Key Technology, a manufacturer of food processing equipment, has introduced its new COMPASS family of food optical sorters.

Powered by next-generation inspection technology, a new sort engine and an ergonomic user interface, COMPASS is easy to use, achieves consistently accurate foreign material (FM) and product defect removal and simplifies system operation, sanitation and maintenance. COMPASS is designed to help processors automate and improve quality management of their food products while maximizing yield and increasing profitability.

Source: Key Technology

According to its developers, COMPASS can sort processed, frozen and pre-processed vegetables and fruits, nuts, leafy greens, potato chips, confections and other food products. The solution’s sensors and lighting technology, as well as Key’s new NEXT sort engine, allow COMPASS to accurately identify and separate plastic, glass, paper and other organic and inorganic FM from the line. COMPASS can also sort specific product defects defined by each processor.

COMPASS also features Key Discovery, a data analytics and reporting software that turns the sorter into a device connected to the internet of things (IoT), delivering product quality and sort process information that gives food processors insights into the operation of their line.

Additionally, COMPASS is offered in a configurable range of system types and sizes to meet individual customer application and capacity requirements. Key is first introducing chute-fed COMPASS models, to be followed by belt-fed variants of the sorter. COMPASS can be installed in-line at the start of the process to sort incoming product, after critical transformational processes on the line, or at the end of the food processing line to ensure final product quality and safety prior to packaging.

For more on the technology, visit the Key Technology website.