Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques on Optical Sorter for Pea Gluten-free

Celiac disease (CD) is a very widespread chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune reaction to the intake of gluten: a protein complex present in many cereals, such as barley, wheat and rye. Gluten free products are increasingly in demand on the market, developing more and more interest. The main problem encountered for the certification of a gluten free product is the sorting of the product in order to guarantee the elimination of 100% of cereal contaminants.The present study has developed and perfected the use of optical systems based on the hyperspectral image analysis technique in order to be able to uniquely identify some spectral characteristics of the products to be analysed, statistically classifying them and separating them from contaminating products. The hyperspectral images were created with VIS (Visible) and NIR (Neari infrared) cameras in opposite positions to acquire the reflected radiation on both side of the product.A statistical classifier was created in order to obtain 100% classification of contaminants and the tests carried out with an industrial plant on pea confirmed the result of having eliminated 100% of contaminants with a non-influential product waste (less than 20%).