Key Technology (Key) and PPM Technologies (PPM), both members of Duravant's Food Sorting and Handling Group, have released their new fully-integrated nut processing line. The system brings together leading technologies from both companies, aiming to process nuts from post-shelling to packaging including grading, sorting, oil roasting, seasoning and more.
The versatile new line is ideal for tree nuts, accommodating varying capacities for both large industrial producers and small operations, moving from batch to continuous processing. Its modular design allows processors to start with essential technologies and expand as their business grows.
Duravant Group president – food sorting and handling solutions, Jack Lee, said the depth of nut processing knowledge between Key and PPM is unmatched.
“Our teams bring decades of expertise to every project, designing systems tailored to the unique characteristics of each processor’s products and their production requirements,” said Lee.
“The result is a seamlessly integrated line with all equipment working in perfect harmony, backed by single-source responsibility from purchase through startup and aftermarket support.”
The line begins with Key's specialised grading conveyors, customised with specific widths, lengths, screens, strokes and speeds for each application. An infeed conveyor creates the optimal product spread for optical inspection, and Key tailors each sorting system with a combination of sensors and ejectors to detect and remove foreign material, shell fragments and product defects specific to each nut variety.
Following sorting, nuts transfer to PPM's CookWright continuous oil roasting system, combining precise temperature control with oil filtration for consistent roasting quality. A specialised de-oiling conveyor with chain belts drains excess oil while preserving product integrity before the Polar Blast cooling system prepares nuts for seasoning.
PPM's FlavorWright seasoning system applies customised combinations of liquids and/or dry seasoning, handling everything from simple salt applications to complex multi-stage treatments with specialty oils, slurries and powders. The Libra Mass Flow loss-in-weight conveyor continuously monitors product flow and automatically adjusts seasoning rates for maximum precision.
The final stage incorporates PPM's packaging distribution system, featuring specialised conveyors designed to maintain product and coating quality. Key’s Zephyr horizontal-motion conveyors are also a popular choice in the packaging area, providing gentle product handling that protects nut integrity and seasoning coverage.
For processors wanting complete plant solutions, Duravant brands offer additional packaging equipment such as form-fill-seal technology, end-of-line automation and palletising machinery.
All equipment is engineered for optimal food safety including stainless-steel construction, open designs and toolless disassembly for thorough cleaning. By emphasising gentle handling throughout the line, the system also minimises the creation of nut meal, which contributes to cleaner operations and more efficient sanitation.
Key Technology has a global service team, including an office in Victoria. More information on the processing line and the company’s other solutions can be found at key.net. PPM Technologies is exclusively distributed by Arrow Technologies, also in Victoria, with products and more information available at arrowlifetechnologies.com.au.
