Potato Review

58 POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2022 MACHINERY GENTLE SLOPE MEETS SORTING CHALLENGES SPANISH potato processor, Patatas Meléndez, which has been growing and supplying potatoes for more than 20 years, has found a ‘gentle Slope’ multihead weigher has helped meet some of the challenges it was facing with the packing of its microwavable potato range. Based in the municipality of Medina del Campo in the province of Valladolid, Patatas Meléndez’s 24,105m2 facility is one of Europe’s biggest potato production plants. For its gourmet microwavable potatoes, available in both tray and bag formats, the company uses varieties of small potatoes, which undergo a rigorous sorting and inspection process. The two 14-head CCW-RVE-GS models from Ishida Europe incorporate gentle slopes and reduced angles throughout the weighers in a bid to ease the passage of the potatoes, avoiding bruising and damage. Potatoes are transferred carefully from the dispersion table to the pool and weigh hoppers. The weigher then calculates the combination of weights that most closely meets the required target weight, which is discharged into the pack. Each weigher is dedicated to one pack format, with special distribution systems for the transfer of product from the weigher to the bag or tray. Target weights are 400g for the bags and 325g for the trays. Speeds are governed by the bagging machine and tray sealer at around 40 packs per minute (ppm) and 25ppm respectively. The small homogenous varieties are double washed with ozonised water and then undergo further inspection and sorting before being transferred via conveyor to the weigher. The trays are then sealed with a double microperforated film and the bags incorporate a safety valve that ensures controlled cooking.