Download hi-res photo
VERYX optical sorter from Key Technology
Download hi-res photo
CookWright continuous oil roasting system from PPM Technologies
April 15, 2025 – Key Technology (Key) and PPM Technologies (PPM), both members of Duravant's Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduce their new fully-integrated nut processing line. Bringing together Key's and PPM's industry-leading technologies, this turnkey system processes nuts from post-shelling to packaging including grading, sorting, oil roasting, seasoning and more. Highly customizable to suit each application, the line helps processors achieve consistent product quality and minimize manual labor.
“The depth of nut processing knowledge between Key and PPM is unmatched,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President - Food Sorting and Handling Group. “Our teams bring decades of expertise to every project, designing systems tailored to the unique characteristics of each processor’s products and their production requirements. The result is a seamlessly integrated line with all equipment working in perfect harmony, backed by single-source responsibility from purchase through startup and aftermarket support.”
Offering extreme versatility, this new line is ideal for almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews and all other tree nuts. It can accommodate varying capacities for both large industrial producers and small operations moving from batch to continuous processing. Its modular design allows processors to start with essential technologies and expand as their business grows.
The line begins with Key's specialized grading conveyors, customized with specific widths, lengths, screens, strokes and speeds for each application. Options include dimpled screen holes for gentle handling, ball deck designs and programmable pulse stroke technology to prevent blinding.
Next, an infeed conveyor creates the optimal product spread for inspection by either a VERYX® or COMPASS® optical sorter, depending on processor requirements. Key tailors each sorting system with the best combination of sensors and ejectors to detect and remove foreign material, shell fragments and product defects specific to each nut variety.
Following sorting, nuts transfer to PPM's CookWright™ continuous oil roasting system, combining precise temperature control with innovative oil filtration for consistent roasting quality. A specialized de-oiling conveyor with chain belts drains excess oil while preserving product integrity before the Polar Blast™ cooling system prepares nuts for seasoning.
PPM's FlavorWright™ seasoning system applies customized combinations of liquids and/or dry seasoning, handling everything from simple salt applications to complex multi-stage treatments with specialty oils, slurries and powders. The Libra Mass Flow™ loss-in-weight conveyor continuously monitors product flow and automatically adjusts seasoning rates for maximum precision.
The final stage incorporates PPM's packaging distribution system, featuring specialized conveyors designed to maintain product and coating quality. Key’s Zephyr® horizontal-motion conveyors are also a popular choice in the packaging area, providing gentle product handling that protects nut integrity and seasoning coverage. For processors wanting complete plant solutions, the Duravant family offers additional packaging equipment such as form-fill-seal technology, end-of-line automation and palletizing machinery.
This fully automated line reduces manual labor through centralized controls enabling single-operator management across multiple technologies. Recipe-driven programming ensures reliable performance with minimal training, while proprietary information management software from Key and PPM gathers process data for quality control and operational insights.
All equipment is engineered for optimal food safety including stainless-steel construction, open designs and tool-less disassembly for thorough cleaning. By emphasizing gentle handling throughout the line, the system also minimizes the creation of nut meal, which contributes to cleaner operations and more efficient sanitation.
Processors can learn more about this new integrated nut line and Key’s and PPM’s other world-class equipment at INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, being held May 8 to 10, 2025 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology is a global leader in the design and manufacture of automation systems including optical sorters, conveyors and other processing equipment. Applying processing knowledge and application expertise, Key helps customers in the food processing and other industries improve quality, increase yield and reduce cost. Key manufactures its products in Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Redmond, Oregon, USA; and in Beusichem, the Netherlands. Key offers customer demonstration and testing services at five locations including Walla Walla and Beusichem as well as Hasselt, Belgium; Sacramento, California, USA; and Melbourne, Australia; and maintains a sales and service office in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico. Key is a Duravant Company. For more information, visit www.key.net.
About PPM Technologies
PPM Technologies is a global automation solutions provider of smartly engineered equipment and integrated lines for the food processing industry. PPM designs, engineers and manufactures equipment for a wide array of food products, including snack foods, cereals, confectionaries, nuts and seeds, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood and more. Their portfolio includes conveying, coating, grading, frying and cooling equipment that can be customized to integrate with virtually any production line. PPM has developed an impressive global installed base of over 10,000 machines and services customers in over 50 countries. For more information, visit www.ppmtech.com.
About Duravant
Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, Duravant is a global automation solutions and engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Through their portfolio of operating companies, Duravant delivers trusted end-to-end process solutions for customers and partners through engineering and integration expertise, project management and operational excellence. With worldwide sales distribution and service networks, they provide immediate and lifetime aftermarket support to all the markets they serve in the protein processing, food sorting and handling, packaging and material handling sectors. Duravant’s market-leading brands are synonymous with innovation, durability and reliability. For more information, visit www.duravant.com.
Buffy Hagerman
Key Technology
150 Avery Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA
Tel: +1 509 540 7415
[email protected]
www.key.net
Nicholas Schoen
PPM Technologies
500 E. Illinois Street
Newberg, OR 97132 USA
Tel: +1 503 476 7504
[email protected]
www.ppmtech.com
Cat McBride
McBride Public Relations
527 27th Street
Richmond, CA 94804 USA
Tel: +1 650 384 5727
[email protected]
www.mcbridepr.com