The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Weco has introduced the Multiscan MXV-Bulk X-ray inspection system, a new solution designed to help nut processors identify internal quality defects and foreign material that may not be visible on the surface of in-shell nuts.

The system uses differences in density to assess the contents of individual nuts, enabling processors to identify issues including insufficient kernel fill, empty shells, insect damage and internal mould.

It can also detect and remove dense foreign material, such as stones, glass, ceramics and embedded metal from the product stream.

According to Weco, the technology is the first system of its kind in North America designed specifically to assess the internal quality of in-shell nuts using X-ray inspection.

Nick Lightfoot, vice president at Weco, said: “Nut processors have traditionally relied on optical inspection methods that cannot tell them what is happening inside the shell. While X-ray is broadly used in food processing, this is the first system of its kind to evaluate the internal quality of in-shell nuts in North America.”

The MXV-Bulk is designed for applications, including pecans, walnuts, pistachios and peanuts. By removing underfilled and defective nuts, the system is intended to help processors improve product grades, increase value per pound and reduce reliance on manual inspection.

The system is designed to complement existing optical sorting, aspiration and separation technologies rather than replace them.

While optical sorters assess external characteristics such as colour, size, shape and surface condition, aspiration primarily separates materials according to weight and aerodynamic properties. The MXV-Bulk adds an additional layer of inspection by analysing internal density.

Nuts are transported on a belt designed to stabilise and evenly distribute product through the scanning area. The system captures images of individual objects and analyses them against defined quality parameters. Products that fall outside the specified tolerance, as well as detected foreign material, are automatically rejected using air valves.

Processors can set density thresholds through the system's touchscreen interface to determine the minimum level of kernel fill required for acceptance. The technology can also assess fill in specific areas of individual nuts, allowing inspection parameters to be adjusted for different nut varieties and quality requirements.

Weco said customer trials have shown the potential to reduce manual inspection requirements while increasing average product grades.

“When processors are selling on kernel yield, that combination can produce a meaningful improvement to the bottom line,” Lightfoot added.

The MXV-Bulk was developed through a collaboration between Weco and Multiscan Technologies, both Duravant operating companies. The project combines Multiscan's X-ray inspection technology with Weco's experience in nut processing.

The equipment is designed for straightforward operation without requiring highly specialised personnel to maintain consistent inspection performance.

The MXV-Bulk is available for sale worldwide and for lease in the US, Mexico and Canada. Weco also provides installation and start-up support, preventive maintenance, technology upgrades and 24/7 emergency assistance.

The launch reflects the wider adoption of automated inspection technologies across food processing as producers seek to improve quality control, reduce manual intervention and maximise the value of raw materials.

Weco has more than 30 years of experience in optical and electronic sorting technology, with applications across fruit, nut and agricultural processing. The company is part of Duravant, a global provider of automation solutions for food processing, packaging and material handling.