What is an optical color sorter used for in seed and grain processing?

An optical color sorter uses high-resolution cameras and precision air ejectors to remove unwanted material from seed and grain based on color, shape, and size. It removes defects that gravity separators and screens cannot detect, including discolored seed, foreign material, disease-damaged kernels, and broken product, improving purity, consistency, and market value.

How does a VistaSort optical color sorter work?

VistaSort color sorters inspect each kernel as it flows by gravity through a 300mm anodized chute, using high-resolution CCD cameras and optional infrared cameras. When the system detects a defect, a high-speed electromagnetic ejector fires and removes it from the product stream in milliseconds, while accepted product continues through undisturbed.

What sorting accuracy can I expect from a VistaSort color sorter?

VistaSort optical color sorters are rated for 99.99% sorting accuracy, with a bad-to-good rejection ratio of 10:1 when using re-sort. Visible camera resolution is 0.02mm², and optional infrared resolution is 0.16mm², allowing detection of defects invisible to the naked eye.

What is the difference between the VistaSort Mini and the commercial VistaSort models?

The VistaSort Mini is a compact system with its own specifications, engineered for research facilities, seed trials, and specialty crop operations. The separate commercial VistaSort lineup ranges from 1-Chute up to 10-Chute configurations, with a 12-Chute option available on request and confirmed specifications published through CCD 5-315, for operations requiring higher throughput.

What throughput can a VistaSort color sorter handle?

Throughput depends on the model and the percentage of impurities in the incoming product. VistaSort CCD models range from approximately 1-5 tonnes per hour on the 1-Chute configuration up to 6-15 tonnes per hour on the 5-Chute system, with higher-throughput 6-Chute through 10-Chute configurations and a 12-Chute option also available.

How much does an optical color sorter cost?

The price of a VistaSort optical color sorter depends on the number of chutes, whether you add infrared or AI-enhanced options, your crop, and the throughput your operation needs. Because every system is configured around the product, Vistasort quotes each machine individually. Contact us for a quote, and send a sample for free lab testing in Saskatoon so the recommendation is based on your own product.

How do I choose the right VistaSort chute size?

Chute count is driven mainly by the throughput you need and the level of contamination in your incoming product. As a starting point, the 1-Chute handles approximately 1-5 tonnes per hour and the 5-Chute approximately 6-15 tonnes per hour, with 7-Chute, 8-Chute, and 10-Chute systems and a 12-Chute option for higher volumes. The VistaSort Mini suits research plots, seed trials, and small specialty lots. Heavier contamination or a re-sort step can change the sizing, so our team recommends a configuration after reviewing your crop, volumes, and lab test results.

What is the benefit of the optional infrared camera on a VistaSort color sorter?

The optional infrared (IR) camera, paired with high-intensity halogen lighting, detects foreign material and defects that are not visible to a standard colour camera, such as certain plastics, glass, and internal moisture-related damage. IR resolution on VistaSort systems is 0.16mm².

How long do the ejectors on a VistaSort color sorter last?

VistaSort color sorters use Italian-made electromagnetic solenoid ejectors rated for approximately 10 billion ejections, engineered for high-precision, high-speed defect removal over a long operating life.

Does Vistasort offer free lab sample testing?

Yes. Vistasort offers free lab sample testing in our Saskatoon, Saskatchewan lab. Send us a representative sample of your crop and our team will run it through a VistaSort optical color sorter, then send back rejects-versus-accepts results and performance data from your own product, at no cost and with no obligation.

Does Vistasort provide optical color sorting equipment across Canada?

Yes. Vistasort provides optical color sorting equipment to processors across Canada, with our strongest presence in Western Canada, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, and growing availability in Ontario. Every VistaSort optical color sorter is designed, manufactured, and supported from our Saskatoon, Saskatchewan facility, with equipment shipped nationwide. Contact us to discuss your operation.

How is optical color sorting different from gravity separation?

Gravity separators separate seed by density, while optical color sorters separate by visual characteristics such as color, shape, and size. Many processing lines use both machines together, since the two technologies are complementary and address different types of defects. Vistasort can design the full processing line around both.

Optical Color Sorters for Seed & Grain

Optical Color Sorters
for Seed & Grain Processing

VistaSort manufactures optical color sorters built around the process, not just the machine. Using advanced CCD and optional infrared camera technology, every system is custom configured to remove color defects, foreign material, and disease with 99.99% sorting accuracy. Trusted by processors across Canada and in 20+ countries worldwide. Send us your product for free lab sample testing in our Saskatoon, Saskatchewan lab and see real results before you buy.

What Is an Optical Color Sorter?

An optical color sorter is a high-precision machine that uses cameras and air ejectors to inspect and separate seed or grain based on color, shape, and size, in real time, at high throughput. Unlike gravity separators or screens that sort by weight or size alone, VistaSort optical color sorters are engineered to identify subtle defects, discoloration, foreign material, damaged product, and contamination that other equipment simply cannot see.

Every VistaSort system is developed with the process in mind. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all equipment, VistaSort designs sorting solutions tailored to specific applications and production requirements, whether the product is grains, pulses, beans, rice, or peanuts. Optional infrared camera technology further enhances sorting capability by identifying defects and contaminants that conventional optical systems may not detect.

Removes color defects, disease, splits, and foreign material

Detects defects as small as 0.02mm² with high-end Japanese CCD cameras

Optional infrared imaging with 0.16mm² resolution for enhanced detection

DSP + FPGA processing for real-time, multi-channel decision making

Italian-made electromagnetic ejectors rated for ~10 billion ejections

Scalable from VistaSort Mini research units to 10-chute commercial systems, with up to a 12-chute option (contact us for more info)

VistaSort Compact Color Sorter

VistaSort Mini

Research & Pilot Scale

The VistaSort Mini color sorter is engineered for precision optical sorting in research facilities, seed trials, specialty crop operations, and small commercial processing lines. Built with a 190-billion-pixel holographic flash camera, RGB spectrum technology, and low-temperature LED illumination, the Mini removes color defects, foreign material, splits, and damaged kernels with exceptional accuracy in a compact, single-chute footprint.

Capacity	500–900 kg/h
Accuracy	>99.99%
Carryover Rate	>10:1
Power	1.0 kW
Voltage	220/50–110/60 (V/Hz)
Weight	175 kg
Dimensions (L×W×H)	146×460×1615 mm

Parameters based on rice with impurity within 2%. Values will vary by material and impurity level. Specifications subject to change without notice.

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