A potato line for grading Samsø potatoes.

THE KEY TO CORRECTLY GRADING SAMSØ POTATOES

ASSIGNMENT:

The task was to construct a modern and efficient system. The fact that production takes place on the island of Samsø presented a challenge, since the goods must be ferried to the mainland at 16.00 every single day. This challenge called for a grading system that was capable of running continuously, as any stoppages would result in considerable costs for Brdr. Kjeldahl.

Therefore, a customised solution was developed, based on standard SKALS specifications. The system consists of an inclined conveyor belt, which transfers the potatoes to either a brushing machine or a soil extractor. The destination depends on how thick the potato skins are. Once the potatoes have been cleaned, they go to two modular grading machines, which can grade them into five different sizes. For Brdr. Kjeldahl, it is vital that the potatoes can be transferred directly into the silo, the boxes or onto the washing line via cross-belt separators.

Additionally, a platform has been built around the system. A riddle rack is placed on the platform, making it quick and easy to replace the riddles in the grading machines and to service the system.

CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS, 3D drawing of the system for Brdr. Kjeldahl

All potatoes are sold to the retail company Dansk Supermarked.

Increased capacity, no stoppages and less noise

The great advantage of the new system is that its capacity is an impressive 50% higher than the previous system.

The new system has been running continuously since it was installed and has not experienced any problems. An additional benefit is that noise in the production facility has been significantly reduced, something which is greatly appreciated by the employees.

The three-dimensional layout of the potato grading line for the Brdr. Kjeldahl Company in Samsø, Denmark.

All potatoes are sold to the retail company Dansk Supermarked.

Danish quality

For Brdr. Kjeldhahl, it was very important to find a high-quality system, that guaranteed system support and the quick and efficient delivery of spare parts. The SKALS solution was therefore an easy choice.

Great customer satisfaction

The company Brdr. Kjeldahl is extremely pleased with the entire process and their expectations have been fully met. They benefitted from a fluid dialogue with both the SKALS sales contact and the service team at all stages of the process. The phase leading up to and following delivery was seamless, and corrections have been made as agreed. Søren Peter Kjeldahl said:

"We are delighted with the level of service we have received from SKALS. Throughout the process, the SKALS sales consultant was highly professional, providing us with new ideas and faultless guidance. We are in no doubt whatsoever that we have chosen the right grading system for us. The system has been running perfectly since it was installed."

Samsø - a strong brand

Samsø - a strong brand

The island of Samsø is well known throughout Denmark for its early potatoes. This is due to the fact that the island enjoys a mild climate with fewer rainy days and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. The weather conditions and the good sandy soil on the island create optimal conditions for the growth of potatoes. Brdr. Kjeldahl begin the potato growing process in January, when they germinate the potatoes in heated warehouses. When the risk of frost is minimal, the potatoes are placed in the soil. From there on, the wind and weather determine when the potatoes can be harvested. In addition, the island Samsø is marketed as the breadbasket of Denmark. Over the last few years, there has been increasingly high demand for produce from the island. Samsø has built up a strong brand, and is attracting interest from several supermarket chains.

Brdr. Kjeldahl are very satisfied with the advice and service they have received from SKALS.
Søren Peter Kjeldahl go through the grading system with Bøje Olsen and Søren Lund Madsen from Skals.

RESULTS:

• Increased capacity: 50% higher than the previous system
• Updated and customized production
• Improved working environment - no noise and easy to service
• Increased efficiency in production = No stoppages
• Excellent service

SOLUTION:

TM inclined conveyor belt with carrier - Suspension with moveable support rollers

Possibility of either transferring potatoes to the brushing machine or the soil extractor

RK - Soil extractor - Soil, sand, sprouting etc. are effectively removed

BM Brushing - Dirt and soil removed using brushes - Improved visual appearance of the produce

Søren Peter Kjeldahl and SKALS sales consultant Bøje Olsen.

2 x SDe grading machines - up to five grading sizes - Gentle grading with Hop principle, which ensures optimal precision

Reversible cross belts, which can transfer the produce into boxes, or to the washing line on the opposite side, or the silo

FDS box fall breakers - automatically open and close using compressed air. To be activated with a remote control from a truck

Platform with 2 racks and a stand - making it easy to service the system and replace the riddles in the grading machines

Brdr. Kjeldahl's potatoes are subject to strict quality requirements in order to ensure that the consumer always receives the best potatoes possible.