Farmers Review Africa Nov-Dec 2018 Farmers Review November-December 2018-6 | Page 23

spectra, the power of the light source and from where the light is sent make the difference. This range of illumination characteristics offers a more precise selection of illumination system for individual sorting tasks. For example, often it is impossible to separate sunflower from sclerotia by using standard RGB systems. Therefore, a NIR system is recommended. To separate red rice from white rice in paddy production, where the red coloured bran is beneath the rice husk and can only be seen after husking, a powerful translucence system is needed. A combination of RGB and shape could be successfully applied where two different soybean varieties with different hilum colour and seed dimensions have to be separated. Optical sorting can be even more precise than the human eye when defect type and illumination systems fit to each other. Absorbed, reflected and/or transmitted light can provide the information that is needed for defect detection. Light source, optic design and machine construction decide which illumination can be used in respective optical sorters. When results with shape and wavelength in the visible range of 400 – 700 nm (RGB) become limited, then the OS 901i with NIR/SWIR camera technology can be a solution that has a 950 – 1,700 nm wavelength bandwidth. The state of the art RGB and NIR technologies can only detect defects on the seed surface. But when defects in the inside of the kernel have to be detected and the kernel has some translucence properties, than the PETKUS/ROEBER OS 901 t comes into play. The strong, homogeneous and high quality LEDs inside the OS 901 t as well as the special light configuration allows for a look through some grain species. Only the PETKUS/ROEBER OS 901 can offer variable luminance for variable defects, combined in one platform. OS f-class as an example for new optical sorters A new type of optical sorter is launched by PETKUS/ROEBER in 2018. The OS f-class is the first in optical sorting for small seeds such as vegetables, flowers, grass and spices. It allows cleaning of small seeds to the highest quality level where nowadays standard colour sorters fail due to unprecise ejection of standard air nozzles, low resolution or insufficient particle orientation. Excellent sorting results are even possible for small seeds like Origanum vulgare (TKW ~ 0.1 – 0.13 g). Intensive testing with various species www.perryengineering.com [email protected] +44 (0)1404 890300 00263 712 833687 The UK’s Most Experienced Manufacturer of Materials Drying & Handling Equipment Cereals & Crops - Grass - Herbs & Spices - Woodchip - Sawdust - Anaerobic Digestate • Continuous Flow Grain Driers & Belt Driers • Chain & Flight Conveyors • Belt & Bucket Elevators • Aspirator Pre-Cleaners • Augers & Screw Conveyors • Levelling Conveyors • Belt Conveyors • Ducting & Valves Mr Nathan Douglas from Lions Den Farms, Zimbabwe, said: “Perry use the highest quality materials on their equipment. The technology and touch screen user interface makes it extremely easy to use and monitor, one unique & extremely helpful feature is the ability to link the control panel to the internet to remotely control the drier. I have been pleased with the technical support & training we have received, they have a very personal way of doing business. I highly recommend Perry & its equipment.” November - December 2018 | 21