Wyma Solutions has completed the delivery of a high-capacity potato wash line for Heartland Fresh Pak, supporting the handling of mixed varietal potatoes at volumes of up to 50–60 tonnes per hour.

The Canadian potato operation required a solution capable of processing red, yellow, and russet varieties while integrating into an existing flume pit and downstream optical grading equipment. Maintaining wash quality, managing dirt load, and ensuring efficient water use were central requirements of the project.

Wyma designed a complete wash line taking product from the existing flume pit through to optical grading, fully integrated with Heartland Fresh Pak’s infrastructure. Potatoes are flumed from storage into the wash pit and elevated via a 48-inch conveyor onto perpendicular splitter belts. These divide product evenly between two horizontal debris removers, where a pintle belt system captures organic material such as vines and grass before clean product is transferred onward. Debris from both units is consolidated and discharged into a common waste bin.

Following debris removal, potatoes are conveyed to a flume destoner. Using a pump-generated upwell of water within a wide channel, the system keeps potatoes buoyant while stones sink and are separated into a dedicated collection bin. From there, a pneumatically controlled flume diverter allows operators to manage product flow between two large-capacity polishers or direct all throughput to a single unit, offering operational flexibility during maintenance or lower-capacity operation.

The wash line incorporates Wyma’s largest polisher model, with each unit designed to handle approximately 30–35 tonnes per hour. Rotating drums and nylon brushes clean and polish the potatoes under controlled water showers. Process water management is handled through an integrated rotary filtration system, allowing clarified water to be reused for polishing sprays, with fresh water added only as needed to maintain performance under varying dirt loads.

Downstream, product is dried and finished on flat bed brushers equipped with a combination of felt and nylon rollers, configured to suit the product mix. Automated wiper modules clear residual product at the end of each run, while spray bars at discharge provide a final rinse and allow for the application of sprout inhibitors or similar treatments.

The line discharges directly into existing optical grading units, where potatoes are sorted into three grades. Grade one product is merged and conveyed to the customer’s sizer, with the option to divert directly to bunkers, while grade two product is delivered to an existing dual bin filling system.

According to Wyma, the completed installation provides a robust, scalable solution for high-throughput potato washing, delivering consistent product quality while efficiently managing water use and dirt load. The integrated design supports stable day-to-day operation and provides a long-term platform for high-capacity fresh potato handling at Heartland Fresh Pak.