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About dry grape sorting machine

Types of dry grape sorting machines

A dry grape sorting machine ensures that only the right quality of grapes and raisin are processed for packaging and sale. Several types of machines are available to help sort and separate dried grapes according to shape, color, size, and quality.

  • Sieving dry grape sorting machines

    Sieving machines are based on the culling of grapes or raisin through specific screen mesh sizes. Generally, the sieving screens come with different mesh sizes. Their dimensions can be adjusted based on the grain size and form that operators want to separate. The undesired grapes or raisins get filtered through the screens, while the targeted ones remain on the screens for subsequent processing.

  • Optical dry grape sorting machines

    Optical sorting machines function by taking images of each item passing through the machine. Typically, a camera or a set of cameras captures the images of the grapes or raisins. Then, advanced image processing software analyzes the images, looking for specific characteristics such as color, shape, and size. The undesirable grapes or raisins are then expelled by air jets after the analysis is finished and the decision-making process is carried out in real time.

  • Weight-based dry grape sorting machines

    Weight-based sorting systems operate by measuring the weight of each dried fruit as it passes through a conveyor belt. The weight measurement is taken by a device known as a weigh hopper or scale. The pre-set weight criteria for sorting are then processed, with unfit grapes or raisins being ejected from the conveyor belt into a collection container or bin.

  • Manual dry grape sorting machines

    In a manual sorting machine, workers are trained to identify bad grapes or raisins based on color, size, and shape. Some features may be included in the machines to facilitate the process, such as conveyor belts to move the dried fruit closer to workers or illumination systems to enhance visibility and highlight the distinctive characteristic of each dried fruit.

Specifications & Maintenance

  • Capacity:

    Industrial dry grape sorting machines can handle large volumes of grapes, ranging from 500 kg/h to over 10 tons/hour, depending on the design and model. Higher capacities are generally associated with bigger machines.

  • Conveyor Width:

    The width of the sorting conveyor is typically between 800 mm and 1,600 mm. A wider conveyor allows for a larger quantity of grapes to be spread out in a single layer, thereby facilitating easier sorting.

  • Sorting Technology:

    Various technologies are employed for sorting dried grapes, including Optical Sorting (which uses multiple cameras and artificial intelligence for identifying undesirable items), Vibrating Screens (which separate grapes from stems, dirt, and other materials based on size), Air Jets (which blow away unwanted items depending upon size and weight), and Color Sorters, among others. The specific technologies available will depend on the machine’s model and manufacturer.

  • Precision:

    Modern dry grape sorting machines possess the capability of identifying even the tiniest of defective grapes or foreign objects, boasting accuracy rates exceeding 99%.

  • Durability:

    The components of dry grape sorting machines, such as the sorting belt and vibrating screens, are commonly made to withstand heavy use from strong, long-lasting materials like stainless steel and other engineering plastics that are suitable for contact with food.

  • Energy Source:

    Some sorters for dry grapes may use electric motors, while others could be pneumatic-driven sorts. Typically, pneumatic-driven sorts require around 3 to 5 HP of electric sorting power, while electrically motorized sorts could require anywhere from 1 to 5 tons HP, depending on the size and capacity.

Maintenance

A dry fruit sorter machine requires periodic maintenance, including the following:

  • Before starting, check the fasteners, seals, cables, and ropes, and adjust, tighten, or replace them as required.
  • Check and add lubricants to all bearings and rollers monthly.
  • Clean the drive motor and power box.
  • Every month, examine and clean the sorting belt of any sticky material and debris.
  • Weekly cleaning and minor adjustments are usually sufficient for food-grade belts.
  • Dry cleaning is generally sufficient for industrial belts, and vibration can help remove most of the dirt.
  • Replace the sorting tarp whenever wear is evident.
  • Generally, all electrical-motor-driven moving parts are chain-driven.
  • Inspect, clean, and make minor adjustments as required to pneumatic parts quarterly.

Application scenarios of dry grape sorting machines

The application of dry grape sorting machines is not confined to the vineyards and cellars of wineries. Such machines are of great significance for the quality control of dried grapes and other fruits and nuts as well as the berries and other small-sized food industries. Here are some applications of the dry grape sorting machine in various industries.

  • Drying Process Assessment

    Dry grape sorting machines play a pivotal role in quality evaluation during the drying process. Grapes undergo significant changes in flavor, texture, and appearance as they dehydrate. Regular sorting and grading help monitor these changes, ensuring the optimum level of dryness is achieved for each batch.

  • Quality Control

    The primary goal of grape sorting is to maintain the highest possible standards. Quality Control machines help identify and eliminate inferior grapes that can negatively impact the reputation of a brand.

  • Brix Assessment

    Brix refers to the sugar content of grapes, which directly influences the sweetness of the final product. Brix assessment during the sorting process allows for batch segregation based on sugar levels, enabling producers to create a range of products catering to different taste preferences.

  • Dried Fruit Packaging

    Once sorted, grapes are supplied to various industries as dried fruit. Proper labeling and packaging are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the product and ensuring consumer trust. Packaging solutions offer sorting machines that assist in labels application and ensures neat and aesthetically-pleasing packaging for dried fruits. This not only helps individuals but also aids in the organization and presentation of products.

  • Quality Preservation

    Fortunately, quality deterioration is not a concern when it comes to dried grapes. Once sorted and packaged, these grapes have the potential to be preserved for many years, maintaining their dry grape goodness. However, it is imperative to sorting machine preserve the integrity of the product by preventing contamination and ensuring proper sealing. Quality deterioration after packaging can have detrimental effects on the market value and consumer trust.

  • Load Optimization

    When it comes to transporting dried grapes, load optimization is of the utmost importance. Sorting machines play a crucial role in optimizing the packaging process, ensuring that the maximum possible quantity of product is utilized while maintaining the quality of the dried grapes.

  • Fundamental Differences

    It is important to note that the sorting processes for fresh and dried grapes differ significantly. While both types of grapes require careful attention and consideration during sorting, the methods and criteria used to determine the quality of each grape differ. For instance, dried grapes often bear the marks of the sun's scorching heat, giving them a unique and appealing appearance. Such natural blemishes should not be removed or destroyed, as they are an integral part of the grape's character.

How to choose dry grape sorting machines

When buying a dry grape sorter machine, several factors must be considered to ensure the right fit for the business's unique needs. Mainly, several kinds of benefits are related to taking time to comprehend what it is that the business needs from a sorter wine machine.

First, it is crucial to consider the quality, capacity, and design of the dry grape sorter. Machines with good design and quality sorts have been noted to improve productivity and maintain or even improve the quality of the end product. For this reason, it is essential to study the sorter's design in depth, as the design directly affects the quality of grapes that are selected and eventually processed.

Secondly, consider sorters with great capacities to handle enormous amounts of grapes. Choosing a grape sorting machine with a larger capacity increases productivity and reduces the number of sorts required.

Typically, buyers need to make a list of the most crucial factors that influence their decisions. Sorters come in a variety of sorts and levels of technology. Most of them separate grapes by color, image, and size; some even have the ability to sort other defects like stem inclusion and berries, such as moldy or rotten grapes. Sorters with advanced technological features are an ideal choice, as they offer a wider variety of separation options. For example, optical sorting machines possess advanced technological capabilities that distinguish grapes of numerous colors and sizes. They additionally detect and eliminate other defective grapes like moldy or rotten ones, stamens, insects, and contaminated berries, improving the overall quality of the wine.

Consider the dry grape sorting machine's ease of use and operational convenience. Machines with user-friendly interfaces, programmable settings, and streamlined controls promote efficient operation and reduce operator training time. Likewise, buyers should look for systems that are easy to clean, maintain, and calibrate since routine maintenance is essential for accurate sorting and machine longevity.

Finally, it is crucial to ensure that the sorter selected fits in well with the existing processing line. The functioning of a processing line can be disrupted when a grape sorter machine does not match any of the machines. For this reason, it is essential to select the sortier that matches the capacity, specifications, dimensions, and processing techniques of the rest of the machines in the processing line.

Dry grape sorting machine FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of sorting grapes for wine-making?

A1: The main purpose of sorting grapes is to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the final wine. Sorting allows winemakers to remove dried, rotten, or under-ripe grapes, leaves, and other debris. This gives the winery sufficient control over the quality of the raw material used in the fermentation process.

Q2: What are some common methods used to sort grapes?

A2: There are three commonly used methods for grape sorting; manual sorting, optical sorting, and mechanical sorting. Manual sorting involves workers inspecting the grapes as they pass along a conveyor belt. Optical sorting uses a camera-driven system to identify and classify different grape qualities. Mechanical sorting typically uses vibration and air flow to separate undesired materials from the desired grapes.

Q3: Why are optical sorters preferred in modern wineries?

A3: Optical sorters provide high-speed, highly accurate sorting capabilities that can meet the demands of large production wineries. They are fully automated, minimizing labor costs compared to manual sorting lines. Although upfront costs for optical sorting machines may be higher, their efficiency and optimal grape yield make them economically beneficial in the long run.

Q4: How do optical sorters work?

A4: Optical sorters are equipped with high-resolution cameras that take detailed images of the grapes as they pass by on a vibrating conveyor belt. Advanced software analyzes these images in real-time, identifying unwanted grapes and effortlessly removing them with air jets. Different grape characteristics, such as size, shape, and color, are programmed into the sorter’s software for precise sorting.

Q5: What are the benefits of using an optical dry grape sorting machine?

A5: Optical sorting machines ensure the highest quality raw material makes it into the wine by accurately identifying unwanted grapes. They are highly productive, efficiently processing large volumes of grapes. Their automated nature reduces labor costs and improves overall winery operational efficiency. The variety and parameters are easily adjustable for different grape types.