Sorter (logistics)

In logistics, a sorter is a system which performs sortation of products (goods, luggage, mail, etc.) according to their destinations. [1]

Mail sorter conveyor

A common type of sorter is a conveyor-based system. While they may be based on other conveyor systems, usually sorters are unique types of conveyors.[1]

Sortation is the process of identifying items on a conveyor system and diverting them to specific destinations. Sorters are applied to different applications depending upon the product and the requested rate.

Common elements of sorters

A feeder system whose sole purpose to feed the products into the sorter in proper orientation and with proper spacing, so that the sorter could operate correctly.[1]

Another common element are receptacles which receive the products as they leave the sorter towards a proper destination. Receptacles may be as simple as chutes, or gravity conveyors, or powered conveyors.[1]

Sorter types

There is a number of typical sorter designs.[1]

  • Cross belt sorter
  • Paddle sorter
  • Pop-up transfer sorter
    • Lineshaft pop-up wheel sorter
    • Pop-up steerable roller sorter
  • Pusher or puller sorter
  • Parcel Singulator
  • Line Sorter
  • Shoe sorter
  • Slide tray sorter
  • Split tray sorter (bomb-bay sorter)
  • Tilt tray sorter

References
  1. Patrick M McGuire, Conveyors: Application, Selection, and Integration, 6.3. Sorters
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