Key Technology, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, has introduced its new ADR® X automatic defect removal system for potato strips, with the launch taking place at Interpack in Düsseldorf.

The ADR platform is designed to identify defects on wet potato strips and precisely trim affected areas, allowing processors to recover more usable product and improve yield. According to the company, the next-generation ADR X incorporates enhanced multi-spectral sensing and an updated mechanical architecture aimed at delivering improved defect detection and reliable operation in high-capacity, continuous production environments.

“Potato quality isn’t consistent, but processors still need consistent results. Meanwhile, the gap between variability in raw material and customer expectations for the finished product keeps widening. At the same time, hygiene requirements are greater, skilled labor is harder to find and facilities are running longer production cycles,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling. “As the long-time leader in automatic defect removal technology, Key redesigned its popular ADR system from the ground up with the new ADR X to address these mounting pressures.”

Multi-Spectral Sensing Targets Challenging Defects

Building on the field-proven technology of previous ADR systems, ADR X aligns, singulates, inspects and trims both peeled and peel-on wet potato strips across a range of cut sizes.

Among the key upgrades is multi-channel sensing supported by advanced LED lighting and strobing. Multiple images of each strip are captured under different wavelengths and combined to improve separation between product and background. The company says this supports more accurate identification of challenging defects, including green discoloration, and enables precise trimming decisions. A true-color user interface is designed to provide clear visualization and intuitive operation.

Hygiene And Maintenance In Focus

The redesigned system architecture reflects increased attention to sanitation and uptime in wet processing environments. According to Key, the ADR X eliminates activity above the product stream, reduces flat surfaces and integrates clean-in-place functionality to protect product quality and simplify cleaning.

Bearings and other key components have been positioned for easier access, with the stated aim of speeding maintenance and supporting uptime. Recipe-driven conveying and alignment mechanics automatically adjust based on the selected cut size. Lane profiles and strip positioning are configured via the user interface, allowing the system to respond to different strip dimensions without manual tuning.

The ADR X also introduces new endless, reinforced belts intended to reduce belt stretch over time and eliminate in-field welding. The company says belt replacement can be completed up to five times faster, reducing replacement frequency and streamlining maintenance procedures.

To maintain trimming precision across product changeovers, the conveyor belt and cutter-wheel operate with independent drives. The cutter-wheel automatically repositions based on the selected cut size to ensure defects are trimmed accurately while maintaining alignment throughout production.

Single-point adjustment mechanisms for brushes and finger racks are designed to reduce setup complexity and accelerate changeovers.

Retrofit Capability For Existing Lines

ADR X is available as a plug-and-play system that fits within a standard shipping container to support delivery and on-site setup. For processors operating existing potato strip lines, the system can be installed as a direct replacement for previous-generation ADR 5 units without significant layout modifications.

Key Technology supports customers through its global sales and service network. The ADR X forms part of the company’s broader portfolio of optical sorting and handling solutions for the potato processing sector.