초록 ▼

A device is provided which simulates heat transfer into a flexible pouch in which food or like product is cooked and sterilized. The simulator is a block of polymeric material having a thickness approximately that of a food pouch and a thermal diffusivity generally equal to or slightly above that of

A device is provided which simulates heat transfer into a flexible pouch in which food or like product is cooked and sterilized. The simulator is a block of polymeric material having a thickness approximately that of a food pouch and a thermal diffusivity generally equal to or slightly above that of food product. A thermal sensor is disposed centrally within the block of polymer material and is connected to electrical leads extending externally of the retort to apparatus that records temperature change as a function of time. A plurality of simulators are placed at various regions in the retort, and the uniformity of the heat transfer under certain operating conditions is determined by measuring the heating rates of the several simulators. Operating conditions, such as flow rates or location of introduction of water, steam and air are changed until a sufficiently uniform heat transfer environment is achieved.

대표청구항 ▼

A simulator of thermal diffusivity of a flexible retort pouch containing a food product, which simulator is useful for measuring heat transfer at various locations within a retort chamber where food is heated for sterilization and/or cooking, the simulator comprising, a block formed of material that

A simulator of thermal diffusivity of a flexible retort pouch containing a food product, which simulator is useful for measuring heat transfer at various locations within a retort chamber where food is heated for sterilization and/or cooking, the simulator comprising, a block formed of material that is stable within the wet, heated environment of the retort and having a thermal diffusivity of between about 0.005 in2min. and about 0.20 in2/min. said block having a pair of broad exterior faces and a thickness as measured between said exterior faces substantially equal to the thickness of a food-filled retort pouch and lateral and longitudinal dimensions substantially greater than the thickness, a thermal sensor embedded in said block precisely centered midway between said exterior faces, and electrical leads extending from said sensor externally of said block, said leads being connectable to a temperature recording device.