PPM Technologies and Key Technology, both operating companies under the Duravant group, are introducing a fully integrated potato chip processing line aimed at addressing persistent challenges in high-volume snack production, including raw material variability, labour shortages and the coordination burden of managing multiple equipment suppliers.

The line is set to be unveiled at SNACKEX 2026, taking place 17-18 June at FIL Expo in Lisbon, Portugal. It combines PPM’s frying, seasoning and product handling systems with Key’s optical sorting technology into a single, cohesive solution spanning slicing through to packaging.

Frying at the core

At the front of the line, a dual auger feed conveyor meters whole potatoes into the slicer at a controlled rate, producing uniform slices for consistent frying. Two fryer configurations are available depending on production type. The BatchWright™ batch fryer is designed for kettle-style chip production, offering precise control over the full frying curve to deliver target texture, colour and flavour profiles. For conventional chip production, the CookWright™ continuous fryer offers customisable heating, belt and filtration configurations. Both units include advanced oil filtration to extend oil life and reduce operating costs, along with clean-in-place capability.

Daniel Luna, Director of Processing at PPM Technologies, noted that performance under production pressure depends on more than equipment specification alone. “Potato chip processing lines that hold up under challenging conditions aren’t just well spec-ed,” he said. “They’re built by partners who understand what each stage demands, can anticipate future needs and are committed to making those technologies work as one cohesive unit.”

Optical sorting before packaging

Following frying, product passes through Key’s COMPASS® optical sorter, which represents the final inspection stage before packaging. The system uses multi-channel sensor data and multiwavelength strobing technology to detect dark spots, green discolouration, white knots and fryer debris. Notably, it achieves this without laser-based components, which the companies say reduces maintenance costs and complexity.

Recipe-driven operation and simplified controls are intended to sustain consistent inspection performance across extended production runs, while an open sanitary design reduces cleaning time and training requirements.

Key Discovery™ software collects and analyses data on every object passing through the sorter, giving processors visibility into yield trends, reject rates, raw material variability and upstream equipment performance over time.

Seasoning and line integration

From the sorter, chips transfer to PPM’s FlavorWright™ All-in-One seasoning system, which applies liquid and/or dry seasoning immediately prior to the weigh scale and packaging equipment. The system is designed to handle the full range of seasoning applications, from salt to multi-stage treatments involving specialty oils, slurries and powders. Precise application controls are intended to ensure coating consistency at a stage where any variation carries directly into the finished product. Quick-release components allow changeovers in as little as five minutes, and IP65-rated washdown capability is designed to simplify sanitation during frequent flavour changes.

Conveying and control throughout

A coordinated network of PPM conveyors connects each stage of the line. Horizontal-motion conveyors are used to move chips gently between steps, minimising breakage and seasoning loss, while vibratory conveyors meter product accurately to multi-head weighers at packaging. Recirculation conveyors can be integrated to keep product moving when downstream equipment goes offline, reducing waste during production disruptions.

Each element of the line can be configured to fit individual plant layouts and production requirements. Centralised and local controls provide operators with real-time visibility across the entire line.

The integrated line is positioned as a single-source solution with global support, reducing the supplier coordination typically required when assembling processing lines from multiple vendors.

For more information, visit:
• www.ppmtech.com
• www.key.net

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