Page 26 - AWA Vol.41-No.4

FooD ProCESSING & tECHNoloGy

Key technology and PPM technologies Introduce New Fully-

Integrated Nut Processing line

ey Technology (Key) and PPM Technologies (PPM), control with innovative oil filtration for consistent roasting
Kboth members of Duravant's Food Sorting and Handling quality. A specialized de-oiling conveyor with chain belts
Group, introduce their new fully-integrated nut processing drains excess oil while preserving product integrity before
line. Bringing together Key's and PPM's industry-leading the Polar Blast™ cooling system prepares nuts for seasoning.
technologies, this turnkey system processes nuts from post- PPM's FlavorWright™ seasoning system applies customized
shelling to packaging including grading, sorting, oil roasting, combinations of liquids and/or dry seasoning, handling ev-
seasoning and more. Highly customizable to suit each appli- erything from simple salt applications to complex multi-stage
cation, the line helps processors achieve consistent product treatments with specialty oils, slurries and powders. The Li-
quality and minimize manual labor.
bra Mass Flow™ loss-in-weight conveyor continuously moni-
“The depth of nut processing knowledge between Key and tors product flow and automatically adjusts seasoning rates
PPM is unmatched,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President - for maximum precision.
Food Sorting and Handling Group. “Our teams bring decades The final stage incorporates PPM's packaging distribution
of expertise to every project, designing systems tailored to
the unique characteristics of each processor’s products and system, featuring specialized conveyors designed to maintain
their production requirements. The result is a seamlessly product and coating quality. Key’s Zephyr® horizontal-motion
integrated line with all equipment working in perfect har- conveyors are also a popular choice in the packaging area,
mony, backed by single-source responsibility from purchase providing gentle product handling that protects nut integrity
through startup and aftermarket support.” and seasoning coverage. For processors wanting complete
plant solutions, the Duravant family offers additional packag-
Offering extreme versatility, this new line is ideal for al-
monds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, ca- ing equipment such as form-fill-seal technology, end-of-line
automation and palletizing machinery.
shews and all other tree nuts. It can accommodate varying
capacities for both large industrial producers and small This fully automated line reduces manual labor through
operations moving from batch to continuous processing. Its centralized controls enabling single-operator management
modular design allows processors to start with essential tech- across multiple technologies. Recipe-driven programming
nologies and expand as their business grows. ensures reliable performance with minimal training, while
proprietary information management software from Key and
The line begins with Key's specialized grading conveyors,
customized with specific widths, lengths, screens, strokes and PPM gathers process data for quality control and operational
speeds for each application. Options include dimpled screen insights.
holes for gentle handling, ball deck designs and program- All equipment is engineered for optimal food safety includ-
mable pulse stroke technology to prevent blinding. ing stainless-steel construction, open designs and tool-less
Next, an infeed conveyor creates the optimal product spread disassembly for thorough cleaning. By emphasizing gentle
for inspection by either a VERYX® or COMPASS® optical sort- handling throughout the line, the system also minimizes the
er, depending on processor requirements. Key tailors each creation of nut meal, which contributes to cleaner operations
sorting system with the best combination of sensors and ejec- and more efficient sanitation.
tors to detect and remove foreign material, shell fragments Processors can learn more about this new integrated nut
and product defects specific to each nut variety. line and Key’s and PPM’s other world-class equipment at INC
Following sorting, nuts transfer to PPM's CookWright™ con- World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, being held May 8 to 10,
tinuous oil roasting system, combining precise temperature 2025 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Circle 32 on enquiry card
24 Vol. 41 No. 4