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The Impact of Optical Sorting Technology on Pulse Harvest Quality

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How Optical Sorting Technology Improves Pulse Harvest Quality

Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, are important sources of protein and essential nutrients for millions of people worldwide. Agricultural processors who handle these pulses must ensure their quality and consistency to satisfy customers and increase sales. One of the key tools that processors can use to achieve this is optical sorting technology. In this article, we will explore the benefits of this advanced system, its primary functions, and how it can help processors improve the quality of their pulse harvest.

What Is Optical Sorting Technology?

Unlike other sorting equipment, such as gravity beds or sieves, which are primarily used to remove foreign materials from the pulse stream, optical sorting is designed to identify and remove defects in the pulses themselves. This advanced technology uses sensors and cameras to analyze each pulse as it passes through the system, detecting various characteristics such as color, size, shape, and texture. By doing so, it can identify defects such as discoloration, deformity, damage, or contamination and remove them from the stream.

Advantages of Optical Sorting Technology

Improved Quality & Consistency

Optical sorting technology can precisely identify defects that may not be visible to the naked eye, significantly improving the overall quality and consistency of the output. With a better product, you can better satisfy customers and improve sales.

Increased Efficiency

Optical sorting technology is highly customizable and efficient, enabling you to process large quantities of pulses in a short amount of time. This lets you increase output while reducing labor costs.

Reduced Waste

By accurately detecting and removing defective pulses, optical sorting technology can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated during the sorting and processing stages by reducing the number of false rejects. This not only reduces costs but also benefits the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Advanced Capabilities

Optical sorting technology has advanced capabilities that allow processors to sort pulses based on specific criteria, such as size or color. This means that processors can cater to different market demands, including premium markets that require specific characteristics in their pulses.

Optical sorting technology is a highly effective tool for improving the quality and efficiency of pulse processing operations. By investing in this advanced technology, you can stay ahead of the competition, meet the demands of a rapidly changing market, and deliver only the highest quality product to your customers. To learn more about how to improve the efficiency and quality of your operations, browse the Bratney blog.