Tomra Sorting Food has launched an enhanced sorting solution which removes more than 98% of all typical foreign objects found in product streams after washing and peeling.

The enhanced sorting machine uses top and bottom sensor banks to view each individual object “in flight”. Its combination of pulsed LED, camera, NIR (Near InfraRed) and advanced analysis techniques achieves stable, trouble free, foreign object detection with 1mm precision.

The TOMRA 5A’s advanced detection capability is combined with the company’s Smart rejection technology, to significantly increase the range of foreign objects that can be removed, including heavy and floating stones, corn cobs and roots, wood, glass, plastics, golf balls and metals as well as many others.

This technology also ensures the food safety of the whole potato along the entire processing line. In addition, it reduces the risk of foreign objects damaging cutting equipment or otherwise contributing to a line stoppage.

TOMRA’s Smart rejection technology works in conjunction with its new graphical user interface (GUI). Called TOMRA ACT, the GUI provides potato processors with an intuitive way to operate their sorters quickly and efficiently whilst also gathering data for further process improvements.

Due to its advanced analytical capabilities and on-the-fly responsiveness, TOMRA ACT enables operators to remove defective product after either washing or peeling. By being able to manage the defect level at these points along the line, processors can improve both yields and profits.

Tomra is showcasing two of its newest innovative sorting machines at the upcoming Pack Expo in Las Vegas, USA, September 25-27.