Thermal

Processing
Using Water Retort System

Alvin Erick C. Bales, M.Sc.

Food Technologist
GSU-WVFIC
Reto rt P ro c e ssi ng !
 What is Retort Processing?
• Heating of low acid food and
beverages prone to microbial
spoilage in hermitically sealed
containers to extend their shelf-life

• consists of sterilizing, pasteurizing, or

cooking a product (and its packaging)
so it's both safe and of high quality
https://www.cdf1.com/what-is-retort-processing/
Low Acid Foods
• pH above 4.6
• water-activity (Aw)
of greater than 0.85

Source: U.S. FDA and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
 Clostridium botulinum
Low Acid Foods
• pH above 4.6
• water-activity (Aw)
of greater than 0.85

Source: U.S. FDA and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
 Methods of Retort Processing
Steam
• use of pressurized steam to sterilize foods
• widely utilised in processing semi-rigid and pouch
containers and is currently the most popular method for
processing pouches

Water Immersion
• comprised of a processing vessel and a pressurised water
reservoir
• good for rigid containers such as glass and cans
Benefits of the Full Water Immersion
system
• Forced convection because of rotary operation accelerates the heat transfer to the coldest
spot in the containers, even with higher viscosity products.
• Short process times preserve natural quality, nutritional values and vitamins.
• Agitation of the product while heating prevents the container walls from burning.
• Rotation with an intensely mixed process water environment with its optimal heat transfer
makes sure the HTST (high temperature-short time) processing of most Products.
Water Retort
Specifications
Water Retort
Specifications
Water Immersion
General Process Drain

Atmospheric Cool

Pressure Cool

Pressure Cool Fill

Cook
Come-Up

Come-Up Fill

Prepare Tank
Water Retort
Operating
Procedure
Water Retort
Operating
Procedure
Water Retort
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Water Retort
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Water Retort
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Water Retort
Operating
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Water Retort
Operating
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Water Retort
Operating
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Water Retort
Operating
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Water Retort
Operating
Procedure
Water Retort
Cleaning and
Maintenance
Water Retort
Cleaning and
Maintenance
Water Retort
Troubleshooting
Tips
Water Retort
Troubleshooting
Tips
Thank you for
listening!