USA – WECO, a key player in Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Solutions group, is set to introduce its latest innovation, the 360Tek optical sorter for blueberries, at the Global Produce and Floral Show (booth C-3129) and Pack Expo (booth S-2860).
This high-capacity sorter, designed to enhance the quality of blueberries while reducing labor costs, is part of WECO’s Sortivator fresh-pack line and represents a noteworthy advancement in blueberry sorting technology.
The 360Tek optical sorter is engineered to tackle a wide range of sorting challenges, from identifying fine defects and extraneous vegetable matter (EVM) to separating jumbo-sized berries.
Capable of inspecting up to 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) of blueberries per hour, this compact machine offers high throughput while occupying half the space of similar sorters on the market.
According to Eric Horner, Vice President of WECO, consumer demand for flawless blueberries has driven the need for more precise sorting solutions.
“Our new 360Tek sorter is the perfect addition to our Sortivator portfolio, helping packers achieve the most accurate final sort possible in the smallest footprint,” Horner said. “With its unique roller design, the 360Tek is a gamechanger for the blueberry industry.”
Advanced sorting capabilities
The 360Tek sorter stands out for its ability to inspect blueberries from all angles. The machine uses hourglass-shaped rollers to rotate each berry, allowing digital color cameras to capture up to 16 images of each piece of fruit.
Advanced machine-learning algorithms then analyze these images to assess the color, size, and shape of every berry, enabling precise sorting decisions.
The sorter features three customizable streams for sorting the blueberries. The primary stream directs good berries to packaging, while the secondary stream collects berries with defects or EVM.
A third stream is dedicated to separating jumbo berries, although this can be adjusted based on the packer’s needs.
Seamless integration and support
The 360Tek is designed for seamless integration into both new and existing Sortivator lines, making it a versatile solution for blueberry packers of all sizes.
Controlled from a single touchscreen panel, the Sortivator line provides efficient sorting for blueberries, regardless of whether they are mechanically or hand-harvested.
WECO also offers a full suite of support services, including installation, preventive maintenance, technology upgrades, and 24/7 emergency assistance. The 360Tek sorter and other Sortivator equipment modules are available for both purchase and lease, providing flexibility for different operational needs.
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