High Speed Apple Sorting, Grading & Packing Equipment
Our manufacturer, Prodol Engineering SA offers turn-key apple sorting systems that range in size from entry-level 2 lane sorters to multi-lane lines that when run in parallel, can sort and pack up to 100 bins (at 900 lbs each) per hour or more. These lines are ideal for apple packing operations that want to maximize production output per sorting lane, while not giving up sorting efficiency or gentle handling.
Currently, Prodol has over 1000 electronic high speed vision systems installed and operating around the world. In the very large fruit producing countries of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, Prodol solutions can be found in approximately 85% of the fruit and vegetable packing facilities. This level of market representation is simply unheard of in other parts of fruit packing world and is directly attributed to Prodol’s “customer first” business approach.
The following are key reasons to consider Prodol for manufacturing your next apple packing line:
Sorting Precision - Prodol has been utilizing Ellips vision technology on their high speed sorters for over ten years because Ellips has consistently out performed all other vision technologies on the market. This precision translates into more consistent pack-outs and better looking packs allowing you to sell to the most scrutinizing buyers.
Gentle Handling - From bin dumping to the multiple transitions across the apple packing line, utmost care is taken to minimize drops and prevent bruising of the fruit, at the same high speed required for high volume output. Prodol utilizes impact measuring devices called “electronic apples” to measure impact to make sure that all transitions on their lines prevent bruising. A carefully handled apple will look better in the box, have a longer shelf-life, and ultimately taste fresher to the consumer. All three of these facts will help increase the demand for your brand.
Lower Cost - Prodol utilizes unique and proprietary modular manufacturing techniques including pre-manufacturing and stock piling line sections and components for all of their packing technologies to create economies of scale. Lower labor costs and manufacturing efficiencies results in much lower equipment costs for our customers. Ask us for a quote today to see the proof in the numbers.
True Turnkey – Prodol installations are quoted pre-wired and turn-key. After the electrical components of Prodol system are installed, the line is ready to turn on as soon as the primary power is connected to one or two main Prodol distribution panels. The main control panel can be placed anywhere the customer would like and all components on the line are controlled from this one panel. Other than the installation of the dryer exhaust and the connecting of the main power, gas and air, no other involvement from third party technicians/contractors is required.
Customer Focused - As mentioned previously, Prodol has enjoyed a level of loyalty from their customers that is virtually unheard of in the fruit packing industry. This is a direct result of Prodol’s belief that the selling of equipment is just the first step in the customer relationship. Prodol’s idea of post-sales support is to support their customers and ensure their satisfaction for the life of the equipment.
Prodol apple packing lines are full turn-key solutions that are customizable to your facility and packing requirements. The components we offer include:
Continuous Automatic Bin Dumping Systems – Prodol offers continuous bin dumping systems for every budget based on your production needs and goals.
Full and Empty Bin De-Stacking and Stacking Systems – Up to 4 bins can be de-stacked and stacked. These systems are typically installed on our fully automatic bin transport and dumping systems. Other options include automatic bin sanitizing and washing stations.
Fruit Metering Elevators with Pre-quality Selection Tables – These can be customized to meter a production flow of up to 66 (900 lb) bins of apples per hour
Manual Sorting Tables with Cull/reject Belts – Fully customizable to suit your needs, including multi-level systems, multi-reject conveyors (for grade separation)
Washers and Pre-dryers – Include brush beds with adjustable alternating brush speeds for aggressive washing of your fruit. The number and types of brushes and pre-drying fans is fully customizable depending on your production parameters and fruit cleaning needs.
Food Grade Waxing Systems – A number of wax brushes and type of brushes are customizable to suit your needs.
Hot Air Dryers – Propane or natural gas fired. Offered in modules of 6 or 9 meters in length (and 1.5 and 2 meters wide), these units can be adjoined for longer drying cycles if required. Self-cleaning rollers option available for removal of wax at the end of the shift.
V-Belt Singulators – Proprietary V-belts sections and rotating transition brushes are utilized for gently transferring the apples onto the vision sorter to increase the cup fill percentage on the sorter.
10 cups per second Vision Sorters with Ellips Vision – rolling carriers rotate the apples under the cameras to allow all fruit surfaces to be visually scanned. The high-resolution Ellips vision sorting system analyzes 3D renderings to provide accurate size and color sorting of the apples. Optional extremely precise external defect sorting module is also available.
Tray Filling Conveyors – Manual-assisted tray filling systems customizable to any length.
Full Box Takeaway Systems – Fully automated box takeaway systems are fully customizable to meet your pack-off needs. Systems can be designed to handle up to 50 separate SKUs or more and merge/divert the boxes to wherever you require for palletizing.
Empty Box and Lid Carrousels – Empty box and lid delivery to pack-off stations can be designed to suit your facility.
Custom Equipment to Suit – If there are any other components required to complete your apple packing line, with almost 40 years of manufacturing experience, likely we will be able to supply or manufacture it.
Contact FruitTek today to find out why Prodol apple sorting equipment will give you advantages and cost savings that you won’t find from other high speed packing equipment manufacturers.
