Increasing yields with downstream sorting

HISTORICALLY, potato processors have relied on automated sorters to remove foreign material and defects from wet product after the cutter, upstream of the fryer and freezer. Whilst these sorters are highly effective in helping to make grade, they leave a processor vulnerable to quality problems that may arise downstream. Potato processors have traditionally relied on costly, inconsistent, and unsanitary hand sorting to inspect frozen product at the end of the production line. Now, with sorting technology specifically developed for frozen potato strips, processors can automate this end-of-line inspection. Key Technology's sorter for frozen potato products, the "Manta", features Vis/IR (visible infrared) cameras and Raptor laser technology along with new, proprietary high intensity LED lighting, high flow ejector valves, and three-way ejection capability, this large capacity sorter, located immediately prior to packaging, assures final product is free of foreign material and objectionable process-generated material. Locating the system at the end of the potato processing line helps assure the safety and quality of final product whilst simultaneously achieving additional benefits associated with improved process control and length control. Featuring a two-meter wide scan area, Manta handles up to 23 metric tons (50,700 pounds) of frozen potato strips per hour, based on 7mm wide cuts. It is ideal for sorting all types of potato products on frozen and refrigerated processing lines including: strips, steak cuts, wedges, spirals, waffle cuts, and small whole potatoes. With this new application, potato processors can now automate inspection of frozen product at the end of the production line to improve food safety and product quality whilst reducing labour costs. Taking sorting to the next level Using proprietary trichromatic Vis/IR cameras, Manta recognises each object's size and shape as well as millions of subtle colour differences. The infrared sensors differentiate between potato peel and brown defects such as bruises and rot, which allows the sorter to detect and remove a wide range of defects on both peeled and peel-on potato products. Integrating Key's Raptor laser technology allows the inspection of the objects' structural properties, which maximises the detection and removal of foreign material. In addition to defects and foreign material, Manta, when located at the end of the production line, removes problematic process-generated material such as burn strips and starch blocks to maximise the quality of final product. Based on the powerful G6 electro-optical platform, the system offers the most advanced image processing in the industry with object-oriented logic and decision-making that combines data from multiple sensors. In addition the optional new FMAlert enables G6 optical sorters to capture and save a digital image of every object identified as foreign material. Armed with these images, processors can quickly identify critical quality problems and take corrective action. For example, if conveyor belt pieces are found in the product stream, the processor can quickly check upstream equipment conditions and correct the problem. Capturing only the images of foreign material keeps the system focused on collecting the more critical data. Key can customise the software to capture images of objects that match specific criteria for size, shape, colour, and, if the sorter is equipped with Raptor or FluoRaptor laser technology, differences in the objects' structural properties such as the absence of chlorophyll. (finished)Nike Schuhe