A high volume optical sorter has been introduced by the Belgian company, Best NV.  

 

 The Genius 2000 is, claims the company, a unique sorter which combines all the advantages of a flexible electronic platform through which the system’s Graphical User Interface translates customers’ sorting requirements.   

 

 The new Best sorter has a 2000mm belt to process large quantities which, claims the company, makes it ideal for potato processing. The larger belt does not affect the high resolution images possible with the smaller 640mm machine.   

 

 Using a touch screen, the Genuis 2000 can take what is known as ‘frame grabs’ which Best claims ‘reflect a real picture of the good and bad product without difficulty’.   

 

 The Genius 2000 has an open mechanical design which means that the optical windows are easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Now that the Genius 2000 has a new 2000mm belt, the system has four belt options. The others measure 640mm, 1,200mm and 1,600mm. The cantilever frame set-up of the conveyors mean they are easy to replace.   

 

 Four different configurations are available to meet the product specification and sorting requirements of the processor from scanning on the belt through to scanning on all sides of the product.   

 

 “Genius offers the latest camera technology with premium monochromatic, RGB or RGI colour cameras together with different types of invisible and visible light sources such as infrared or ultraviolet to illuminate the product,” said Best.   

 

 During the processing of recorded images, colour differences such as brown or black spots on potato slices, dices or whole potatoes and/or shape deviations will be detected, said Best. Combining camera and laser technology makes it possible to sort on colour, shape and structure and both recognise and remove ‘invisible’ objects such as glass or objects which are almost the same colour as the product.   

 

 Best has developed technologies which enable the process to detect the slightest, almost invisible, green discolorations – even if they are under the skin of potato products. Hermetically sealed and nitrogen pressurised optical boxes ensure the ‘continuous and persistent’ performance of the ‘optix’, said Best.   

 

 The company currently has sorting machines active globally in the French fry, potato chip and potato flakes markets and also has the capability to sort frozen French fries and whole potatoes.