To maximize vertical space, a mezzanine was installed to mount their color sorting equipment. This created the operation’s primary challenge: following de-hulling and gravity separation, the delicate seeds needed to be elevated approximately 15 feet to a hopper feeding the sorter. A traditional incline conveyor required more floor space than the facility could accommodate, while the fragile product required gentle handling to preserve its quality.
The seeds also needed to be distributed evenly across the length of the hopper, creating a consistent product bed for efficient optical inspection. Clear visibility into product flow along with simplified cleaning and maintenance were additional priorities.
To fulfill their gentle transportation requirements, Triton customized a compact Z-Style Pendulum Bucket Elevator. The bucket elevator receives seeds directly from the gravity separator at floor level, then gently conveys them vertically through an opening in the mezzanine before discharging into the receiving hopper. Moving seeds upward rather than across the plant floor maximizes available production space without compromising process flow or product integrity.
A key feature of the solution is its multiple discharge zones, which allow product to be released at three designated tipping points above the hopper. This creates a more uniform distribution of seeds throughout the receptacle, helping establish a consistent product bed for the optical color sorter. The improved product presentation supports more accurate inspection and sorting performance while maintaining efficient throughput. Triton’s design team also incorporated a hinged inspection window for easy product flow monitoring, along with individually removable, tool-free buckets that simplify cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation procedures.
By integrating a compact footprint with gentle product handling, precise product distribution, and a maintenance-friendly design, Triton’s custom Bucket Elevator enabled the processor to optimize its superfood seed sorting operation while maximizing valuable floor space.
To learn about Triton’s Bucket Elevator options, configurations and more, check out our Bucket Elevator brochure.
Call or email us today to get started 989.358.6238, info@tritoninnovationllc.com.
