Fresh-cut produce washer

Key Technology has redesigned its Flume Wash for fresh-cut produce. Suitable for small to medium-large processors looking for an automated wash system, the Flume Wash gently removes heavy debris, silt, grubs and floating contaminates.

Featuring a self-cleaning parabolic filter, heavy-duty pump motor, Iso-Flo dewatering shaker and Allen-Bradley controls, Key’s latest Flume Wash is claimed to enhance performance, ease sanitation and minimise maintenance.

The modular Flume Wash has been designed to provide fresh-cut processors with a basic and reliable wash system. Integrating one, two or three flumes, depending on the needs of the processor, along with optional overhead spray bars on the dewatering shakers after each flume to rinse while dewatering, the versatile machine can achieve a single, double or triple wash.

The washer is suitable for a variety of fresh-cut produce including shredded, chopped and whole leaf lettuce, cabbage, baby spinach and spring mix as well as whole, sliced and diced vegetables and fruits. It handles up to 3000 kg of leafy product or 7000 kg of fruit or vegetables per hour.

Processors can cut directly over the flume entry area or feed the wash system from a belt, shaker or manually. The initial laminar flow provides a gentle product entry while adjustable water nozzles create a full immersion section in each flume for thorough washing and product mixing. The open flume provides dosification access for sanitation agents. An Iso-Flo vibratory dewatering shaker and parabolic screen that actively micro-filters to 254 µm after each flume ensure maximum re-use of clean wash water via the closed-loop water recirculation system.

To effectively wash product and ease sanitation, the stainless steel Flume Wash features an easily accessible settling sump that allows rocks and heavy silt to separate from product. A water unloading valve in the ‘deep zone’ flushes sediments and bugs. During the sanitation shift, the Flume Wash can be cleaned via high-pressure washdown.

The compact Flume Wash produces water flow rates from 1000 to 1325 L/min, which can be easily adjusted at the control panel. Make-up water requirements are approximately 3.8 L/min. A level sensor automatically controls the tank water level.