TOMRA introduces 3A potato sorter
TOMRA Food has introduced the TOMRA 3A, a vision sorter for the separation of a range of foreign material from unwashed potatoes.
Developed in response to specific customer challenges, the TOMRA 3A delivers a new level of FM sorting performance but with added features.
- The TOMRA 3A sorter can be positioned going into or coming out of storage, where it can reduce sorting labor and shipping costs, increase available storage space, and protects the stored potato and downstream equipment from damage.
- The sorter employs an inspection and ejection system to detect and remove rocks, dirt clods and other debris from the incoming product. The TOMRA 3A is designed to operate at high capacity yet gently moves the product without risk of damage or bruising.
Sophisticated imaging tech, more automated functions
Robust, state-of-the-art technology with high resolution cameras, distinguishes between the crop and most commonly found foreign material types. Advanced software analysis separates dirt clods from dirt covered potatoes accurately. Additionally, TOMRA 3A can detect and reject gross green sun-exposed potatoes.Time is precious during harvest. The TOMRA 3A optical system mounted in a fully sealed camera enclosure and is designed to be resistant to rain, wind, dust and heat as well as potential vibration from moving the sorter between storage cellars. The TOMRA 3A performs well when pushed to meet the tight deadlines of a short harvest season. The TOMRA 3A boasts a 30% increased capacity over previous TOMRA models of similar size. To accommodate customer’s needs, the sorter is available in three widths, allowing for throughputs from 100,000- 220,000 lbs/hr.
For ejection the TOMRA 3A sorter employs a highspeed finger-based ejection system. Designed for robustness and repeatability whether removing large or small objects, the ejection system features long life finger assemblies featuring a new quick ‘change out’ design. Gentle potato handling continues to be a priority with this TOMRA sorter design and the new TOMRA 3A ‘accept’ conveyor captures, decelerates and delivers bruise free accept potatoes.
With an all new camera sensor and LED technology, there are no moving parts in the camera or light bulbs to be replaced. The camera is mounted further away from the product sorting zone, greatly reducing the need for camera cleaning and calibration.
Frost added: “Real-world field validations of the TOMRA 3A with growers sorting fresh-pack and processed potatoes have proven the excellent capabilities and reliability of this machine. With the grower facing the growing issue of labor availability but even higher outputs and yields, automation is critical. We expect the TOMRA 3A to be popular with all potato growers and packhouses worldwide and to increase TOMRA’s presence in this sector in the United States.”
The TOMRA 3A will be showcased for the first time in North America at Potato Expo 2020, booth #301, which takes place Jan. 14-15 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.