Representing the latest advance in sensor-based optical sorting and grading, the Halo delivers high-performance across of a wide variety of foods. It views and analyzes attributes - such as colors, shapes, blemishes, foreign materials and difficult-to-see defects in product composition - to produce a highly accurate sort.
Jim Frost, market unit manager, Tomra Sorting Solutions, explained: "Using top and bottom sensor banks to view each object in-flight, the Halo uses a combination of light-emitting diodes, in the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrum, to perform targeted spectroscopy with 1mm precision. Offering high capacity, low maintenance, flexibility, gentle handling and consistent, long-life accuracy, the machine provides quality control and feedback via an intuitive touch screen."
Tomra says the Halo system's benefits for customers include: significant labor cost reductions, averaging 80 per cent upwards; yield increases of up to four per cent; low operational costs; up to 25 per cent faster throughput; improved product quality; a faster pack; and speedy return on investment.
Fresh pack Halo applications include: all sizes and varieties of potatoes; carrots; parsnips; onions; garlic; tomatoes; and cucumbers. Processor applications include: peeled and unpeeled potatoes; carrots; peaches; pears; tomatoes; green beans, onions; apricots; and citrus fruits, such as oranges and mandarins.
Tomra Sorting Solutions will showcase the Halo 500 system at this year's PMA Fresh Summit Expo in New Orleans at booth 5015.