Sep 29, 2017TOMRA releases sorter for potato processors
TOMRA has launched a sorter for potato processors that it says removes more than 98 percent of foreign objects found in product streams after washing and peeling.
The company has redesigned its TOMRA 5A sorter to accept potatoes. The machine uses top and bottom sensor banks to view each individual object “in flight.” According to TOMRA, its combination of pulsed LED, camera, NIR (Near InfraRed) and advanced analysis techniques achieves foreign object detection with 1mm precision.
That detection capability is combined with the company’s Smart rejection technology to increase the range of foreign objects that can be removed, leading to what TOMRA says is a 98 percent removal rate. That includes heavy and floating stones, corn cobs and roots, wood, glass, plastics, golf balls and metals as well as others types of objects.
TOMRA’s Smart rejection technology works in conjunction with its new graphical user interface (GUI). Called TOMRA ACT, the GUI enables operators to remove defective product after either washing or peeling. This allows processors to manage the defect level at multiple points along the line.
By employing two reject exits, the TOMRA 5A can also help remove produce for rework, which may have typically been sent to waste. Once removed, it can be redressed and then reintroduced on the normal processing line. The sorter’s first reject exit allows for foreign objects and unusable product to be removed from the food processing line. The second exit enables the removal of defective produce which may still be usable to be reworked, which in turn significantly increases recovery.
TOMRA product manager Jim Frost said with food safety standards continuing to rise, and food waste still a significant global issue, the TOMRA 5A lets potato processors address those factors and gain the best possible return from the anticipated growth of the potato market.
“Our enhanced TOMRA 5A sorter comprehensively addresses the challenge of foreign object removal as early as possible in the processing line, whilst also delivering improved efficiencies and greater yields,” he said.
Since TOMRA 5A collates and analyzes real-time data, it is also able to check its operational capability and monitor its ongoing performance to ensure it is delivering optimal sorting and removal rates. If the TOMRA 5A detects any issues, either at initialization or when running, it will alert the plant so that the processor can resolve the situation.
