The NEWTEC Astro 126 - Potato Grader     [ back ]

Removing the need for labor-intensive manual sorting, the NEWTEC Astro 126 provides a high quality potato sorting capability, allowing the operator precise control over defect grading and sorting criteria. Implementations in production operation have shown marked improvement over manual sorting by eliminating throwaways of good potatoes by up to seven (7) to fifteen (15) percent.

The Astro 126 is available through a number of lease programs, allowing you to avoid the high initial cost outlay of purchase, while starting operations immediately. Project lease cost estimates for a five (5) year lease are $3,000.00 (USD) monthly, with a three (3) year lease estimated at $4,700.00 (USD) monthly. Compared to the fully-loaded costs associated with maintaining the equivalent workforce, the Astro 126 represents an immediate cost savings to your bottom line.

Over sixty-five (65) Astro Graders already in production operation throughout the world. As we introduce the NEWTEC Astro 126 Potato Grader into the North American market, we are looking for a customer site to field trial this exciting new technology. The field trial is projected for a thirty (30) day time period, and is conducted at no-cost to the customer for machine delivery, setup and installation. Register to be
considered as a field trial candidate
 
Benefits

• Careful product handling with low drops

• High defect detection precision
• Consistent sorting quality
• Can sort white, yellow, red, and russet potatoes
• Defects sorted by largest spot size
• Simple cleaning and maintenance
• Automatic taring
Product Features
• 12 channel feeder unit for potato singulation
• 6 channel roller table
• Ability to run with one or more channels disabled
• Handles tubers ranging in 30 - 85 mm in diameter
• Color cameras for defect detection

Sorting Process

The Astro 126 works through video cameras which are supported by a powerful software package. The Astro 126 is easily inserted into an existing processing line.

The potatoes are transported to a dividing system via vibrating chutes that will guide them through a video tunnel, the grading unit. In this tunnel potatoes get scanned by the video cameras. Thus images are made of every potato after which the software attaches this data to the specific potato. The sorting machine is able to pick out poor potatoes on various criterion.

Output Handling

Finally the potatoes are transported from the grading unit to a 3-way output system, allowing for sorting on "A", "B", and rejected potatoes. The accuracy of the output can be managed by various parameters selected on the touch screen display.

Sorting Capacity   Defect Sorting Criteria
Potato Diameter Capacity   • Green
40-50 mm 3-4 Tons/hour   • Black spots
50-60 mm 5-7 Tons/hour   • Grey damage
60-70 mm 8-11 Tons/hour   • Rot
Technical Specifications   • Scurf
Air Requirement Connection 1/4" Hose   • Silver Scurf
Min.Pressure 7 bar/100psi   • Diameter
Consumption 100 NL/min   • Length
Electrical Requirement Connection (3) 380 V   Design
Total Consumption 15 A / 3Kw   • Robustly constructed in stainless steel
Technical Specifications due to Alteration   • Easy to use touch screen interface
    • Self Diagnostic Electronics
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