Retort sterilization in food processing
DataTrace data loggers are often used for retort sterilization in food processing. Retort sterilization by steam (steam sterilization) or other heating methods is used for food products that have been sealed in containers.
In general, sterilization temperatures vary between 110°C and 135°C. Retort sterilization offers a safe and effective method to achieve optimal shelf life and can be performed with relatively simple equipment.
Modern retort processes with product agitation work with reduced cooking times, leading to energy savings and better food quality. Improvements in retort technology increase the motivation to monitor the temperature in the retort and the product itself in order to optimize the process. Retort monitoring ensures food safety, saves energy, reduces production time and helps to achieve the best possible product quality. Although traditional can packaging is still used, plastic bags and trays for ready meals/soups, for example, are now used much more frequently.
We offer accessories to help you place the logger not only in cans, but also in bags, trays or bottles. If a standard item is not suitable for a particular application, we can design and manufacture a suitable holder for you, allowing you to place the logger probe in the center of the packaged product.
Specifically for real-time monitoring in a retort sterilizer, we have developed a range of DataTrace MPRF wireless data loggers, available with various probe lengths between 5cm and 63.5cm. DataTrace MPRF data loggers are available with rigid or flexible probes and also with multiple probe tip configuration options to suit the requirements and needs of the products being monitored. DataTrace network repeaters can be particularly useful in retort sterilization. The repeater amplifies weak signals from the retort and passes them on to an MPRF PC interface. If the signal coming from the retort is very weak, the DataTrace 10 'InTenna can be used as an alternative. This product was recently introduced by Mesa Labs and uses one of the sterilizer's service outlets to significantly increase the availability of the radio signal to ensure real-time data transmission.