Key Technology adds new sorting software
While the VeryX range targeted all foreign material for removal, STG recognised and categorised surface defects and the dimensional characteristics of each strip, making an accept/reject decision based on how it would affect the aggregate ‘in the bag’ grade, as defined by the processor, said the company.
“By controlling the output for defect types that must be managed to a particular grade or ‘spec’, VeryX with STG maintains the most complex final product specifications without operator intervention, while increasing yields by 1–3% and enabling processors to eliminate mechanical length grading,” added the firm, which is part of Duravant.
Key Technology has been refining the STG technology for the past four years, since introducing it to its legacy sorters. Now, VeryX with STG can be programmed to reject potato strips that are too short or long for the grade.
“This sorting capability has game-changing implications,” said Marco Azzaretti, advanced inspection systems product manager at Key. “By eliminating the mechanical grader, the processor reduces their capital costs and frees up floor space, at the same time removing a potential source of foreign material introduction and reducing maintenance and sanitation expense.”
A sorter’s length grading parameters are managed on the user interface, without having to make mechanical adjustments.
“Like ‘cruise control’ on a vehicle, STG automates adjustments to maintain a consistent outcome despite constant variations in incoming product quality characteristics,” he added. “Our powerful STG algorithms far surpass a human’s ability to manage the sorter.”
