Retort itself is one of the most reliable equipment within food industry with usual low to nil maintenance costs. However, a lack of preventive maintenance could lead to big headache in a few years of operation. Take a look at our recommended guidelines for carrying out a successful retort maintenance.
Retort maintenaince guidelines
Final user should prepare a preventive maintenance schedule based on the company history and findings with their own retorts. However, the following schedule couls be used as initial guidelines while earning operation know-how:
| Part | Actions | Frequency |
| Temperature sensors | Check all temperature measurements against the master thermometer and report to quality control any deviation +/- 0.5ºC | Daily |
| Master Thermometer | Send to a higher standard laboratory for calibration and certification | Yearly |
| Pressure sensors | Check all pressure measurements against the master gauge and report to quality control any deviation +/- 100 mbar | Weekly |
| Door | Inspect door, flanges surface, door lock and safety latch performance | Weekly |
| Heat exchanger by-pass valve | Check adjustment and reset if necessary | Monthly |
| Chain position switches | Check chain positioning and adjust the switches and reset the chain if necessary | Monthly |
| Conveyor chain | Check condition and tighten if necessary | Monthly |
| Packing | Make sure there is not any leakage | Monthly |
| Conveyor chain motor and transmission | Lubricate the surface with KLUBERSYNTH GH6-32 | Weekly |
| Spray nozzles | Check and replace | As necessary |
| Chain dog | Check condition and position | Weekly |
| Roller track | Check rollers and replace as necessary | Yearly |
| Door gasket | Replace in case of any small tear or wear | As necessary |
| Recycle Pump | Change the seal if it leaks | As necessary |
| Emergency stops | Check operation | Yearly |
| Safety valves | Check the safety valves | Yearly |
| Retort | Hydraulic test | Every 3 years or as required by law (*) |
(*) Typical regulations require hydraulic tests of the vessel every 3-5 years. Before testing the vessel, remove all components that may not resist the test pressure.
Retort cleaning recommendations
| Part | Frequency |
| Door gasket cleaning and lubrication | Daily |
| Pump suction screen | Daily |
| Recirculation filter | Weekly |
| Water level controller | Monthly |
| Spray nozzles | Every six months |
| Spray pipes | Yearly |
| Heat Exchanger | Yearly |
Silicon oil is recommended to clean door gaskets for easy door lock opening and closing.
Cleaning detergents must be low acid (pH>6).
In case you would like a detailed assesment and assistance on your retorts maintencance please contact us.
Follow us on LinkeIn for receiving updates on more guidelines and news