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Sweet Potato Washing, Drying & Sorting Line

sweet potato washing, drying, sorting, grading line with packing tables

Fstsort sweet potato processing line: washing, brushing, drying, and sorting. Choose roller grader (diameter) or AI optical sorter (detects mechanical damage, rot, cracks, deformities, foreign objects). 3–18 t/h, ±3g accuracy. CE certified. Get quote.

Product Overview – Complete Processing Line for Sweet Potatoes

This Fstsort sweet potato washing, drying and sorting line is designed for high-capacity commercial processing. It consists of:

  • Water tank with roller elevator – pre-washing and feeding

  • Brushes bed with high pressure water sprayers – deep cleaning

  • Air drying machine – removes surface moisture (hot air dryer optional)

  • Size grader or AI optical sorter – final sorting (you choose)

Fully stainless steel line – all food-contact parts are stainless steel.

Key features:

  • High efficiency

  • Strong and cleanable water tank

  • Soft and durable brushes – reduces chance of damaging products

  • Variable speed

  • With CE certificate

  • Gently delivers product – minimum damage on fresh produce

  • Roller inspection table can be added if you need manual sorting

  • Hot air dryer can be added if complete drying is required

  • Typical parameters (customizable):

    Parameter

    Typical Reference Range

    Capacity

    8–10 t/h

    Number of grades

    3–6 (customizable)

    Dimension (mm)

    16010*1630*1270 (reference)

    Voltage

    380V / custom

    Power

    12.2 KW (reference)

    Material

    Fully stainless steel (food contact)

images/1736935719043sweet-potato-washing-drying-grading-line.jpg

Two Sorting Options for Sweet Potatoes

After washing and drying, you can choose between two sorting technologies:

Sorting Option

Principle

Best for

Roller Grader

By diameter

Basic size grading, high capacity

AI Optical Sorter

By external defects (AI deep learning)

Removing damaged, rotten, deformed, or contaminated sweet potatoes


Option 1 – Roller Grader (Diameter Sorting)

The roller grader sorts sweet potatoes by diameter. It is a reliable, high-capacity solution for basic size grading.

Typical parameters (customizable):

Fully customizable – Grade count, capacity, and dimensions can be adjusted to your requirements.

Option 2 – AI Optical Sorter (Deep Learning Defect Detection)

The FstSort AI sweet potato sorter uses a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect and remove defective sweet potatoes with exceptional accuracy.

How AI Technology Works

During initial setup or product changeover, the system is trained by analyzing thousands of sweet potato images (including both acceptable and defective products). The AI then builds its own "acceptable" and "unacceptable" criteria based on your preferred features – such as surface integrity, color uniformity, and size.

💡 The AI learns your standards – not just fixed rules.

Detectable Defects

This machine is specifically designed to address the unique challenges encountered in sweet potato processing. It accurately identifies and removes:

Defect Category

Specific Defects

Mechanical damage

Cuts, abrasions, impact marks

Pathological problems

Externally visible rot, sour rot, black rot

Physiological problems

Growth cracks, rust spots, deformed / misshapen products

Foreign objects

Stones, stems, leaves, clumps of mud

Any defect that affects market appearance – the AI can be trained to detect it.

Technical Specifications

Parameter

Value

Weight sorting accuracy

Dynamic weighing, error < ±2g

Camera coverage

Two cameras per channel – cover >85% of surface

Missed detection

Negligible

Capacity per channel

3–4 t/h

Number of channels

1–6 channels (configurable)

Total capacity

3–18 t/h

Channels & outlets

Customizable

Integration with Existing Lines

Yes. The AI sorter can be seamlessly integrated with your existing production line:

  • Upstream – after washing, before peeling

  • Downstream – final inspection before packaging

  • Custom connections – we offer custom pipe connections and hopper designs to fit your existing layout

Easy Operation & Maintenance

Operation:

  • Brief training enables anyone with basic computer skills to operate

  • Computer-based control unit supports remote assistance and video guidance

Maintenance:

  • Wear parts – Fruit cups can be replaced individually in 2–5 minutes

  • Sensors – Periodically check load cells; remove debris with compressed air

  • Calibration – Perform monthly or as needed; takes about 2 minutes

  • Software – No routine maintenance; remote upgrades available

  • Design – Tool-free cleaning of observation window; LED lights rated for 50,000+ hours to minimize downtime

Return on Investment (ROI)

Most customers recover their investment within 6 to 18 months. AI intelligent sorting delivers:

Benefit

Impact

Reduced labor costs

Replaces dozens of manual sorters; one worker can manage 2–3 packing conveyors

Increased output

Stable, efficient operation unaffected by working hours or fatigue

Lower losses, higher yield

Consistent sorting standards eliminate subjective human error

Food safety & enhanced image

Automatically removes rotten or moldy sweet potatoes; modernizes production with AI technology

Complete Line Configurations (Customizable)

We have built several configurations for sweet potatoes. Below are reference examples – your line will be customized to your needs.

Sweet potato washing drying sorting machine we customized

Configuration A – Standard Washing + Drying + Roller Grader

Bubble washing → High pressure sprays & brushes → Brushes & air drying → Inspection table→ Roller grader

Best for: Satandard washing cleaning, basic drying(remove water droplets only) and diameter sorting.

Configuration B – Extra Drying + Roller Grader

Bubble washing→High pressure sprays&brushes→(Chemical tank)→Brushes& air drying→Hot drying→ Inspection table→Roller grader with packing table
We customized this line to ensure 100% dry on sweet potatoes – essential for long-term storage or bagging.

Configuration C – Washing + Drying + AI Optical Sorter

Sweet potato optical sorting line for European client– removes defective sweet potatoes automatically with deep learning technology.


sweet potato optical sorting grading machine.jpg




Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions customers usually ask before choosing this solution.

Will the washing and grading process damage the thin skin of sweet potatoes?+

No. Our equipment is specifically engineered for thin-skinned produce. We use soft, durable nylon brushes similar to those used for tomatoes to ensure deep cleaning without scratching the surface. Additionally, our latest models have reduced the drop height between stages to just 7cm, providing one of the gentlest handling processes in the industry.

Can this line handle sweet potatoes from very muddy or clay-heavy soils?+

Yes, we offer customized cleaning configurations based on your soil type. For sweet potatoes from sandy soil, a bubble washing tank and light brushing are sufficient. For those from mud-heavy or clay soil, we integrate high-pressure overhead sprayers and a 50-brush cleaning system to ensure every crevice is thoroughly cleaned.

How dry will the sweet potatoes be after the drying stage?+

We offer two levels of drying. Our standard high-pressure blowers effectively remove water droplets from the surface. If your market requires a "completely dry" product for immediate retail packaging, we can integrate a dedicated hot air drying tunnel into the line.

Can the grading size be adjusted for different sweet potato varieties?+

Yes, we offer two types of grading systems: Fixed-size Roller Graders and Adjustable-size Roller Graders. The adjustable version is highly recommended if you process multiple varieties (such as Beauregard vs. Japanese Sweet Potatoes). It allows you to change the gap between rollers instantly, ensuring precise sizing without the need to replace components.

How does the FstSort washing tank handle heavy mud and debris without clogging?+

Traditional tanks with net-chain elevators often get jammed by sediment. Our advanced system combines a Bubble Washing Tank + Roller Elevator + Air Generator with a unique Pneumatic/Power Lifting Function. With a simple button press, the entire elevator and roller bed lift up, exposing the tank bottom for easy access. Combined with our oversized drainage valves, even large debris like roots and heavy sludge can be flushed out quickly, minimizing maintenance downtime and keeping your line running at peak capacity.

How does AI technology detect defects in sweet potato sorting?+

Our machine uses a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN). During initial setup or product changeover, the system is trained by analyzing thousands of sweet potato images (including both acceptable and defective products). The AI then builds its own "acceptable" and "unacceptable" criteria based on your preferred features (such as surface integrity, color uniformity, and size).

Sweet Potato Washing, Drying & Sorting Line | FstSort