Key Technology has introduced new features for its rotary sizing and grading systems. This versatile family, which includes the precision size grader (PSG), rotary size grader (RSG) and sliver sizer remover (SSR), enables vegetable, potato and fruit processors and packers to mechanically size and grade product while removing small pieces, debris and other targeted material.
The newly optimized rollers, lubed for life bearings and drive covers have been incorporated into Key’s rotary sizing and grading systems, aiming to improve product quality control, increase yield, maximize sanitation and reduce maintenance.
“Our Rotary Sizing and Grading Systems have set the industry standard for decades. As the market leader, we’re always developing new ways to improve our popular, field-proven equipment to optimize it for the modern age,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group president – food sorting and handling solutions. “By advancing our technology, we offer our customers the very best solutions for solving current as well as future production challenges.”
According to Key Technology, new grooved rollers on the SSR facilitate the same high throughput as traditional SSRs but with more precise product grading. PSGs retrofitted with the new grooved rollers achieve the same high precision as traditional PSGs but with higher product separation efficiency.
The grooved rollers are ideal for wet potato strips and other cuts, with more applications in development. They are available as an option on new SSRs and as a field upgrade for installed SSRs and PSGs.
New lubed for life bearings, now standard on Key’s PSG, RSG and SSR and available for retrofitting, include a permanently-lubricated stainless-steel insert and newly-developed blue polymer housing made from EC1935-compliant material. These bearings improve sanitation, reduce maintenance and maximize durability.
An updated cover for the PSG, RSG and SSR features a new singular latch mechanism instead of bolts, allowing easier access to the drive system, adjustment system and bearings for cleaning and maintenance. Perforations on the side of the cover provide better visibility while the cover is closed and enable an operator to spray through the perforations during routine cleanings.
Key’s Rotary sizing and grading systems are available in widths from 61 to 201 cm (2 to 6.6 ft) and can achieve capacities less than 1.8 metric tonnes (4,000lbs) to more than 20.4 metric tonnes (45,000lbs) per hour. All systems are 100 per cent metric. Featuring on-the-fly tuning, no pinch points, self-cleaning stainless-steel rollers and sealed stainless-steel bearings, these systems help customers enhance product quality and increase yield while reducing maintenance and improving sanitation.