CHICAGO, IL – TOMRA Sorting Solutions is launching its ZEA sorter at ASTA Seed Expo at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL on December 8 – 12, 2014.
TOMRA continues to expand its ZEA sorter range, which was developed specifically for the seed and fresh corn industry. According to a press release, this latest innovation includes the design and implementation of a second camera module for the inspection of both sides of an ear of corn.
Maurice Moynihan, Market Unit Director at TOMRA Sorting Food, says, “The ZEA is a flexible sorter with gentle handling assured. It contains simple controls, supplies straightforward feedback, provides consistent, long-life accuracy and requires only low maintenance.”
Moynihan added, “Benefits the system offers customers include unrivalled husk and superior defect removal, significant labor reductions, reduced operational costs and easy installation.”
The ZEA works when the product is spread uniformly on the infeed belt in an aligned fashion before being scanned by the cameras. Top-and-bottom mounted color and near-infared optical sensors scan the surface of each item, allowing for unobstructed inspection. The color vision sensors analyze features like size, shape and color, and the NIR sensors scan for gross defects and foreign materials.
Milliseconds later, second and third grade produce is redirected to individual streams by intelligent, low-wear paddle ejectors at the end of the infeed belt. The first grade material will the pass along the sorting line and through the machine.
“Some important differences between the ZEA and certain broadly competitor machines on the market are that our sorter includes two-sided cameras, which view products from both sides, and a unique [patent applied for] three-way rejection system,” said Moynihan.
The integrated shaker and infeed belt feeding system keeps installation and running costs low and reduces the risk of stoppages, according to a press release. An easy-to-use touch screen allows for control and feedback as well.
TOMRA will be showcasing the ZEA sorter in booth 600 at ASTA Seed Expo.
