The right sorter

TOMRA Sorting Solutions recently updated the Nimbus free-fall machine with the BSI module to enhance its efficiency from pre- to re-sorting.  It is one of the company’s many sensor-based technologies available for processing nuts and raisins. Bjorn Thumas, director for Market Development, Food, explains the technology behind the sorter.

Bjorn Thumas, director for Market Development, Food

What capabilities are available on Tomra sorters, and particularly on the Nimbus?

While our customers in the Middle East are mainly processing hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts and raisins, our clients in Africa are principally processing macadamias, cashews and other nut varieties as well as raisins. As a result, their objectives, budget and defects are different. With walnuts, for example the biometric signature identification (BSI) module can remove small defects such as shells, septa and shriveled walnuts, together with all kinds of foreign matter including glass, metal, stones and plastics.

We offer different sorting solutions in different positions in the processing line including, pre-sorting, all-in-one sorting and reverse sorting. With pre-sorting, we remove a huge amount of defects and foreign material, such as shells, stems and stones. This enables the processing line to be optimised, and limits the incoming defect load, resulting in lower rework, minor loss of good product and higher efficiency.

Reverse sorting removes good product out of a reject stream and highly contaminated product, guaranteeing a higher yield and a reduced food waste.

The BSI module can be a stand-alone inspection platform or used with the laser modules on the Nimbus sorters, all of whose previous attributes are still available. Rather than thinking in terms of ‘standard’ Nimbus machines, we recommend nut and raisin processors to share their individual requirements with us, so we can provide customised solutions, tailor-made for their particular needs, as the machines are fully modular and offer numerous feature combinations.

Please tell us more about the BSI module and how it is different from other technologies.  

In-house we developed a unique the BSI into the Nimbus sorter. The technology detects the biometric characteristics of the nuts and raisins and scans and compares them to features in its stored database, to determine whether they should be accepted or rejected.

Compared to conventional spectral technology, the state-of-the-art BSI module detects even smaller defects, enhancing nut and raisin sorting quality and retaining nearly all good material, while reducing the number of passes needed, thus also the level of breakage. Tomra has the highest resolution in spectral technology on the market, enabling sight of even the smallest defects. Tomra also guarantees high efficiency and flexibility, as well as a very cost-effective solution.

This results in less labour and higher throughput, yield and efficiency. The Nimbus can now also be used effectively for normal or reverse sorts – the latter involving sound produce, rather than faulty material, being ejected.

What is the flying-beam principle, and how does it enhance the BSI module?

The BSI incorporates our patent pending flying-beam principle which implements only two halogen light sources per sensor module, in combination with a rotating polygon. A concentrated and focused light beam allows maximum light efficiency. This enables nut and raisin processors to implement scan shields, 

counteracting factors such as dust efficiently and keeping inspection windows clean at all times. It does this while delivering benefits in power consumption and reduced maintenance, thereby cutting costs and ensuring constant optimal performance.

Biometric signature identification (BSI) enhances the efficiency of the Nimbus sorter in processing nuts and raisins

Please describe your market for sorting solutions in the Middle East and Africa. Where is the most growth coming from?

The Middle East and Africa are leading markets for nuts and raisins. Optical sorting is integrated as standard in their processing lines. Both regions have very stringent requirements which are continuously fuelled by a high customer demand. High volumes are at stake in both territories. We also need to take into account the weather conditions, since that will influence the quality and amount of product that will be available each season. Therefore, we focus continuously on research and development to counter the variability of incoming product. Most of the growth comes from the continuous demand for high quality nuts and raisins and the increasing popularity of healthy snacks. It is standard in this industry that raisins need to be laser sorted, offering customers the possibility to place a quality label on the package, which is enormously appreciated by the consumer.

Is Africa a particularly challenging market?

Generally, you will find somewhat bigger processors in the Middle East than in Africa; the latter being more diversified. With regards to the needs and challenges – these markets are about the same. Sorting demands are mainly related to the type of product and/or growing conditions, rather than geographical region. Incoming quality levels can be affected due to sourcing from different areas. The outgoing quality can be assured by implementing one of Tomra’s sorters.

How does Europe compare in terms of demand?

Europe is still one step ahead with automation due to the higher labor costs. Europe also has reprocessors, performing an extra quality check. This is an important and deliberate choice, due to the fact that transportation increases the likelihood of foreign material being introduced to the product.  Additionally, the quality demand and standards are very high in Europe.

Which countries offer opportunities for growth?

The three regions show similar growth opportunities, although the cause of growth is slightly different. The solutions we offer in these areas are therefore influenced by the origin and demand.

What product features are mostly requested or needed by nut/raisin companies in these markets?

Reliability, consistency, performance and ease of use are all high on the customers’ wish list. Tomra transforms the way the world obtains, uses and reuses it resources. Consequently turning yield into usage, profits into progress. It’s the customers’ reputation on the line and just one mistake can damage it forever. Sorting is vital. Tomra knows the challenges that companies face. And that’s why we provide our customers with the best and most comprehensive sensor-based and tailor-made sorting solutions available in the food industry today

How about aftersales service?

Tomra Sorting realises that achieving a sale is only step one in the process. What happens after that is just as important and should be handled with care and concern. Tomra Sorting provides a worldwide network of service engineers. With vast experience from servicing thousands of comparable machines, our experts can set and adjust our highly complex systems accurately to ensure maximum output and trouble-free operation. We also provide special training courses so that basic maintenance by our customers’ employees on-site is easy to carry out.

When our customer needs it, our first-class customer-service department, supported by a network of local service engineers and agents in more than 80 countries, are ready to offer the best after-sales service possible.

We also offer assistance via remote access or direct phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So no matter what happens or when it happens, we’re there to help our customer.

There are many manufacturers of sorting equipment pushing their way into emerging markets. How would you distinguish Tomra from the rest?

At Tomra Sorting Solutions, we always focus on the customer requirements and provide a tailor-made solution, bearing in mind the budget, objectives and needs of the company. Tomra Sorting is not merely a machine supplier; it is above all an industry consultant. We strive for continued vigilance and monitoring and therefore offer a multitude of technologies and platforms in different positions in the processing line, from farm to fork. 

We are able to offer customised solutions, both budgetary and technological. The products must be modular and flexible and so are we. We offer a one-stop-shop, bearing in mind the history and objectives of the customer.

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