Sortex Machine (Optical Sorter)

An optical sorting machine, commonly referred to as a Sortex machine (a brand name that became generic), uses cameras and advanced image processing to identify and remove defective items, foreign materials, or items of different colors/shapes from a bulk product stream.

Types of Sortex Machine

Belt Sorters: Products are conveyed on a belt, and cameras inspect them from above and/or below. Suitable for fragile or irregularly shaped products.

Chute Sorters: Products slide down a chute under gravity, and cameras inspect them as they fall. High throughput, common for granular products.

Free-Fall Sorters: Similar to chute sorters but products are in free fall, allowing inspection from multiple angles.

Applications in Various Industries

Food Processing:

Grains & Pulses: Removing discolored grains, foreign matter, stones from rice, wheat, coffee beans, lentils.

Nuts & Seeds: Sorting almonds, peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds.

Fruits & Vegetables: Sorting berries, diced vegetables, frozen produce, removing rot/blemishes.

Spices: Ensuring purity.

Recycling: Sorting plastics, glass, metals by color or material type.

Mining: Sorting minerals.

Pharmaceuticals: Tablet inspection.

High-Resolution Cameras: Monochromatic, color (RGB), or near-infrared (NIR) cameras to detect subtle differences.

Advanced Image Processing Software: Algorithms for defect detection, color analysis, shape recognition.

Ejection System: High-speed pneumatic ejectors (air nozzles) that precisely blast unwanted items from the product stream.

LED Illumination: Consistent and controlled lighting.

Multi-Sort Capabilities: Can sort for multiple criteria simultaneously.

User-Friendly HMI: For setting parameters and monitoring performance.

Self-Cleaning Features: To maintain optical clarity.

Material Selection Considerations

• Frame & Housing: Stainless steel (304, 316) for hygienic applications (food industry), painted mild steel for other industries.
• Chutes/Belts: Food-grade materials (PU, PVC) for belts, polished stainless steel or anodized aluminum for chutes to ensure smooth product flow.
• Optics & Camera Housings: High-quality glass for camera lenses, sealed enclosures to protect sensitive electronics.
• Air Ejectors: High-wear-resistant materials, often hardened steel or special alloys for the nozzles.
• Product Contact Parts: Smooth, non-contaminating, and easy-to-clean materials, especially in food applications.