Evaluation and correction of the mechanical aggressiveness of commercial sizers used in stone fruit packing lines Original Research Article

Three different types of sizers (two electronic cup sizers, one electronic finger sizer and one mechanical roller sizer) were analysed using an instrumented sphere IS 100 (62 mm ∅) in three cooperatives in the region of Valencia (Spain), handling peaches and apricots. In all three sizers the outlet transfer point “sizer-receiving belt” was responsible for the highest mean impact values: 31g for the roller sizer, 60g for the finger sizer, and 74 and 207g for cup sizers. Several solutions (powered brush and elimination of structural elements under the receiving belt) were analysed to reduce such impacts to safe levels.