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A berry sorting machine is an essential piece of equipment for companies that process and package berries. The main purpose of this machine is to examine the quality of each berry and separate the bad ones from the good ones. There are several types of berry sorting machines available, each of which uses a unique technology to classify and sort berries.
Optical sorting machines
An optical sorting machine uses high-resolution cameras and advanced image-processing software to examine the color, size, shape, and surface features of each berry. These machines are capable of detecting berries that do not match the desired size and color criteria. In addition to having the perfect shape and color, the optical sorting machine can identify berries that have surface blemishes, such as scars or rot. Once the undesired berries have been identified, the optical sorting machine will use air jets to remove them from the desired good berries.
Electro-mechanical sorting machines
This type of machine uses electrical sensors to detect the size, weight, and volume of each berry. The berries are then sorted based on the information that is collected. The main advantage of this machine is that it can sort a wide variety of berries based on different parameters such as size and weight. The disadvantage of this type of sorting machine is that it may not be able to detect surface defects like rot or scabs.
Mechanical vibrating belt sorters
This machine uses a vibrating conveyor belt to sort and classify berries based on size and shape. The undesired berries are then manually removed. This type of sorting machine is one of the most commonly used because it is easy to set up and use. In addition, the maintenance costs for this type of machine are very low. The disadvantage of mechanical vibrating belt sorters is that they can only be used to sort berries based on size and shape. Therefore, many companies use this machine in combination with others so that they can sort berries with more parameters.
Colorimetric sorting machines
This kind of machine can only sort berries based on their color. It uses cameras and sophisticated software to detect and classify the color of each berry. Although it is a simple and easy-to-use sort of machine, its sorting capabilities and accuracy are limited. Like the mechanical vibrating belt sorter, some companies may use this machine in combination with others so that they can achieve a better sorting result.
Specifications can vary from model to model but here are some common specifications of a berry sorting conveyor machine.
The maintenance of the berry sorting machine is also crucial. As described above, the machine has several parts, including mechanical and electronic ones. Therefore, it is essential to keep the machine in good shape both physically and functionally to get the best results.
A berry sorting machine is useful in many industries and has several applications. The machine is helpful in the food processing and packaging industry to sort, grade, and separate various kinds of berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries, to mention just a few.
The berry sorter is widely used after the harvest of berries. It is used to separate ripe, overripe, decayed, and underdeveloped berries. The machine can identify berries that are not of the right size, color, quality, and shape as per set specifications, and it eliminates them from the final output with the highest accuracy. By carefully sifting through and separating the berries, the berry sorting machine streamlines subsequent phases of food processing, quality assurance, and packaging.
Operators of berry sorter machines can streamline their processes, reduce manual labor, improve productivity, and provide end-users with superior products. Furthermore, berry sorting machines aren't just for berries. They can sort other small, round, and similarly-sized fruits and vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, beans, eyes of potatoes, and nuts. For these fruits and vegetables, the machine is often used during the packing stage before they are exported.
Many manufacturers and packers of frozen berries also consider investing in berry sorting machines. This is because frozen-berry quality is of utmost importance to consumers. To preserve the integrity of the berries, it is vital to sort them before they are frozen. Sorting them first ensures that only the highest quality berries are frozen and packaged.
Selecting the most suitable berry sorting machine for a business requires careful consideration of several factors. First, the size of the operation must be considered. Larger-processing capacities are ideal for commercial set-ups, while smaller ones suffice for farm-gate sales or small to medium farm operations.
Consider the types of berries being processed. Some machines are modelled to sort different types of berries, while some are versatile and can sort a wide range of soft fruits. Look for machines that have sorting rules that will suit the type of berry the business is dealing with.
When choosing a berry sorting machine, it's essential to consider its capacity. The machine should be able to cope with the amount of berry produce available. For commercial set-ups, larger machines that have an estimated processing capacity of about one to six tons per hour are ideal. For smaller to medium scale operations, capacities of 200 to 2000 kg per hour are more suitable.
Determine whether the machine in question is adaptable to other sorts of soft fruits. Some machines are only suitable for particular kinds of berries, while others can sort a wide range of soft fruits with different diameters.
Consider whether the machine is compatible with the packing style in use. Certain machines work with bulk packing styles, whereas others are suitable for different sorts of packing styles. Consider how flexible the machine is when it comes to packing styles and whether it can accommodate the specific requirements of the business.
In all cases, consider energy use. Machines that use less energy can save money in the long run. Are conveyors and sorting trays made of food grade and hygienic materials? Do they prevent berries from getting squished and damaged? These are questions to ask before getting a sorting machine.
Q1: What are some features of berry sorting machines?
A1: Berry sorting machines are often equipped with features such as intuitive touch-screen interfaces, video tutorials for operator training, adjustable sorting parameters for different berry varieties, quick-changeover systems for handling multiple types of berries, and some machines also have data tracking and reporting capabilities.
Q2: Can a berry sorting machine handle different types of soft fruits?
A2: Yes, most berry sorting machines are designed to be versatile and can handle various types of small fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, etc., as long as they fall within the size parameters for the machine's sorting mechanisms.
Q3: Are there berry sorting machines for organic berries?
A3: Yes, there are sorting machines designed with considerations important to organic producers, such as minimizing handling to avoid bruising and damage and ensuring that all sorting processes can be carried out without the use of additional chemical treatments post-harvest.
Q4: Do berry sorting machines create additional jobs?
A4: Well, they do not create additional jobs, but they can help make existing jobs easier and perhaps reduce the number of workers required. The increased efficiency and reduced labor intensity of the sorting process can help facilities operate with a smaller workforce.