Section 12780 - Equipment RequiredEvery horizontal steam operated discontinuous retort to be used for the sterilization of food products packed in glass containers must have the following as minimum equipment:
(a) Gauge water glass or series of petcock water level indicators. (Gauge water glass is recommended.) NOTE: Automatic pressure control is recommended to prevent waste of compressed air.
(b) Pressure regulating valve in the overflow line. It shall be the same size as, or larger than, the water supply line.(c) Automatic temperature control.(d) Recording thermometer (1) The temperature chart shall be easily readable to 1 degree F and shall be graduated in not to exceed 2 degrees F divisions within the range of plus and minus 10 degrees F of the official process to be used. All charts shall have a working scale of not less than three inches. Written permission from the Department shall be obtained for the use of old equipment with charts having a working scale of less than three inches. All replacements or new installations shall conform to a minimum three-inch working scale.(2) No temperature chart shall be used in a recording thermometer unless it is a chart manufactured specifically for use in the recording thermometer installed on the retort.(3) It shall be unlawful to use charts with temperature indicated in code.(4) Every recording thermometer shall bear the name plate of the original manufacturer having the serial number assigned by the manufacturer, and the manufacturer's chart number die stamped thereon.(5) Any recording thermometer found by a cannery employee or State Cannery Inspector to be faulty in its operation shall be promptly adjusted or replaced by a properly functioning instrument.(6) Any recording thermometer requiring repair of the thermal system shall be repaired by the manufacturer or a servicing organization accredited by the manufacturer.(7) Documentary evidence of proper calibration may be required for any repaired recording thermometer when returned by the manufacturer or accredited servicing organization.(8) All recording thermometers shall be so placed with respect to light that they are conveniently readable.(e) Indicating mercury thermometer. (1) The divisions shall be easily readable to 1 degree F and shall not exceed 20 degrees F. per inch of graduated scale. It shall be unlawful to use mercury thermometers with the temperature indicated in code.(2) All mercury thermometers shall be placed in respect to light so that they are conveniently readable.(f) Pressure gauge. (1) Every retort shall have a pressure gauge of the Bourdon type in which the operating mechanism is a complete unit independent of the case. Every gauge shall be equipped with a compensating hair spring.(2) The minimum diameter of the dial shall be four inches.(3) The range of the pressure scale shall preferably be 0 to 30 pounds but a range of 0 to 60 pounds may be used.(4) Any retort pressure gauge found to be inaccurate either by a cannery employee or by an Inspector shall be replaced by a properly functioning instrument.(g) Proper circulating equipment to insure agitation of the water during come-up and process time. In horizontal retorts this may be accomplished with a recirculating pump. In vertical retorts this may be accomplished by providing for a continuous supply of compressed air through the steam distributor cross during these periods. The bypass line around the air control valve, providing a continuous supply of air, shall be at least one-eighth inch inside diameter.(h) Adequately perforated steam distributor pipe extending the length of horizontal retorts or forming a cross throughout the width of the bottom of vertical retorts or any other approved methods.(j) A safety valve of such size and capacity that it meets with the requirements of any Board of Mechanical Engineers or any Safety Code in the State of California, and/or the California Industrial Accident Commission. It is recommended that the safety valve discharge be equal to or greater in capacity than the retort steam supply line.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 12780
1. Amendment filed 7-1-66; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 66, No. 20).
2. Editorial correction of subsections (d)(1), (f)(4) and new NOTE filed 8-1-84 (Register 84, No. 31). Note: Authority cited: Sections 208 and 28440, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 28411, Health and Safety Code.
1. Amendment filed 7-1-66; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 66, No. 20).
2. Editorial correction of subsections (d)(1), (f)(4) and new NOTE filed 8-1-84 (Register 84, No. 31).