Key Technology will Introduce ADR X Automatic Defect Removal System for Potato Strips at Interpack 2026

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduced its new automatic defect removal system for potato strips – ADR X – at Interpack in Hall 6 / B73.

ADR systems identify defects on wet potato strips and precisely trim only the affected areas, allowing processors to recover more usable product, improve yield and increase profitability. Featuring enhanced multi-spectral sensing, updated mechanical architecture and improved hygienic design, the next-generation ADR X delivers more accurate defect detection with simple operation and reliable performance in continuous, high-capacity production environments.

Jack Lee, Group President – Food Sorting and Handling at Duravant:

"Potato quality isn’t consistent, but processors still need consistent results. The gap between raw material variability and customer expectations continues to widen, while hygiene requirements increase, skilled labor becomes harder to find and facilities run longer production cycles. ADR X was redesigned from the ground up to address these mounting pressures."

Building on Key’s previous-generation ADR systems, ADR X aligns, singulates, inspects and trims both peeled and peel-on wet potato strips across multiple cut sizes.
 

Enhanced sensing and precision trimming

The system introduces multi-channel sensing with advanced LED lighting and strobing to identify challenging defects such as green discoloration. Multiple images are captured under different wavelengths and combined to clearly separate product from background, enabling precise trimming decisions. A true-color user interface provides clear visualization and simplified operation.
 

Hygienic design for wet processing

The updated architecture supports hygienic operation by eliminating activity above the product stream, reducing flat surfaces and integrating clean-in-place functionality. Bearings and key components are positioned for easy access to simplify maintenance and support uptime in demanding production environments.
 

Flexible mechanics and reduced maintenance

Recipe-driven conveying and alignment mechanics automatically adjust to selected cut sizes. Lane profiles and strip positioning are configured through the interface, reducing manual tuning and supporting consistent performance during changeovers.

Endless reinforced belts reduce stretch, eliminate in-field welding and enable faster replacement. Independent drives for the conveyor and cutter-wheel maintain precise trimming accuracy, while single-point adjustment mechanisms simplify setup and maintenance tasks.

ADR X is available as a plug-and-play system sized for standard container delivery and can replace earlier ADR 5 systems without major layout modifications. Key supports installations worldwide through its global sales and service network.

Key Technology ADR X defect removal system for french fries, inspecting and trimming potato strips to improve yield and quality