Downs introduces optical sorter for unwashed potatoes

08-02-2021 | Tech in focus | News

Dubrulle Downs, the French manufacturer of reception and storage solutions for potatoes, launches Downs CropVision: a new generation optical grader for unwashed potatoes. It allows a high-speeded and qualitative grading of the potatoes before the storage at a capacity of up to 100 tons/h.

The CropVision optical grader (see video at bottom of article) makes it possible to observe and analyse the whole surface of the product (360°) in order to classify it according to its quality: clods, stones, other waste, good potatoes, green potatoes, cut potatoes, spoiled potatoes, misshaped potatoes, and cracked potatoes.

Three possible exits for the product

Downs CropVision is fitted with three possible exits for the product. A first exit for the product to keep, a second one for the waste, and the third one for second category potatoes.

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CropVision is not a mobile machine, but a fixed setup. It costs approximately 150,000 euros. – Photo: Dubrulle Downs

360° scan of each potato

Thanks to the 360° scan of each potato, the user has access to very accurate information about the stored potatoes. Information such as the size of the potatoes for each batch of product or their quality.

According to Dubrulle Downs, CropVision is easy to use thanks to a user-friendly touchscreen and can be integrated into Downs receiving hoppers and graders.

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A row of “fingers” whips clods and second choice potatoes onto another discharge conveyor at lightning speed. – Photo: Dubrulle Downs
The cameras and AI classify each object. The user can determine from each type whether it goes to soil tare or second-choice potatoes. – Photo: Dubrulle Downs

Brand independent solutions

Advantages are optimal storage conditions for the good potatoes, no valuable storage space to lose to unwanted material, and less (scarce) labour is needed. With these benefits, the buyer will have to recoup his investment, which amounts to around € 150,000.

CropVision can now only be combined with other Downs storage machines; The manufacturer expects to supply brand independent solutions in two years’ time.