Key Technology Introduces the First Vis/IR Sorters for the Tobacco Industry; Tobacco Sorter(TM) 3 and Optyx® Sorter with Vis/IR Maximize Purity of Product
April 5, 2007 - Key Technology introduces sorters equipped with Vis/IR technology - a combination of visible color and infrared technologies - for tobacco processors to maximize the detection and removal of NTRM (non-tobacco related materials). Ideal for threshing lines and primary processing lines, Key's Tobacco Sorter(TM) 3 (TS3) and Optyx® are the first sorters in the world to implement Vis/IR for tobacco processors to achieve unmatched product quality and limit product liability.
Unlike traditional sorters used in the tobacco industry, which feature color cameras or lasers, TS3 and Optyx equipped with Key's proprietary Vis/IR cameras easily detect same-color NTRM based on unique product signatures that are best identified within the infrared spectrum. Using high-performance tri-chromatic Vis/IR cameras, TS3 and Optyx maximize the recognition and removal of inorganic matter such as cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass, as well as protein-based animal matter such as insects and rodent parts.
Key can also equip Optyx with a combination of Vis/IR and laser technology but testing in the tobacco industry has proven that laser provides no additional benefit over Vis/IR. As such, Key promises its new Vis/IR sorters are the most effective solutions for tobacco processors.
With the highest resolution scanning and the most advanced image processing in the industry, TS3 and Optyx reliably identify the smallest NTRM to optimize purity and maximize yields while reducing costs.
Ideal for lamina and stem inspection on the threshing line as well as recovery operations on the primary processing line, Optyx makes optical inspection practical for lower volume applications. Inspecting lamina or cut filler, Optyx 3000 handles 750 Kg/hr and Optyx 6000 handles 1,500 Kg/hr. For stem inspection, Optyx 3000 handles 2,500 Kg/hr and Optyx 6000 handles 5,000 Kg/hr. For high volume primary processing line and lamina line applications, TS3 can sort up to 9000 Kg/hr, depending on the model selected.
The TS3 features up to four sensors and the Optyx features up to three sensors, located above and/or below the product stream, depending on the application. As product passes through the sorter, it is launched off the end of the belt for in-air viewing by the sensors. Using Key's proprietary image processing technology, the sorter quickly analyses the images, comparing each object to previously defined accept/reject standards. When NTRM is identified, the system activates the close-coupled high-speed ejector system, which is made up of a series of air jets that span the width of the system. While the defective object is still air-borne, the air jets pinpoint the object to reject and remove it from the acceptable product stream.
The patented, icon-based multilingual graphical user interface (GUI) is easy to learn and use, reducing operator training and simplifying optimum operation. Product settings can be stored and retrieved for fast product changeover. The GUI can reside locally on the sorter and can be accessed remotely via network or Internet, enhancing the flexibility in the operating environment and easing access for remote factory troubleshooting and application assistance. Sophisticated real-time and on-demand diagnostics help minimize and avoid costly downtime, and detect conditions that could compromise inspection.
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Global Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.
Reader Inquiries:
Anita Funk,
Corporate Communications Manager,
Key Technology,
Tel: 509 529 2161,
Fax: 509 527 1331,
afunk@key.net
www.key.net
