Miller Magazine Issue: 136 April 2021

51 MILLER / aprıl 2021 NEWS DROA sensor continuously assesses and keeps track of these characteristics in real time using complex machine learning algorithms. This not only standardizes the pro- cess, minimizing error and increasing consistency and reliability, but also reduces reliance on labor. Bühler has long been at the forefront in developing opti- cal sorting technology and is the undisputed market leader in this area. Bühler’s new DS-C Optical Sorter is one of the most advanced pieces of equipment in the entire process- ing line. It provides real-time product quality alerts which help to optimize the rice yield as well as adapt downstream processing technology settings. Features such as product live streaming and replay are part of digitalized production reporting. For example, for a typical optical sorter, ejection spikes often result in the loss of good product. Bühler’s inte- grated digital solutions detect these spikes as they happen. Where there is very little contamination there may be no need to re-sort the product and it can go straight to pack- ing. At an average throughput of 3,500 kilograms per hour and 25 spikes a day, up to 32,000 kg of good product could be lost over a month if the errors are not detected and recti- fied. The monthly savings from increased visibility could be as high as USD 15,000. THINK SYSTEM! FROM CORRECTIVE TO PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT The digitally-connected technology provides mill opera- tors with the insights they need to correctly adjust solution settings. Over time, the intelligent system is capable of adjusting autonomously. Where millers were once left to take cor- rective action after an incident occurred, they can now prevent costly reprocessing steps and proactively manage the entire process. With these advances, the miller can optimize operating costs, quality and yield, all of which have a direct impact on the profit of the mill. The product can be marketed with confidence along the en- tire value chain from miller, trader, and re- tailer to the end consumer at the optimal price point. Consumers are assured they are buying the best quality available. The system is currently being tested at Riseria Taverne SA, the largest rice mill in Switzerland. “The new setup consisting of digitally connected optical sorters, a whiten- er and RiceLinePro sensors has given us vis- ibility across the entire process. First results indicate significant cost savings, reduction in energy consumption and increased quality output,” says Stefania Dolci, Head of Quality Assurance at Riseria Taverne SA. Bühler’s digital transformation optimizes processes and drives sustainability Bühler has invested considerably in data science with dedicated data science teams, as well as its in-house data platform, Bühler Insights. This gives Bühler a strong foundation for digital services that require reliable ac- cess to data. “We have been offering our customers real time connectivity for our technologies for many years. This has allowed us to collect high-quality data from technol- ogies in the field,” says Krishna Kumar, Digital Development and Data Science Manager in Data Analytics and Services at Bühler. “Now our data science team has been able to use this data to identify key issues that can be solved using au- tomation and machine learning.” “We have been at the forefront of innovation for the rice processing in- dustry for over 100 years, providing solutions across the entire milling pro- cess, such as the vertical whitener, op- tical sorting and process automation,” says Johannes Wick. “Now we are ap- plying a data-driven approach to rice processing to an extent not seen be- fore in the industry. For the first time in rice processing, we are harnessing the full potential of digital transformation to create value for millers, drive quality standards, and improve sustainability.” Inline sensor RiceLinePro Automatic rice whitener TopWhite Stefania Dolci, Head of Quality Assurance at Riseria Taverne SA