Retort Sterilization in Food Processing
DataTrace data loggers are commonly used in retort sterilization of food processing. Retorts sterilize food that is sealed in a container, using steam or other heating methods. Typically, the sterilization temperatures vary from 110°C to 135°C.
Retort sterilization provides an effective means of achieving optimum shelf stability and can be done with fairly simple equipment. Newer agitation retort processes have reduced cooking times, resulting in energy savings and less degradation of the food quality. Improvements in retort technology have made shorter process times possible – with it comes the need to monitor the temperature in the retort sterilizer as well as the product itself to achieve best possible optimization. Monitoring temperature ensures ongoing food safety, saves energy, reduces production time and assists in providing the best quality product.
Although the use of traditional can packaging continues, pouches and trays using plastic materials have become much more prevalent. We offer accessories to assist in the placement of the logger not only inside cans, but also pouches and trays or even bottles. If an off-the-shelf item will not work for a particular application, we can design and manufacture a logger holder to allow placement of the probe in the centre of your packaged product.
To achieve real-time monitoring in a retort sterilizer, we have developed the MPRF line of DataTrace Radio Frequency Data Loggers - available with various probe lengths from 5 cm to 63.5 cm. DataTrace MPRF Data Loggers are also available with rigid and bendable probes and multiple tip options to accommodate the needs and requirements of the items being monitored.
DataTrace Network Repeaters can be very beneficial for use in retort sterilisation. A repeater takes weak signals from within a retort and boost the signal for transmission to an MPRF PC Interface. Another alternative for weak signal strength even close to the retort is the use of the 10’ InTenna. This product was recently introduced by Mesa Labs, and utilizes one of the retort sterilizer’s service outlets to dramatically increase the signal strength of the RF signal, making real-time data transfer possible.
When looking for a knowledgeable partner for your retort sterilization monitoring needs, contact us (info@cik-solutions.com) for expert consultation and product evaluation.