In the potato sorting process, the size graders and weight graders provided by JCSORT play a key role. They each have unique working mechanisms and application advantages, and can meet the diverse needs of different customers.

Differences in working principles

Potato Size Grader

The JCSORT potato size grader primarily utilizes a roller-type grading principle. Inside the machine, multiple sets of rollers are arranged in an orderly fashion, with the gaps between them gradually increasing from the feed end to the discharge end. Potatoes enter the grader on a conveyor and are driven forward by the rotation of the rollers. Smaller potatoes fall first between the rollers with smaller gaps and land in their corresponding collection troughs. As the grader progresses, larger potatoes are separated from rollers with appropriate gaps, achieving precise grading by size. For example, for common potato varieties, the roller gaps can be adjusted to clearly distinguish potatoes with diameters under 3 cm, 3-5 cm, 5-7 cm, and over 7 cm. This grading method is particularly effective for potatoes with more regular shapes, enabling rapid sorting based on intuitive dimensions.

Potato Weight Grader

The weight grader utilizes high-precision load cells to perform its tasks. Potatoes travel at a constant speed on a conveyor belt. When they pass over a load cell, the sensor instantly captures the potato's weight and transmits the data in real time to an intelligent control system. Based on preset weight grade standards, such as 100-150 grams, 150-200 grams, or 200-250 grams, the system quickly determines the potato's weight range. It then controls a robotic arm or diverter to precisely direct the potato to the appropriate collection channel, completing the weight grading process. For example, potato chip processing plants require high weight consistency for their raw potatoes. The weight grader rigorously selects potatoes that meet these processing weight standards, ensuring uniform thickness and consistent taste.

Different applicable scenarios

Potato Size Grading Machines

Size grading machines are highly sought after in fresh produce markets and seed potato sorting. In the fresh produce market, consumers often prioritize the uniformity of potato size. Supermarkets, farmers' markets, and other buyers prefer potatoes of uniform size for easier display and sales, enhancing the overall aesthetics and consumer purchase interest. For example, small potatoes (3-5 cm in diameter) can be sold as side dish sets, while large potatoes (over 7 cm in diameter) are sold individually. For seed potato sorting, size grading machines can select qualified seed potatoes based on standard sizes, ensuring their growth potential and uniformity in the field, facilitating subsequent unified management and increasing yields.

Potato Weight Grading Line

Weight graders are essential equipment for food processing companies, especially potato chip and French fry plants. For example, in French fry processing, potatoes must be of similar weight to ensure uniform length and thickness, allowing them to be cooked through simultaneously during frying, ensuring consistent taste and quality. Excessive weight variation can lead to burnt, thicker, longer fries, and undercooked fries. Furthermore, for companies with stringent potato raw material cost control, weight graders can precisely control the weight of each batch of potatoes, avoiding costly fluctuations caused by weight discrepancies.

Sorting effect characteristics

Potato Size Sorting Machines

Size grading machines are highly efficient for potatoes with regular shapes, processing up to several tons per hour. However, for irregularly shaped potatoes, such as misshapen or elongated potatoes, size grading can be inaccurate, making it difficult to accurately determine the size range. For example, a potato with a long diameter of 8 cm but a short diameter of only 4 cm would be difficult to clearly classify using conventional size grading standards.

Potato Weight Sorting Grader

The advantage of a weight grader lies in its high-precision potato weight measurement, with an error within ±2 grams. Regardless of the potato's shape, as long as the weight meets the set standard, it can be accurately graded. However, a weight grader cannot detect external defects or internal diseases. For example, a potato with a black core but normal weight will still be graded according to weight and may be sent to processing stages with stricter quality requirements.