ESPASO asparagus sorting machine: Technical data

This is how the ESPASO works

Data evaluation

Every ESPASO is supplied with our special software which is developed in-house. It is comprehensive, well-engineered and easy to use so that you can concentrate on your asparagus harvest and not on studying complex software processes.

Easy operation, touch screen menu navigation
Sophisticated diagnostic software
Complete accounting system for sorters, cutters and fields (for ESPASO S12E, S16 - S64)
Integrated accounting for contract work
Network-compatible
Open interface to standard commercial accounting programs or customer's own software
Code-entering takes place without time delay during on-going sorting via barcode scanner (accounting with Espaso S12 is also possible).
Remote servicing and fault analysis via integrated internet connection
Changes to sorting parameters while machine is operating via the internet

Sorting characteristics

The automatic asparagus sorting machine sorts according to these criteria

The Espaso software evaluates white and green asparagus according to various characteristics. In this way, the asparagus spears can be sorted exactly according to your specifications, and you can be certain: Only the best get through!

Length, stretched length
Thickness, difference in thickness
Weight
Curvature, S-curvature, head curvature
Violet colouring, green colouring, rust, rust on the head
Bloom, green asparagus bloom, white marks on the green asparagus foot
Areas of rot
Ovality
Double spears
Breaks, grooves
Cut quality

The measurement principle

The asparagus rolls down a measuring surface while being photographed 5 to 21 times from all sides. Measurement is so precise that in addition the individual weight of each asparagus spear is determined with a tolerance of ± 3%.

The asparagus is measured against a constant, non-moving background. This guarantees professional and high-precision sorting.

Detecting hollow spears

Improved hollow spear detection for white asparagus by means of an additional camera (optional). As a result of the various early ripening methods, in many companies at the beginning of the season there are periods in which there is a significantly high proportion of hollow asparagus spears. In some cases this is more than 40% of the harvested quantity.

With its existing software, Neubauer Automation sorted out the hollow spears on the basis of double spears, ovality and club shape. It did not yet detect those spears which were straight but hollow.

The ESPASO is now able to detect straight hollow spears reliably during the sorting process and to sort them out efficiently. An additional camera pointed at the foot of the asparagus recognises those hollow spears which have a visible opening at their foot end and reliably sorts them out.

The asparagus silos

Asparagus silo of an automatic asparagus sorting machine

Next to quality, flexibility is another of the ESPASO's strengths. This continues with the choice of the asparagus silo compartments. Whether water or dry silo, single-sided or double-sided: And during asparagus removal, Neubauer Automation concentrates on what is most important: Your ideas and wishes.

Washing and cutting

A newly-designed cleaning system washes all sides of the asparagus. Rotating under-brushes turn the individual spears. Powerful jets of water give optimal washing results. Fresh water jets complete final cleaning.