BEST Sorting is one of the forerunners when it comes to the use of innovative technical applications in optical sorting technology. The originally Flemish machine builder was one of the first companies to successfully apply laser technology within the sorting of fruit, vegetables and potatoes. Charles Strubbe and Roel Molenaers from BEST Sorting tell about the development and recent trends of the optical sorting.
BEST introduced in 1996 the first free-fall laser sorter, but had previously been active in optical sorting technologies. "Optical sorting has the greatest advantage with respect to manual sorting machines in that a greater capacity can be handled, and it is accurate. The sorter can also see certain things that people do not see. It does not get tired and does not need coffee breaks. Years of experience gives us a good basis to address the current sorting challenges," says Strubbe.
Structure and colour differences detected with optical technologies.
In recent years the development of optical sorters has accelerated and become more sophisticated. In the meantime, there are already several ways in which the optical sorting techniques may be employed. Charles Strubbe explains, "There are a number of ways in which an optical sorter can work. First of all, on the basis of the inspection camera by colour. In this way, for example, to distinguish between red and green berries. In addition, a laser with the ability to sort according to the structure of the product. It can sort rotten or overripe fruit."
By making use of a combination of various technologies, the fruit and vegetable processor is able to achieve the best possible result. The various technologies can be combined in a free-fall, or a band-sorting machine. The choice mainly depends on the specific properties of the product to grade.
Biological properties
In addition to the laser and camera, new technologies can also be sorted on the basis of the biological properties of the product. Thus, they can for example look at the spinach chlorophyll that spinach leaves contain. If you compare with the typical defects such as insects and foreign material such as green plastic, you will soon see a large contrast. The creation of these contrasts is the basis for the sorting process. Another example is the sorting on the basis of the solanine content of potatoes. With this technique, the fruit and veg processor is able to set the machine to spot the light green discolouration of potatoes.
Future
"As you know, there is increasing demand for convenience. Consumers looking for ready-to eat food on the shelves. He wants for example, bags of ready-to eat apple segments. Also, consumers are increasingly looking for salad which can be eaten immediately. "Says Molenaers.
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