Guidelines for establishing heat distribution
in batch overpressure retort systems

Non-uniform distribution of heat during processing can lead to non-uniform destruction of target micro-organisms, which could compromise product safety. Heat distribution studies are therefore crucial to ensuring effective heat treatment of the product. This document gives guidance on when to conduct heat distribution studies, how to approach such studies, and how to interpret heat distribution data. It is equally suited to established processors and those new to batch retort operations.

The contents include:

• Pre-test documentation
• Selecting the approach and test conditions
• Test equipment
• Calibration
• Heat distribution experiment
• Approaches to interpretation of heat distribution data
• Potential interference of different factors on the heat distribution of the retort
• Description and comparison of temperature sensors
• Calibration of temperature sensors and simulants
• Glossary of terms

Softcover - 15 pages