The lemon sorting and grading machine is an automated equipment integrating optical, weighing, and mechanical technologies, used for high-speed, high-precision sorting and grading of lemons based on size, weight, color, surface defects, and even sugar content (optional). It completely replaces traditional manual sorting, significantly improving efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
Lemon Sorting Machine Working Principle
- Feeding and Arrangement: Lemons are fed in via a conveyor and arranged in a single layer by a vibrating plate or conveyor belt, ensuring each lemon is inspected independently.
- Vision System: High-definition cameras capture images from multiple angles, analyzing diameter, length, shape, color (yellow-green ratio), and surface defects (scars, bruises, rot, spots).
- Weighing System: High-precision sensors accurately measure the weight of each lemon.
- Internal Quality Inspection: Near-infrared spectroscopy technology allows for non-destructive testing of sugar content, acidity, internal browning, or hollowness.
- Data Analysis and Grading Decision: An industrial computer processes all data in real time, making decisions based on preset complex grading criteria (e.g., weight + diameter + color + defect area).
- Sorting Execution: The system issues commands, and devices such as pneumatic nozzles, push rods, and flip-type diverters accurately send the lemons to the corresponding collection bins or conveyor channels.
Comparison Summary with Traditional Manual Sorting
| Feature Dimension | Automatic Lemon Sorting & Grading Machine | Traditional Manual Lemon Sorting |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Extremely high, continuous and stable, hourly processing capacity measured in tons | Low, prone to fatigue, inconsistent speed |
| Consistency | Absolutely uniform, digitized standards, no subjective variance | Highly variable, dependent on individual experience and condition |
| Grading Dimensions | Multi-dimensional synthesis (size, weight, color, blemishes, internal quality) | Typically single-dimensional (mainly relies on visual size and obvious blemishes) |
| Data Management | Automatic recording, traceable, analyzable | Relies on manual records, rough and error-prone |
| Long-term Cost | High initial investment, low long-term operational cost | Low initial investment, high and continuously rising long-term labor cost |
| Value Addition | Significant, enables premium pricing for quality and refined classification | Limited, rough grading, weak premium pricing capability |
Lemon Grading Machine Application Scenarios
- Large lemon planting cooperatives/farms: Used for product commercialization to enhance market competitiveness.
- Fruit packaging plants/export companies: Meeting the stringent requirements of high-end international markets for consistency in specifications and quality.
- Fruit juice and deep processing plants: Grading raw fruit, selling high-quality fruit fresh, and using lower-grade fruit for processing to maximize product value.
- Large fruit distribution centers: Ensuring consistent product standards for supply to supermarkets.
Lemon Sorting and Grading Machine FAQ
- Q: Can this machine distinguish between different varieties of lemons?
A: Yes, but mainly through pre-set programs. You can set up separate grading parameter files for different varieties and switch between them as needed. - Q: How do I choose the right model for me?
A: Mainly assess your daily/seasonal processing volume, the level of detail required for grading (how many grades), your budget, and whether you plan to expand functionality in the future (such as internal quality detection). It is recommended to provide samples to the supplier for on-site testing. - Q: How does the machine handle lemons that are stuck together or overlapping?
A: An excellent pre-processing feeding system is key. If overlapping occurs, the vision system will usually identify it as a “large object” and classify it into the extra-large fruit or defective fruit channel, without causing machine damage. Ensuring even feeding is a key operating point.
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