TOMRA to demonstrate latest advance in sensor-based optical food sorting

TOMRA Sorting Solutions will showcase its Halo 500 system at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit Expo in New Orleans.

The event takes place in the Ernest N Morial Convention Center, from Oct. 18 to 20 and the Halo 500 can be seen in Booth 5015.

Representing the latest advance in sensor-based optical sorting and grading, the Halo delivers high-performance across of a wide variety of foods, according to the company. 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.

“Using top and bottom sensor banks to view each object in-flight, the Halo uses a combination of light-emitting diodes, in the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrum, to perform targeted spectroscopy with 1mm precision,” said Jim Frost, market unit manager. “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 percent upwards; yield increases of up to four per cent; low operational costs; up to 25 percent 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.

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