharp knowledge in physics recognized this principle an application of the so-called Act of Lorenz.

The latter describes the reaction of any body subjected to an electromagnetic field.Indeed metals exposed to electromagnetic radiation are then crossed by a current that moves following a direction contrary to that of this field.

However, please note that the principle of discrimination is not 100% reliable. Metal (even recent models) detectors are always limits.Indeed, several factors can disrupt or distort the detector discrimination and lead to errors of assessment of the unit. The type of terrain, the structure of the object sought to identify, the superposition of two objects of different types (one being metal and the other not) can greatly influence the reliability of the unit.

Discrimination Metal detectors How does it work?

Discrimination in metal detectors is a crucial feature that allows users to differentiate between various types of metals, helping to filter out unwanted targets (like nails or bottle caps) and focus on more valuable items (like coins or jewelry). Here’s how it works:

How Discrimination Works

Signal Processing:

Metal detectors generate an electromagnetic field, which induces a current in metal objects when they pass through it.

Different metals produce different electrical signals (or "responses") based on their conductivity and magnetic properties.

Frequency Response:

Each type of metal has a unique frequency response. For example, gold, silver, and copper respond differently than iron or aluminum.

High-quality metal detectors analyze these responses and categorize them based on preset discrimination settings.

Discrimination Settings:

Users can adjust the discrimination settings to specify which types of metals they want to detect and which ones to ignore.

Common settings include:

Notch Discrimination: Allows users to exclude specific ranges of metal targets (e.g., iron).

Full Discrimination: Filters out all unwanted metals but allows for a broader range of target detection.

Visual and Audio Feedback:

Many metal detectors provide visual indicators (like target ID numbers) and audio tones that correspond to different metal types.

A higher tone might indicate a valuable target, while a lower tone could signify a piece of trash.

Ground Balance:

Discrimination is often coupled with ground balancing, which adjusts the detector's sensitivity to ground mineralization. This helps improve discrimination by reducing false signals from minerals in the soil.

Benefits of Discrimination

Efficiency: Helps users focus on valuable targets, saving time and effort during searches.

Reduced Trash: Minimizes the number of unwanted items dug up, making the treasure hunting experience more enjoyable.

Improved Target Identification: Enhances the ability to identify potential finds before digging.

Limitations

False Negatives: In some cases, discrimination can lead to missing valuable items if they fall within a range considered undesirable.

Learning Curve: Users may need time to understand the signals and settings, especially in areas with varied metal types.

Conclusion

Discrimination is a powerful feature in metal detectors that significantly enhances target identification and search efficiency. By understanding how it works and how to adjust settings, users can maximize their treasure hunting success.