Page 19 - AMEFT Journal 2021-4

3-in-1 machine close up
But so far, it looks to be greater than the 1,30,000 tons we recorded in 2020. So, we look forward to putting our FB2 to good use!”
Last season, the company exported 6,500 tons, but it is hoping to dispatch around 9,000 tons
to its main European market and growing markets in Asia and the US next year. Subse- quently, strict quality export standards must
be met. “We must adhere to a maximum of one shell per 250 kg. With our SORTEX FB2 machine, we can meet this requirement. Our 5% input shell contamination is reduced to 0.4% after just one pass through the SOR- TEX F sorter,” Infante states.
3-in-1 solution
The SORTEX FB2 can smoothly handle walnut halves of up to 8-ton capacities per hour in a 1200 mm tray. With Bühler’s unique ability to ‘split’ its machines for multiple re-sorting, both mechanically and at a software level, Pa- cific Nuts has benefitted from a ‘three-machines-in-one- solution,’ consisting of 600, 400, and 200 mm independent partitions.
The primary partition is intended to quickly and efficiently process an average of 1.5 to 2.5 tons of walnuts halves per
(Source: Pacific Nuts)
FOCUS: CONFECTIONERY & SNACKS
hour, removing not only color defects, septum nuts, and foreign material such as sticks and stones, but also sorting the halves by shape – this allows Pacific Nuts to remove any large, medium or small pieces from its main product flow.
The remaining two partitions are used to re-sort the re- jects online, helping to reduce good product losses and un- necessary bins/grain containers handling and optimizing logistics and processing times within the plant.
Unique shape technology
“After the cracking process, a mixture of halves and quar- ters is obtained, which are separated by sieves and also by the SORTEX F. Having a system for the separation by shape and size is really helpful since it allows us to keep more than 85% of our halves. Reaching these values simplifies the task at the selection tables, which increases our efficiency and allows us to produce a high-quality product,” Infante says.
Bühler’s PROfile shape detection software unique shape recognition algorithms can detect any misshapen halves (3/4, large, medium, and small pieces), as well as sticks and foreign material. “PROfile technology ensures that we have minimum product waste and maximum profits,” In-
fante mentions.
Uriel Tosco, Managing Director at Sortechnolo-
gy SpA says, “The SORTEX F is a popular choice amongst nut processors in Chile due to its in- credible versatility. With the ability to solve up to three different processes in the same sorter, the SORTEX F simultaneously com- bines our cutting-edge color, texture, and shape technologies for unmatched FM de-
tection.”
Challenges and opportunities
Uriel Tosco, MD, Sortechnology SpA
Like many businesses, in 2020, Pacific Nuts faced chal- lenges that they could never have anticipated: a world pandemic. Infante states, “Fortunately, the food industry and, in particular, our business did not stop. On the con- trary, consumption of our products increased throughout the year, which allowed us to end the year on a positive note. In 2021, we will be taking the opportunity to update our machinery and increase our production capacity by 30%, meaning in this coming season, we will have more and better-quality products to offer our customers.”
(Source: Pacific Nuts)
Pacific Nuts orchards
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AMEFT 4 2021 19