US – Key Technology has introduced its enhanced Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems, which includes its Sliver Sizer Remover (SSR), Precision Size Grader (PSG) and Rotary Size Grader (RSG) for optimized grading and sizing.
The new Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems improve sanitation and ease maintenance while improving product quality, according to the company.
Improved water/product containment is the result of a higher infeed frame plate with an added deflection flange to help shed water off the plate, sloped deflectors on both sides and a deflector flange on the discharge shear.
“Our Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems have set the industry standard for decades,” announced Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling Solutions. “As the market leader, we’re always developing new ways to improve our popular, field-proven equipment to optimize it for the modern age.”
Key’s experts further reveal that the new grooved rollers on the SSR facilitate the same high output as traditional SSRs but with more precise product grading.
According to the company, PSGs retrofitted with the new grooved rollers achieve the same high precision as traditional PSGs but with higher product separation efficiency.
Moreover, ideal for wet potato strips and other cuts, with more applications in development, the grooved rollers are available as an option on new SSRs and as a field upgrade for installed SSRs and PSGs.
These four new flanges reduce fasteners and laminations where microbes can grow while moving drip points to within the envelope of the equipment.
New Lubed for Life bearings, now standard on Key’s PSG, RSG, and SSR and available for retrofitting, include a permanently lubricated stainless-steel insert and newly developed blue polymer housing made from EC1935-compliant material.
Inside the bearing is an oil-saturated polymer material – as the bearings run, heat is generated, which activates the polymer and lubricates the bearing.
Unlike traditional bearings that require the regular application of grease, the new Lubed for Life bearings improves sanitation.
Key’s Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems are available in widths from 61 to 201 cm (2 to 6.6 ft) and can achieve capacities of less than 1.8 metric tons (4,000 lbs) to more than 20.4 metric tons (45,000 lbs) per hour. All systems are 100% metric and maximize durability.
Enhanced grading and sizing systems have a significant impact on the fresh produce industry. These systems help to improve the quality of the produce, reduce waste, and increase efficiency in the supply chain.
“Grading fruits and vegetables in the fresh form for quality is essential as most people are becoming quality conscious day by day,” outlines a report published by the IPM center. “Fruits and vegetables at the processing centers should thus be graded strictly for quality upon arrival.”
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