Key Technology Launches COMPASS Optical Sorter for Snack Producers
Key Technology, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, has introduced its new COMPASS® optical sorter for chips at Pack Expo Las Vegas. The belt-fed system is designed specifically for potato chips, tortilla chips and other snack products, offering processors an automated solution to detect and remove defects and foreign material.
According to the company, COMPASS combines sustained performance with simplified operation and maintenance, supporting longer production runs while reducing the need for manual intervention. The sorter is powered by Key’s NEXT sort engine and uses customizable camera options with up to eight channels of multispectral sensor data. This enables the detection of subtle product defects, including dark spots, green discoloration and bruises, as well as fryer debris and other contaminants.
Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling, said: “Key has been at the forefront of potato chip sorting and handling technology for decades, and COMPASS represents the next evolution in our commitment to this industry. We’ve leveraged our extensive applications expertise to develop innovations that address the real operational challenges of chip processors, including automatic belt tracking, intuitive controls and clean-in-place features for extended run times between sanitation cycles.”
The system’s operator interface is designed to mimic smartphone app navigation, enabling recipe-driven programming and quick adjustments. Key says new operators can be trained to run the system in production in as little as 30 minutes. An intelligent belt control feature maintains proper tracking, even when belts stretch or shrink, helping reduce downtime.
Hygienic design was a priority in the development of COMPASS, which incorporates sloped surfaces, minimal moving parts and stain-resistant belt technology. Product splatter-sensitive components are positioned away from the processing stream, and oil or chip debris is directed into removable bins. Washdowns can reportedly be completed in about 15 minutes, while the belt can be removed quickly for deep cleaning.
In addition, the sorter is equipped with Key Discovery™, the company’s data analytics and reporting software. This platform transforms the system into an IIoT-connected device, delivering processors detailed insights into product quality and operational performance.
The new optical sorter is offered in multiple configurations and can be integrated with Key’s infeed and discharge conveyors to create complete system solutions. While designed for chips, it can also handle extruded snacks, pellets and specialty products such as sesame sticks.
Key Technology supports customers worldwide through its sales network and global service team.
