Inline Application of NIR System in Produce Sorting Machines

Sorting machines according to internal quality attributes such as sugar, water, starch or oil content are available utilizing external sorting such as color, size or weight. Near Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) have been used as method for a quantitative measurement of internal quality attributes as it is rapid and non-destructive. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of implanting NIR mini-spectrometers in the commercial sorting line manufactured by EshetEilon (Israel). Two mini-spectrometers were tested: a) VISNIR spectrometer i; b) SWIR spectrometer. The developed system included special illumination design with suitable optical configuration for scanning the fruits. The tested fruits included dates, apples, avocados, and papayas. The different fruits were evaluated on different suited conveyors. Spectral models were developed using chemometrics such as PLSR and PLS-DA. The developed models were assimilated in the controller PC of the sorter. Beta site experiments are taking place now days.