Hawit sorter installed in Europe for Hazelnut sorting

1. A color sorter is a machine used in various industries, including food processing, to automatically sort objects based on their color. The working principle of a color sorter involves several steps.

First, the objects to be sorted, such as hazelnuts in your case, are fed into the color sorter machine. The objects pass through a conveyor belt or vibrating chute, which spreads them evenly in a single layer for inspection.

Next, the objects are illuminated by a light source, usually using specialized lighting technologies such as LED or Xenon lamps. As the objects move along the conveyor belt, they pass in front of high-speed cameras or optical sensors that capture digital images of the objects.

The digital images are then analyzed using advanced image processing algorithms. These algorithms identify the color information of each object and compare it to pre-determined sorting criteria set by the operator. The criteria can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the sorting process, such as different shades or levels of color.

Based on the analysis, the color sorter machine classifies the objects into different categories. Typically, this is done by using a series of air jets or mechanical devices that divert the objects into respective bins or collection channels based on their color. Objects that do not meet the criteria are separated and rejected from the main flow.

2. The main components of a color sorter typically include:

a) Feed System: This component is responsible for uniform feeding of objects into the machine, ensuring a consistent flow for efficient sorting.

b) Illumination System: It consists of light sources that illuminate the objects, allowing the cameras or sensors to capture their color information accurately.

c) Image Acquisition System: High-speed cameras or optical sensors capture digital images of the objects as they pass through the machine.

d) Image Processing Unit: This unit employs sophisticated algorithms to analyze the digital images and extract color information for sorting decisions.

e) Sorting Mechanism: The sorting mechanism can either be pneumatic or mechanical systems. Pneumatic systems use air jets to divert objects into different channels, while mechanical systems use mechanical devices like chutes or flaps to achieve the same purpose.

f) Rejection System: Objects that do not meet the sorting criteria are rejected from the main flow using mechanisms like air blasts or mechanical mechanisms.

g) Control System: This system oversees the overall operation of the color sorter, including setting sorting parameters, monitoring performance, and handling any adjustments or errors.

3. Yes, a color sorter can handle different shapes and sizes of objects, including hazelnuts of varying shapes and sizes. Although the primary function of a color sorter is based on identifying and sorting objects based on their colors, it can also incorporate other sorting parameters like shape, size, or texture, depending on the capabilities and configuration of the particular color sorter model. Some advanced color sorters utilize combination sorting methods where multiple parameters are considered simultaneously to achieve more precise sorting results.