TUMMERS DEVELOPS WASHING LINE FOR FRAGILE POTATOES

Tummers, the machinery provider for potato processing, developed a washing line for the very fragile and small delicacy potato called “La Ratte” (pictured), which has a diameter ranging between ø10mm and ø70 mm. The line has been delivered to a major fresh packing supplier in France.

With this line, Tummers has proven wrong the notion that industrial washers are too rough on a product and can cause bruising and damage to potatoes.

Tummers is known for its high capacity and accurate de-stoning and washing equipment, which are commonly used in potato processing factories.

Based on ongoing research focused on optimizing quality in the processing area, Tummers felt the need to also investigate the impact that equipment has on the potato. In recent years, the company gathered significant data about the impact these large washing lines have on potatoes. To do this, a potato-dummy with a mobile data-logger inside its housing was used. By doing so, the company was able to observe areas where handling is critical and needed to improve. Tummers tested this process on several production sites in order to get a clear picture of the situation under different circumstances, since the demands for specialty products are different to those of the industrial market.

These tests gave Tummers a clear view of the processing and handling of potatoes inside equipment. Based on this analysis, Tummers effected to the line minor adjustments to fulfill the relevant needs in the fresh packing industry.