Sorting solution for wine grapes

Gentle handling and improved sanitation during grape sorting further enhance product quality

STAINLESS steel systems consisting of modules, which can be utilised separately or configured as an integrated system, help wineries improve their product quality while redirecting labour to other tasks. The sorting system, part of the Crush Pad Equipment Solutions portfolio developed by Key Technology for wineries, includes a Receiving Hopper, Cluster Sorting Table, Post-Destemmer Sorting Table with MOG (material other than grape) separating system, and colour sorters.

The integrated system enables wineries to better control the quality of must going to their fermenting tanks by more effectively removing any unwanted objects such as insects, skins, raisins, "shot" berries, stem jacks, petioles, leaves, and other MOG from the product flow.  Gentle handling and improved sanitation further enhance product quality. 

To address different production levels in wineries, the modules are available in a range of standard sizes that handle from one to 10 tons of product per hour.  The mobile modules feature locking caster wheels, levelling screws, and adjustable-height legs for easy repositioning.

Key wants to be able to bring affordable, high quality crush pad equipment to wineries, noted product manager Bret Larreau.  "Our crush pad systems, which are installed in several Northwest wineries in the U.S., are hugely successful, and we are now expanding our distribution to wineries worldwide.  Each Crush Pad Solution module is designed to achieve superior performance at a competitive price to deliver the greatest value to customers," he explained.

Receiving and inspection

The system's Grape Receiving and Inspection Platform (GRIP) combines a Receiving Hopper with a Vibratory Cluster Sorting Table, resulting in an efficient and labour-saving process. 

The Receiving Hopper accepts the entire bin at once, unlike conventional bin tippers, which require operators to periodically actuate the tipping or manually pull product from the bin to the sorting table.  The hopper's unique design allows metering of clusters without bridging or plugging, and it frees the operator to handle other tasks.

The Cluster Sorting Table features an adjustable speed control that optimises the feed rate from the hopper to display product evenly for thorough inspection.  The uniform flow of product evenly feeds destemming equipment to further improve line performance and product quality. This sorting table is also available as a stand-alone sorting table for wineries that already have receiving equipment.
 
Post-destemming sorting

Automated size sorting capability reduces the labour required for manual berry sorting and improves product quality with the use of the Post-Destemmer Sorting Table. This module presents fruit evenly for effective hand-sorting while its integrated MOG separation system automatically removes insects, loose skins, raisins, "shot" berries, stem jacks, petioles, leaves, and other MOG. 

A range of screen sizes enable this sorting table to be changed in less than one minute to effectively sort different fruit varieties.  The MOG collection tray features a perforated bottom that leads to a drain hose that allows juices to be directed to the must pump intake. 

Vibratory sorting tables

Key's five year limited warranty is standard with the Cluster Sorting Table and Post-Destemmer Sorting Table, which belong to Key's proven Iso-Flo family of vibratory conveyors.  This industry-leading warranty guarantees superior reliability anArtículos deportivos para ni?os