TOMRA Field Potato Sorter

TOMRA Sorting Solutions has developed a Field Potato Sorter (FPS), a high throughput optical sorting solution for unwashed potatoes. According to the company, the system enables growers, processors and packer companies to lower labour and potato storage costs while raising product quality and yield.

Utilising unique biometric signature identification technology, the FPS provides a representation of the visible and near infrared spectral zones, which allows it to analyse and identify organic characteristics and compositions of all objects. It can therefore distinguish clumps of dirt, stones, foreign material and rot from potatoes, even those with substantial soil covering.

The machine can be used for different varieties and sizes of unwashed potato, while process and packer customers can use the data the machine produces for predictive analysis, to achieve purposes such as optimising production lines.

The system is compact and available in various widths to fit capacities up to 70,000 kg/h. The sorting machine is compatible with other potato grading equipment, but can also be used on its own to sort harvested potatoes, before or after storage.