Ishida ’ s gentle handling helps preserve potato perfection
The innovative design of the ‘ Gentle Slope ’ multihead weigher from Ishida Europe has been instrumental in delivering a high-quality packing solution for a range of microwavable potatoes from leading Spanish potato processor , Patatas Meléndez .
Based in the municipality of Medina del Campo in the province of Valladolid , Patatas Meléndez ’ s 24,105m2 facility is one of Europe ’ s biggest potato production plants . For its gourmet microwavable potatoes , available in both tray and bag formats , the company uses only the finest varieties of small potatoes , which undergo a rigorous sorting and inspection process to ensure selection of the very best product for this premium range . It was therefore essential that the quality of the potatoes be fully maintained during the weighing and packing operation .
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The two 14-head CCW-RVE-GS models from Ishida incorporate gentle slopes and reduced angles throughout the weighers to ease the passage of the potatoes , importantly avoiding any bruising or damage .
Potatoes are transferred carefully from the dispersion table to the pool and weigh hoppers . The weigher then calculates in a fraction of a second the combination of weights that most closely meets the required target weight , which is discharged into the pack .
Each weigher is dedicated to one pack format , with special distribution systems for the efficient transfer of product from the weigher to the bag or tray . Target weights are 400g for the bags and 325g for the trays , with the Ishida weighers delivering excellent accuracy to within xx %. Speeds are governed by the bagging machine and tray sealer at around 40 packs per minute ( ppm ) and 25ppm respectively – well within the weighers ’ top speed of 60ppm .