Spanish Potato Processor Placed Its Bets on Ishida’s ‘Gentle Slope’ Multihead Weigher
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 the leading Spanish potato processor, Patatas Meléndez.
“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,” according to a recent press release.
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.
The Quality of the Potatoes Must be Fully Maintained
Based in the municipality of Medina del Campo in the province of Valladolid, Patatas Meléndez’s 24,105 square meters 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 the 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.
The microwavable potatoes – available in six different varieties for the tray range – provide a delicious and healthy meal accompaniment. Microwaving optimizes the cooking process without affecting their taste, nutritional value, or appearance.
The carefully selected small homogenous varieties are double washed with ozonized water and then undergo further inspection and sorting before being transferred via conveyor to the weigher. The trays are sealed with a double micro-perforated film that enhances product preservation, while the bags incorporate a safety valve that ensures the perfect controlled cooking of the potatoes.
