TOMRA Sorting will demonstrate its Blizzard free-fall sorter for the individually quick frozen (IQF) vegetable and fruit processing market at PACK Expo in Chicago, Illinois, US.

PACK Expo is being held at McCormick Place and TOMRA will be exhibiting from Booth 7529, located in the Lakeside Building, Upper Floor, Processing Zone, 2-5 November.

The Blizzard free-fall sorter offers a cost-effective alternative to the company’s existing high-end sorters, Helius and Nimbus. The Blizzard detects and removes unwanted discolourations, foreign material (FM) and mis-shapen produce from the product stream, while maximising profit. The Blizzard guarantees food safety and customer satisfaction at all times.

TOMRA Sorting equips the Blizzard with pulsed LED technology and multiple infrared (IR) wavelengths, combined with a specially-designed color capabilities camera. The LED technology has a lifetime of more than 50,000 hours, so requires virtually no replacement. It also provides for very stable output, with its calibration frequency kept to a minimum. An extra advantage of the LED lighting is low-heat production, meaning no extra cooling device is needed. The optical camera set-up is totally modular and flexible, guaranteeing better detection of specific defects, depending on the application.

The Blizzard is an extremely cost-effective optical solution for IQF processors. The Blizzard offers a small footprint, can comfortably replace older generation systems and easily fits in to existing processing lines. It can be installed just after the IQF tunnels or prior to packing. The Blizzard delivers stable detection and handles both mono and mixed color produce, meaning it can work with the complete color palette, including ready-to-eat meals, for example.

Its open design was developed with the specific sanitary requirements of the IQF industry in mind. Additionally, the Blizzard’s components are easily accessible for operators. The sorting machine eliminates flat surfaces and integrates open easy-to-clean legs and hygienic door locks. Another advantage of The Blizzard is the installation of transportation hooks and positioning of the electrical cabinet at its rear end. A high-frequency electromagnetic shaker is also installed on the machine frame, minimizing vibration and making the system ultra-compact.

TOMRA Sorting Food market unit director Bjorn Thumas said: "Our customers will save considerably on cost and maintenance."

It is ideal for the individually quick frozen vegetable and fruit market.