Key Technology Introduces VERYX� Digital Sorters

Key Technology introduces VERYX� digital sorters for nuts and dried fruits. This innovative new sorter is designed specifically to identify and remove even the most challenging foreign material (FM) and defects such as small, loose and embedded shell fragments, membrane material, insect damage, surface scratches, color-based defects, stems, rocks, glass and more. VERYX for nuts and dried fruits achieves unmatched color grading and shell, FM and defect removal while at the same time its extreme accuracy virtually eliminates false rejects. Ideal for sorting walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, cashews and dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, cranberries, apricots, figs, dates and more, the sorter guarantees that final product specifications are maintained while maximizing yields. This new level of sorting efficiency allows nut and dried fruit processors to make grade with fewer passes through the sorter, increasing productivity and reducing product breakage. The machine is the only nut and dried fruit sorter that can be configured with front- and rear-mounted laser sensors and cameras to achieve all-sided surface inspection. It is also the only sorter with multi-sensor Pixel FusionT, which combines pixel-level input from multiple cameras and laser sensors to more clearly differentiate good product, defects and FM. With Pixel Fusion, VERYX consistently removes the most difficult-to-detect FM and defects without 'false positives.'

Intelligent software

The next-generation 4-channel cameras and laser sensors on VERYX offer twice the resolution of previous generation sorters to detect smaller pieces of shell, FM and product defects. The accuracy of the detection system is paired with a high-resolution ejection system, which features the closest spacing between air nozzles of any nut and dried fruit sorter in order to better target and remove defects. Intelligent software manages the air nozzles' actuation strategy to suit the size, shape and weight of each object being removed. The combined precision of the detection and ejection systems results in the most complete removal of shells, FM and defects without sacrificing good product to the reject stream. The company offers the sorter in a variety of widths to meet the needs of low- to high-capacity nut and dried fruit processors. Thanks to inspection zones that are wider than other sorters with a similar footprint, VERYX enables processors to increase their throughputs by up to 15 percent while remaining efficient in its floor space requirements.

The system's specifications

The machine marries Key's expertise in sorting and product handling. The patented Chycane� chute features a patented concave shape that stabilizes product as it transitions into the inspection and ejection zones, which helps maximize detection and removal accuracy. The sorting system includes specialized infeed and collection shakers designed specifically for each product to gently handle fragile nuts and effectively move sticky dried fruits without damage. The company configures each sorter with the ideal sensor types, sensor positions, lighting, ejection system, product handling and software to meet each processor's requirements. The modular sorter can be easily upgraded in the field with additional or different sensors to handle changing customer requirements. The sorter works perfectly as a stand-alone sorter, both in line or batch fed, and in arrangements comprising a cascading line of multiple sorters, depending on the needs of the processor. Integrating Key's Cayman� BioPrint� sorter upstream of the machine creates a powerful combination. The Cayman hyperspectral sensors handle even the highest levels of incoming shells and other FM, dramatically reducing them prior to VERYX performing an advanced sort on color, size, shape and structural properties to ensure the desired grade at maximum yield. Designed for extreme ease-of-use, the sorter includes smart features that enable it to adapt to normal changes in the product and environment and perform without operator intervention.