Determination of Retortable Pouch Heat Transfer Coefficients by Optimization Method

A computer‐based optimization technique was developed for determining the apparent heat transfer coefficient (h) for retortable pouches heated by circulated hot water under overriding air pressure. The technique incorporated actual process data, a finite difference model and an optimization criteria to converge on h values. A water flow channel was constructed to fit inside a vertical retort which allowed direct water exposure on the pouch surface at a quantifiable velocity. Because the optimization technique was not dependent on analytical equations, it could be applied to such areas as future heat transfer studies of new retortable pouch materials, designing new pouch‐holding cassettes and improving water flow patterns in retorts.