TOMRA Sorting Solutions will feature one of its latest advancements in sensor-based optical sorting of diced and small fruits and vegetables at this year’s Food Processing Expo in Sacramento.

The annual event, organised by the California League of Food Processors, is California’s largest food processing trade show and takes place in the Sacramento Convention Center, 19-20 February. TOMRA will display its Iris II at booth 424.

The flexible and accurate Iris II offers a high-performance sort and grade, based on quality, size and for food safety.

Jim Frost, product manager, TOMRA Sorting Food, said: "The Iris II is a high capacity, low maintenance sorter which operates with gentle handling. It uses top and bottom sensor banks to view each individual object ‘in flight’ using a combination of light-emitting diode (LED) illumination in the visible and Near Infra-Red (NIR) spectral zones, and charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras to perform targeted spectroscopy with 1mm precision.

"This advanced system views and analyzes visible and invisible attributes such as colour, shape, blemishes and foreign material. The first grade produce gently passes through the machine while defected produce is redirected into a stream by intelligent air nozzle ejectors, with precision and accuracy."

TOMRA says the Iris II’s benefits for customers include: labour reductions as high as 80%, throughput increases of up to 25%, a faster pack, increased yield and low operational costs.

Processor applications include: peach halves, pear halves, whole and diced tomatoes, and peppers.

Mr Frost said: "The Iris II is easy to install and offers a fast payback on investment. An intuitive touch screen allows for exceptional quality control and feedback. The system also offers consistent long-life accuracy.

"In addition to the Iris II, TOMRA has a whole host of state-of-the-art sensor-based sorting and processing technology for both the fresh and processed food industries."