TOMRA Sorting Solutions to showcase whole potato sorting at BP2013

Sensor-based sorting systems pioneer TOMRA Sorting Solutions will showcase its whole potato capabilities at a forthcoming major UK industry event.

The company will demonstrate its Field Potato Sorter (FPS) and Halo optical sorter at BP2013, the bi-annual trade fair for the British potato industry, taking place on 27 and 28 November at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The TOMRA systems can be seen at stand 406.

TOMRA’s FPS is the first successful high throughput optical sorting solution in the industry for unwashed potatoes. The system enables growers, processors and packer companies to lower labour and potato storage costs significantly while raising product quality and yield.

Utilising unique biometric signature identification (BSI) technology, the FPS provides a representation of the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectral zones, which allows it to analyse and identify organic characteristics and compositions of all objects. It can therefore distinguish clumps of dirt, stones, foreign material and rot from potatoes, even those with substantial soil covering.

The machine can be used for different varieties and sizes of unwashed potato while process and packer customers can use the data the machine produces for predictive analysis, to achieve purposes such as optimising production lines.

Jim Frost, market unit manager, TOMRA Sorting Food, said: “The FPS is replacing hard-to-find manpower needed to clean the product stream going into and out of potato storage. The robust, weatherproof and user-friendly machine is compact and available in various widths to fit all specific capacities up to 70,000 kilos an hour. The sorting machine is compatible with other potato grading equipment, but can also be used on its own to sort harvested potatoes, before or after storage.” Representing the latest advance in sensor-based optical sorting and grading, the Halo delivers high-performance across of a wide variety of foods. It views and analyzes attributes - such as colors, shapes, blemishes, foreign materials and difficult-to-see defects in product composition - to produce a highly accurate sort.

Mr Frost explained: “Using top and bottom sensor banks to view each object in-flight, the Halo uses a combination of optimised, light-emitting diodes, in the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrum, to perform targeted spectroscopy with 1mm precision.

“Offering high capacity, low maintenance, flexibility, gentle handling and consistent, long-life accuracy, the machine provides quality control and feedback via an intuitive touch screen.” TOMRA says the Halo system’s benefits for customers include: significant labor cost reductions, averaging 80 per cent upwards;yield increases of up to four per cent;low operational costs;up to 25 per cent faster throughput;improved product quality;a faster pack;and speedy return on investment.

Fresh pack Halo applications include: all sizes and varieties of potatoes;carrots;parsnips;onions;garlic;tomatoes;and cucumbers. Processor applications include: peeled and unpeeled potatoes;carrots;peaches;pears;tomatoes;green beans, onions;apricots;and citrus fruits, such as oranges and mandarins.

TOMRA Sorting Solutions creates sensor-based technologies for sorting, peeling and process analytics. The company unites four strong brands under one roof: TITECH for recycling, TOMRA Sorting Mining for mining, ODENBERG for food and BEST for food and specialty products.

This powerful alliance makes the company one of the most advanced providers of sensor-based sorting solutions worldwide.

The alliance provides many benefits and synergies including 15 test centers worldwide, access to a vast array of technologies and a large research and development department. TOMRA Sorting Solutions’ global reach also allows it to deliver an enhanced service offering, with a shared service network ensuring the company is always close to its customers.

For more information visit www.tomra.com/food