“Nut processors have traditionally relied on optical inspection methods that cannot tell them what is happening inside the shell. While X-ray is broadly used in food processing, this is the first system of its kind to evaluate the internal quality of in-shell nuts in North America,” says WECO VP Nick Lightfoot. “With the MXV-Bulk, we’ve seen customers nearly eliminate the need for end-of-line manual inspection while raising their average product grade several points. When processors are selling on kernel yield, that combination can produce a meaningful improvement to the bottom line.”

Ideal for inspecting pecans, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts and other nuts, the MXV-Bulk identifies and rejects a variety of product defects that show no obvious external signs including empty shells, insect damage and internal mold. It also removes FM including stones, glass, ceramics and embedded metal.

Nuts enter the system on a belt designed to stabilize and distribute product evenly for consistent scanning. The MXV-Bulk captures and analyzes images of each object as it passes through the inspection zone. When it identifies out-of-tolerance product or FM, it signals the air valves to eject the unwanted material.

MXV-Bulk complements optical sorting, aspiration and other separation methods on the line. Optical sorters identify external characteristics such as color, size, shape and surface condition, while aspiration separates material based primarily on weight and aerodynamic properties. X-ray inspection adds information about internal density, helping processors build a more complete quality-control strategy.

Designed for straightforward operation, the MXV-Bulk does not require a highly specialized operator to maintain consistent results. Operators set the density threshold directly on the touchscreen, defining the tolerance that determines how fully a nut must be filled to be accepted. The system can also evaluate fill within specific areas of each nut, allowing inspection to be configured for differences among varieties and quality targets.

MXV-Bulk was developed through close collaboration between WECO and Multiscan Technologies, both Duravant operating companies, by combining Multiscan’s X-ray technology with WECO’s nut-processing expertise. WECO leads Multiscan’s commercial and support activities in the Americas, while Multiscan serves as WECO’s lead in the EMIA region and beyond.

MXV-Bulk is available for sale worldwide and for lease in the United States, Mexico and Canada. WECO supports processors with installation and startup services, preventive maintenance, technology upgrades and 24/7 emergency assistance to help sustain inspection performance and production uptime throughout the life of the equipment.