Pro Mach’s business brand Allpax has installed a new 2402 multimode R&D retort at the flexible packaging lab of Bemis.
Allpax has installed the Shaka agitation retort at the film testing lab of Bemis in Wisconsin, US, which will be used to quickly and accurately verify optimum tray and film solutions for the agitation retort process.
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Said to be the Swiss army knife of retorts, the new retort offers multiple options, including simulating production conditions for water immersion, water spray, saturated steam, steam air, hydro-sim, steri-sim, Shaka, Gentle Motion, end-over-end rotation, rocking and axial-sterilamatic agitation.
Bemis North America research engineer Jim Lamb said: "We have an interactive product development process with customers and are able to effectively test trays and films under simulated production conditions before those materials reach customer packaging lines, saving significant amounts of time.
"Having these advanced R&D retorts enables us to partner with our customers to develop processes that bring products to market faster, ensure food product quality and improve overall throughput of customers’ packaging operations."
By heating trays and pouches at a faster average of 30% to 60% for Gentle Motion and 50% to 60% for Shaka, agitation retorts are said to sterilise low-acid foods and improve food quality.
According to Allpax, Bemis will use the multimode retort to simulate agitation production conditions.
Both FDA and USDA have reviewed and accepted the Allpax Monitor retort control system, which features automatic, on-line deviation correction, retort log reporting, electronic signatures, multi-level security, alarm reporting and optional Ball Formula process calculation.
Allpax vice-president and general manager Greg Jacob said: "Bemis has been purchasing Allpax R&D retorts and acquiring the latest shelf-stable food sterilisation technology and capabilities for nearly 20 years."
Image: Allpax 2402 multimode R&D retort. Photo: courtesy of Pro Mach, Inc.
