Equipment

The lab has 3 retorts in operation and can simulate almost any retort processing system.

Stock ImmersaFlow

Stock IF142 ImmersaFlow is a new batch sterilization retort process providing precise control of process media fluid dynamics.

ImmersaFlow retorts heat densely packed retort baskets by channeling flow of hot water through the basket from top to bottom. The ImmersaFlow process focuses on heated water within the basket for a more uniform heating profile than any other process available. Target temperature is acquired faster based on an engineered directional flow design. Shorter processing time improves quality for a like-fresh sensory experience and results in lower overall energy consumption. Cooling, like heating, is reduced by the focused flow of water, which means overall cycle time reductions for improved asset utilization. ImmersaFlow offers lab research personnel a tool for entirely new avenues of inquiry.

Stock IF142 ImmersaFlow Retort 

Stock P900

Stock P900 multimode retort is an all-in-one pilot scale retort that simulates the most frequently applied heating mediums, saturated steam, steam water spray, immersion, and steam/air. partial immersion, saturated steam, and steam water spray. It also offers static, rotary and rocking motions. Retort processors, and start-up entrepreneurs can gain access and evaluate each of these retort processes for their selected products in the lab. It means that companies coming to the lab for test runs and the doctoral and post-doctoral researchers can easily compare different processes and packaging.

Stock P900 Pilot Retort

ACB Hydrolock

ACB Hydrolock is a continuous retort simulator that can be configured for static or continuous agitation with various process modes such as steam air, water spray, and water immersion for a variety of container types (pouches, bottles, cans, cups, etc.).

In addition, the lab has other equipment for processing, filling and sealing food packages prior to retort processing.

ACB Hydrolock

Burst tester

TME BT Integra Pack, Model BT-IP 50 (Boylston, MA): It is an easy-to-use bench-top to measure burst, creep, and leak testing with high resolution (0.001 psig). 

Leak tester

Vacuum Leak Tester (FlexPak, Ontario, Canada): Measure the leak in the package, which can be visually seen in the form of bubble formation from the package.

Headspace analyzer

Mocon Pac Check Dual Headspace Analyzer, Model 650 (Mocon Inc., Minneapolis, MN): Measures the carbon dioxide and oxygen gas concentration present in the headspace of the sealed package.

Texture Analyzer

AMETEK^® Brookfield CTX™ Texture Analyzer (Middleboro, MA): Determines the physical texture characteristics of materials, including adherence, firmness, and compressibility.

Water Activity

METER^® Food AQUALAB™ 4TE water activity (a_w) meter (Pullman, WA): Measures water activity between 0.030-1.000 a_w with ± 0.003 a_w accuracy.

Moisture Content Analyzer

Mettler-Toledo, LLC Halogen Moisture Analyzer HR73 (Columbus, OH): Measures moisture content (MC) with an accuracy of 0.01% MC.  

pH Meter

Thermo Fisher Scientific™ Orion Star A214 pH/ISE Meter (Waltham, MA): Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the product.  

Viscometer

Brookfield Viscometer Model LVTD-CP (USA): Used to measure the viscosity of the product.

Consistometer

Bostwick Consistometer (Newtown, PA): Measures the fluid flow rate, which indicates the consistency or viscosity of a food product.

Color Analysis

HunterLab™ Aeros Spectrophotometer (Reston, VA): Measures L* a* b* values of the product (lightness, redness/greenness, and yellowness/blueness, respectively).

Environment Chamber

Caron Model 6020-1 Environmental Storage Chamber (Marietta, OH): Used for storing samples at desired conditions (temperature and relative humidity). The C Storage Chamber provides precise temperature and humidity control for applications such as life studies, package testing, elevation studies, and more.

UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

Spectrophotometer Spectronic Genesys 20: Measures the absorbance, percent transmittance, or concentration of a sample in the range of 325 to 1100 nm with the accuracy of ± 2.0nm.

Freeze Dryer

Harvest Right Freeze Dryer: Using low temperatures and controlled vacuum conditions, the freeze dryer gently removes water from frozen foods, minimizing degradation of texture, color, and nutritional value. It is suitable for both laboratory and small-scale production environments, offering the ability to process fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, prepared meals, and even pet foods.

Food Dehydrator

Sausage Maker D-14 Food Dehydrator: It dehydrates food samples by using heating panels and fans to ensure uniform drying. It is designed to preserve the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of a variety of foods through a controlled drying process.

Food Processor

Hobart FP-350 Countertop Continuous-Feed Food Processor: It is used to perform a variety of tasks such as crimping, slicing, dicing, grating, and shredding food into different sizes and shapes. It allows for precise and consistent cuts, ensuring that the product is processed efficiently without bruising or mashing. This makes it ideal for high-volume food preparation, providing versatility and accuracy in the kitchen or food processing environment.

Mixer

Ppml 80L-1733 Stephan Mixer: It is used for universal processing, including mixing, slicing, cutting, and scraping. It offers efficient high-speed bottom cutting assembly and a top scraper, designed for handling 80L volume samples with precision and consistency.

Steam Kettle

Crown DPT-20 Direct Steam Kettle: This steam kettle provides uniform heating and optimal heat retention. It features an efficient steam jacket around the kettle, ensuring consistent heat circulation, which enhances cooking productivity and ensures even cooking or heating of food.