Potatoes: BulkGrader
The DVC Machinevision BulkGrader is a vision system that accurately measures and classifies potatoes in bulk. With intelligent software and reliable 3D cameras, the BulkGrader provides potato processors with insight into the bulk flows to and from the bunkers.
24x7 monitoring
Consistent quality
Measuring potatoes in bulk
In order to meet product requirements, it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the potatoes in the bulk flow. Accurate information about potato dimensions is often lacking, which means that the contents of the bunkers are not fully known either. Manual sampling is labour-intensive and provides only a snapshot of the bulk flow, which can give a distorted picture.
DVC Machinevision's BulkGrader
Our BulkGrader truly measures in bulk. The system measures the length and diameter of 40 to 80% of the potatoes in the bulk flow. Using smart software, the system provides real-time information about the expected volume of the end product.
The data from the measured potatoes is analysed per time interval, after which the average potato length and specific length and diameter groups are displayed. The output can be used, for example, to increase the processing efficiency of the potatoes.
Depending on the location of the BulkGrader in the process, you can control the bulk flow to or from the bunkers. This machine vision solution classifies and assesses potatoes at high speed, even measuring potatoes that are touching or stacked on top of each other.
Purpose of the BulkGrader
- To obtain accurate information at an early stage about the properties of the product flow to the bunkers or from the bunkers to production.
- To increase and optimise production output and the efficiency of the production process.
The BulkGrader can be installed at any desired location. Our employees take care of the installation, instruction and - if necessary - remote support on working days during office hours.
User interface
- Intuitive user interface with live data and graphs.
- Easy setup of product-specific inspection parameters.
- Full integration with SCADA/MES possible.
- Remote access possible via IXON, TeamViewer or customer VPN.
- Recipe management for different product runs.
Specifications
- Dimensions:
o Conveyor belt width: 500 - 1200 mm.
o Height camera housing: +/- 2200 mm.
o Length: 1670 mm, including covers. - Measuring speed: up to 70 meters per minute.
- Accuracy: +/- 1.4 mm.
- Product inspection rate: 40-80%, depending on belt type and load.
- Distance from the BulkGrader to the control box: maximum 100 meters.
- Output: Ethernet/IP or Profinet, every 15 seconds.
Benefits
- Optimisation of cutting efficiency and product quality.
- Less waste thanks to accurate data.
- Substantiated adjustment of the production process.
- Higher yield and a consistent end product.
Features
- Advanced 3D cameras and software that can detect stacked and adjacent potatoes.
- Real-time control of measurement data in length and diameter groups.
- Modular design – up to 4 cameras per control box.
- Also suitable for chevron and profiled conveyor belts.
More than 20 BulkGraders are already in operation worldwide!
All-in-one solutions with strong support
Our machine vision systems have been developed by our own engineers, often in collaboration with specialist partners, and have been in use for many years in demanding practical situations. They guarantee extreme accuracy, even at very high speeds. The accompanying software provides insightful data and statistics in all cases.
Our engineers will be happy to advise you on the possibilities of product quality control in your production line. Together, we will ensure smooth implementation and commissioning. Are you encountering problems in practice? Then you can always count on our comprehensive support, either remotely or on site.
Want to know more?
Would you like to know more about the BulkGrader, its capabilities and our other products? Please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with additional information.
Tip! We also offer machine vision solutions for checking packaged food products, for example for labels, seals or tape printing. Read more about the role of artificial intelligence and deep learning in machine vision solutions and data recording in production processes.
Label and sealinspection
Please have a look at our solutions for label and seal inspection.
AI, deep learning and data
Please take a look at our AI, deep learning and data solutions.