Elisam CombiGrader: One Smart Grading Solution for Potatoes and Onions

Ellips is offering the Elisam CombiGrader, a compact grading solution designed to handle both potatoes and onions on a single machine. The system combines internal and external quality control with the ability to switch between potato and onion grading programs within seconds.

The company says the solution is designed for small to mid-sized packhouses handling 5,000–20,000 tons per year, providing grading capacity of up to 15 tonnes per hour within a 15-meter footprint.

One machine for two crops

Grading potatoes and onions can require separate equipment, resulting in additional machinery, floor space, maintenance and labor requirements. The Elisam CombiGrader is designed to allow one machine to perform the work of two grading solutions. 

The system can switch between potato and onion programs with a single click within seconds. This allows operators supplying retail, wholesale, processing or export markets to adapt to different grading specifications while maintaining throughput and consistency.

The Elisam CombiGrader combines potato and onion grading capabilities in one compact four-lane solution with automated quality inspection.

Internal and external quality control with True-AI

The CombiGrader uses Ellips True-AI technology to analyze every potato and onion for size, shape, weight and color, while detecting a range of internal and external defects. 

For potatoes, the system can detect wireworm, rhizoctonia, compression bruising, mechanical damage, scab, scurf, punctures, growth cracks, sprouting, internal browning and hollow hearts, among other defects.

For onions, detected defects include rot, mold, sprouting, fusarium, root tear, balding, misshapen bulbs, sun scald, mechanical damage, internal rot, root plate, bulb rot and neck rot, among others.

Ellips True-AI technology analyzes potatoes and onions for internal and external defects to support consistent grading quality and reduce product losses.

Light transmittance technology detects internal defects

According to Ellips, the CombiGrader uses light transmittance technology to virtually scan each potato and onion in up to 20 scans. The technology measures how infrared light is absorbed and transmitted through the entire product.

This differs from standard NIR technology, which the company says typically reads only a few millimeters beneath the skin. The approach is designed to identify internal browning and hollow hearts in potatoes, as well as internal rot, fusarium, ring rot and neck rot in onions.

The company notes that undetected defects can potentially affect other products during storage or export, making internal quality control an important part of the grading process.

Internal defects in potatoes and onions highlighted by Ellips True-AI technology, demonstrating its ability to identify hidden quality issues beneath the surface.

Grading for different market requirements

Potatoes and onions have different quality requirements and defect profiles, while specifications can vary between retail, wholesale, processing and export markets.

The CombiGrader is designed to adapt to these requirements, allowing operators to switch between crop-specific grading programs and maintain consistent quality across different orders, seasons and batches.

Up to 15 tonnes per hour

The CombiGrader provides grading capacity of up to 15 t/h and is designed to automate sorting work that would otherwise depend heavily on manual labor. 

Ellips says this can help growers and packhouses meet volume targets, delivery deadlines and last-minute orders without adding headcount whenever demand increases.

Four-lane design in a 15-meter footprint

The four-lane grader combines potato and onion grading capacity within a footprint of just 15 meters.

Its compact design is intended for packhouses that want high-capacity grading without requiring large machinery or additional facility space. The system is also designed for plug-and-play installation in one day, allowing it to be integrated into an existing facility with minimal disruption.

The Elisam CombiGrader combines potato and onion grading in a compact, four-lane system measuring 15 meters in length, designed to deliver up to 15 tonnes per hour.

ROI within six months

Ellips states that growers and packhouses operating the Elisam CombiGrader can achieve a return on investment within six months. 

The company attributes this potential return to eliminating duplicate equipment, reducing manual labor and maintaining consistent quality across two crops using one compact grading line.

One compact line for potatoes and onions

The Elisam CombiGrader combines flexible crop switching, internal and external quality control, automated defect detection, high throughput and a compact footprint. 

For growers, packers and farms handling both potatoes and onions, the system is positioned as one grading line capable of handling two crops while supporting different market requirements throughout the season.

Meet Ellips-Elisam at Upcoming Industry Events

Growers, packers and farms interested in exploring the possibilities of the Elisam CombiGrader are invited to connect with the Ellips-Elisam team at the following events. Visit our booths to discuss your grading needs and discover how one solution can handle both potatoes and onions.

• Fruit Attraction, Madrid: Ellips-Elisam booth 10D27 
• Global Produce & Floral Show, Orlando: Ellips-Elisam booth 3532

We look forward to meeting you and discussing the possibilities!