Key Technology, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, has expanded its COMPASS® family of optical sorters with the launch of a new belt-fed model, designed specifically for handling wet, sticky, and fragile food products. The system was officially introduced at Pack Expo Las Vegas on July 15, 2025.

The belt-fed COMPASS builds on the success of the chute-fed version introduced in 2023, offering processors an alternative sorting solution that combines high foreign material (FM) and defect removal with simplified operation and sanitation features. Unlike chute-fed systems, which require elevation and gravity to operate, the belt-fed design allows horizontal installation, reducing infrastructure modification needs and associated costs.

“We launched our COMPASS family of optical sorters two years ago with the chute-fed system, which is achieving great results in production facilities worldwide. Now, after extensive development and testing, we’re launching the belt-fed COMPASS to serve additional markets,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling. “This new system requires minimal training and delivers exceptional value to more types of food processors.”

Key’s belt-fed COMPASS offers gentle handling for delicate produce and snack items, aiming to reduce product damage while maintaining high throughput. The system incorporates recipe-driven operation and a smartphone-like interface, allowing operators to learn basic controls in under 30 minutes. Recipe creation and product changeovers can be performed in minutes, and full washdowns are possible within 15 minutes, supporting operational flexibility and uptime.

At the core of the sorter is Key’s NEXT sort engine, which powers detection of both organic and inorganic FM—including plastic, glass, wood, and paper—as well as product-specific defects. Equipped with up to eight channels of multispectral sensing and customizable cameras, the COMPASS system surpasses conventional 3-channel cameras in identifying fine color, shape, and structural anomalies. In many cases, this allows processors to eliminate the need for more expensive laser or hyperspectral equipment.

The sorter has been engineered for maximum sanitation, featuring open architecture, sloped surfaces, and minimal moving parts. Sensor and lighting elements are strategically located to remain free of splatter, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning. The belt is fully removable for deep sanitation, while the design facilitates easy access for maintenance personnel.

As standard, each COMPASS system integrates Key Discovery™, a data analytics and reporting platform that transforms the sorter into an IIoT-enabled information hub. By tracking quality trends and providing real-time feedback, the software enables processors to fine-tune line performance and reduce waste.

The belt-fed COMPASS is available in multiple sizes and configurations, with a compact footprint suitable for a wide range of applications—from raw product intake to final quality inspection before packaging.