Patent ID: 6472008
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: A23L

Abstract:
A batch sterilization system comprising:a batch sterilizer which performs a batch sterilization process on a batch of containers containing a food product; a sensor which senses actual retort temperatures in the batch sterilizer during the batch sterilization process; and a controller which compile an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by the sensor; until a temperature deviation between the actual retort time-temperature profile and a scheduled time-temperature profile begins, controls the batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before the temperature deviation begins according to the scheduled time-temperature profile; in response to the temperature deviation, define a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation clears by simulating the batch sterilization process based on at least the portion of the actual retort time-temperature profile compiled over a deviation time interval from when the temperature deviation begins to when the temperature deviation clear; during the temperature deviation, controls the batch sterilizer so as to administer corrections to clear the temperature deviation between the actual retort and re-scheduled remaining processing time-temperature profiles; when the temperature deviation has cleared, administers the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile.