§113.40. Equipment and procedures. — Inbound Citations

The criteria in §§ 113.10, 113.40, 113.60, 113.81, 113.83, 113.87, 113.89, and 113.100 shall apply in determining whether the facilities, methods, practices, and controls used by the commercial processor in the manufacture, processing, or packing of low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers are operated or administered in a manner adequate to protect the public health.

(12) Vents shall be installed in such a way that air is removed from the retort before timing of the process is started. Vents shall be controlled by gate, plug cock, or other adequate type valves which shall be fully open to permit rapid discharge of air from the retort during the venting period. Vents shall not be connected directly to a closed drain system. If the overflow is used as a vent, there shall be an atmospheric break in the line before it connects to a closed drain. The vent shall be located in that portion of the retort opposite the steam inlet; for example, steam inlet in bottom portion and vent in top portion. Where a retort manifold connects several vent pipes from a single still retort, it shall be controlled by a gate, plug cock, or other adequate type of valve. The retort manifold shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area of the pipe is larger than the total cross-sectional area of all connecting vents. The discharge shall not be directly connected to a closed drain without an atmospheric break in the line. A manifold header connecting vents or manifolds from several still retorts shall lead to the atmosphere. The manifold header shall not be controlled by a valve and shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area is at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of all connecting retort manifold pipes from all retorts venting simultaneously. Timing of the process shall not begin until the retort has been properly vented and the processing temperature has been reached. Some typical installations and operating procedures reflecting the requirements of this section for venting still retorts without divider plates are given in paragraphs (a)(12)(i)(A) through (a)(12)(i)(D) and (a)(12)(ii)(A) and (a)(12)(ii)(B) of this section.

(A) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging directly to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length equipped with a gate or plug cock valve and discharging to atmosphere; end vents not more than 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent valves should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(B) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging through a manifold to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length; and vents not over 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort. Size of manifold—for retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 3 inches (7.6 centimeters).

(2) Venting method. Manifold vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 6 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 8 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(C) (1) Size of vent and vent valve. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters).

(2) Size of water spreader. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters). The number of holes should be such that their total cross-sectional area is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the vent pipe inlet.

(3) Venting method. Water spreader vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(D) Venting through a single 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) top vent (for retorts not exceeding 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length).

(1) Specifications. A 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) vent equipped with a 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and located within 2 feet (61 centimeters) of the center of the retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(A) Venting through a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow.

(1) Specifications. A 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow pipe equipped with a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and with not more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) pipe beyond the valve before break to the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 218 °F (103.5 °C), or for at least 5 minutes and to at least 215 °F (102 °C).

(B) Venting through a single 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) side or top vent.

(1) Specifications. A 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent in lid or top side, equipped with a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and discharging directly into the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 230 °F (110 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(iii) Other installations and operating procedures that deviate from the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of this section may be used if there is evidence in the form of heat distribution data, which shall be kept on file, that they accomplish adequate venting of air.

(12) Vents shall be installed in such a way that air is removed from the retort before timing of the process is started. Vents shall be controlled by gate, plug cock, or other adequate type valves which shall be fully open to permit rapid discharge of air from the retort during the venting period. Vents shall not be connected directly to a closed drain system. If the overflow is used as a vent, there shall be an atmospheric break in the line before it connects to a closed drain. The vent shall be located in that portion of the retort opposite the steam inlet; for example, steam inlet in bottom portion and vent in top portion. Where a retort manifold connects several vent pipes from a single still retort, it shall be controlled by a gate, plug cock, or other adequate type of valve. The retort manifold shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area of the pipe is larger than the total cross-sectional area of all connecting vents. The discharge shall not be directly connected to a closed drain without an atmospheric break in the line. A manifold header connecting vents or manifolds from several still retorts shall lead to the atmosphere. The manifold header shall not be controlled by a valve and shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area is at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of all connecting retort manifold pipes from all retorts venting simultaneously. Timing of the process shall not begin until the retort has been properly vented and the processing temperature has been reached. Some typical installations and operating procedures reflecting the requirements of this section for venting still retorts without divider plates are given in paragraphs (a)(12)(i)(A) through (a)(12)(i)(D) and (a)(12)(ii)(A) and (a)(12)(ii)(B) of this section.

(A) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging directly to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length equipped with a gate or plug cock valve and discharging to atmosphere; end vents not more than 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent valves should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(B) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging through a manifold to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length; and vents not over 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort. Size of manifold—for retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 3 inches (7.6 centimeters).

(2) Venting method. Manifold vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 6 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 8 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(C) (1) Size of vent and vent valve. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters).

(2) Size of water spreader. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters). The number of holes should be such that their total cross-sectional area is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the vent pipe inlet.

(3) Venting method. Water spreader vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(D) Venting through a single 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) top vent (for retorts not exceeding 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length).

(1) Specifications. A 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) vent equipped with a 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and located within 2 feet (61 centimeters) of the center of the retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(A) Venting through a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow.

(1) Specifications. A 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow pipe equipped with a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and with not more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) pipe beyond the valve before break to the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 218 °F (103.5 °C), or for at least 5 minutes and to at least 215 °F (102 °C).

(B) Venting through a single 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) side or top vent.

(1) Specifications. A 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent in lid or top side, equipped with a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and discharging directly into the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 230 °F (110 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(iii) Other installations and operating procedures that deviate from the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of this section may be used if there is evidence in the form of heat distribution data, which shall be kept on file, that they accomplish adequate venting of air.

(12) Vents shall be installed in such a way that air is removed from the retort before timing of the process is started. Vents shall be controlled by gate, plug cock, or other adequate type valves which shall be fully open to permit rapid discharge of air from the retort during the venting period. Vents shall not be connected directly to a closed drain system. If the overflow is used as a vent, there shall be an atmospheric break in the line before it connects to a closed drain. The vent shall be located in that portion of the retort opposite the steam inlet; for example, steam inlet in bottom portion and vent in top portion. Where a retort manifold connects several vent pipes from a single still retort, it shall be controlled by a gate, plug cock, or other adequate type of valve. The retort manifold shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area of the pipe is larger than the total cross-sectional area of all connecting vents. The discharge shall not be directly connected to a closed drain without an atmospheric break in the line. A manifold header connecting vents or manifolds from several still retorts shall lead to the atmosphere. The manifold header shall not be controlled by a valve and shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area is at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of all connecting retort manifold pipes from all retorts venting simultaneously. Timing of the process shall not begin until the retort has been properly vented and the processing temperature has been reached. Some typical installations and operating procedures reflecting the requirements of this section for venting still retorts without divider plates are given in paragraphs (a)(12)(i)(A) through (a)(12)(i)(D) and (a)(12)(ii)(A) and (a)(12)(ii)(B) of this section.

(A) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging directly to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length equipped with a gate or plug cock valve and discharging to atmosphere; end vents not more than 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent valves should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(B) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging through a manifold to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length; and vents not over 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort. Size of manifold—for retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 3 inches (7.6 centimeters).

(2) Venting method. Manifold vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 6 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 8 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(C) (1) Size of vent and vent valve. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters).

(2) Size of water spreader. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters). The number of holes should be such that their total cross-sectional area is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the vent pipe inlet.

(3) Venting method. Water spreader vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(D) Venting through a single 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) top vent (for retorts not exceeding 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length).

(1) Specifications. A 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) vent equipped with a 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and located within 2 feet (61 centimeters) of the center of the retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(A) Venting through a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow.

(1) Specifications. A 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow pipe equipped with a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and with not more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) pipe beyond the valve before break to the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 218 °F (103.5 °C), or for at least 5 minutes and to at least 215 °F (102 °C).

(B) Venting through a single 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) side or top vent.

(1) Specifications. A 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent in lid or top side, equipped with a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and discharging directly into the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 230 °F (110 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(iii) Other installations and operating procedures that deviate from the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of this section may be used if there is evidence in the form of heat distribution data, which shall be kept on file, that they accomplish adequate venting of air.

(12) Vents shall be installed in such a way that air is removed from the retort before timing of the process is started. Vents shall be controlled by gate, plug cock, or other adequate type valves which shall be fully open to permit rapid discharge of air from the retort during the venting period. Vents shall not be connected directly to a closed drain system. If the overflow is used as a vent, there shall be an atmospheric break in the line before it connects to a closed drain. The vent shall be located in that portion of the retort opposite the steam inlet; for example, steam inlet in bottom portion and vent in top portion. Where a retort manifold connects several vent pipes from a single still retort, it shall be controlled by a gate, plug cock, or other adequate type of valve. The retort manifold shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area of the pipe is larger than the total cross-sectional area of all connecting vents. The discharge shall not be directly connected to a closed drain without an atmospheric break in the line. A manifold header connecting vents or manifolds from several still retorts shall lead to the atmosphere. The manifold header shall not be controlled by a valve and shall be of a size that the cross-sectional area is at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of all connecting retort manifold pipes from all retorts venting simultaneously. Timing of the process shall not begin until the retort has been properly vented and the processing temperature has been reached. Some typical installations and operating procedures reflecting the requirements of this section for venting still retorts without divider plates are given in paragraphs (a)(12)(i)(A) through (a)(12)(i)(D) and (a)(12)(ii)(A) and (a)(12)(ii)(B) of this section.

(A) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging directly to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length equipped with a gate or plug cock valve and discharging to atmosphere; end vents not more than 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent valves should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(B) Venting through multiple 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vents discharging through a manifold to atmosphere.

(1) Specifications. One 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent for every 5 feet (1.5 meters) of retort length; and vents not over 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) from ends of retort. Size of manifold—for retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 3 inches (7.6 centimeters).

(2) Venting method. Manifold vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 6 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 8 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(C) (1) Size of vent and vent valve. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters).

(2) Size of water spreader. For retorts less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length, 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters); for retorts 15 feet (4.6 meters) and over in length, 2 inches (5.1 centimeters). The number of holes should be such that their total cross-sectional area is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the vent pipe inlet.

(3) Venting method. Water spreader vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 225 °F (107 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(D) Venting through a single 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) top vent (for retorts not exceeding 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length).

(1) Specifications. A 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) vent equipped with a 2.5-inch (6.4 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and located within 2 feet (61 centimeters) of the center of the retort.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(A) Venting through a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow.

(1) Specifications. A 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) overflow pipe equipped with a 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and with not more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) pipe beyond the valve before break to the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 4 minutes and to at least 218 °F (103.5 °C), or for at least 5 minutes and to at least 215 °F (102 °C).

(B) Venting through a single 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) side or top vent.

(1) Specifications. A 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) vent in lid or top side, equipped with a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) gate or plug cock valve and discharging directly into the atmosphere or to a manifold header.

(2) Venting method. Vent gate or plug cock valve should be wide open for at least 5 minutes and to at least 230 °F (110 °C), or for at least 7 minutes and to at least 220 °F (104.5 °C).

(iii) Other installations and operating procedures that deviate from the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of this section may be used if there is evidence in the form of heat distribution data, which shall be kept on file, that they accomplish adequate venting of air.