Water Spray Food Sterilization Equipment Manufacturer in China

Food Sterilization Equipment: Water Spray Retort Sterilizer for Pouches, Cans, Trays and Jars

DTS is a professional food sterilization equipment manufacturer in China. Our water spray retort sterilizer is a horizontal batch retort system that sterilizes sealed pouches, trays, bowls, cans, bottles and glass jars by showering recirculated process water under controlled counter-pressure. With temperature uniformity of ±0.3°C and pressure accuracy of ±0.05 Bar, this industrial food sterilization machine delivers a validated F0 value for every package, making it ideal for shelf-stable food, pet food, beverage and infant food producers.

Built in our 92,000 m² factory and designed against ASME, CE-PED, EAC and FDA/USDA requirements, DTS food sterilizer equipment reduces live steam consumption by up to 30% through its indirect heat-exchange loop. Contact us today for a factory-direct quote.

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Category:Water Spray Retort

Product Information

Equipment Advantage

DTS food sterilization equipment uses a closed-loop water spray design: process water is pumped through spray headers along the top and sides of the horizontal vessel, heated and cooled in an external heat exchanger, so steam and cooling water never contact the product. Temperature is held within ±0.3°C and counter-pressure within ±0.05 Bar, making this water spray retort suitable for pouches, trays, bowls, cans, bottles and glass jars alike.

■Suitable for pouches, sachets, CPET/PP trays, bowls, two-piece aluminium cans, three-piece tinplate cans, glass jars and bottles — one vessel processes multiple pack formats.

■Linear or stepwise heating profiles selectable per product. Temperature controlled at ±0.3°C with uniform distribution across the basket, documented by multi-point thermocouple surveys.

■Dynamic counter-pressure via proportional valves, trimmed to ±0.05 Bar as internal package pressure rises — prevents burst, lid pop and seam failure on flexible and semi-rigid packs.

■Indirect heating and cooling through an external heat exchanger: process water is isolated from steam and cooling water, eliminating secondary contamination and water-treatment chemical dosing.

■Small recirculating water volume with high flow brings the load up to temperature quickly. No exhaust step required — live steam consumption is roughly 30% lower than a conventional steam retort.

■Compliant with FDA/USDA sterilization requirements. DTS is a member of IFTPS (Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists, USA), with the control system designed for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic batch records.

■Siemens S7-1500 PLC with industrial touchscreen and recipe management. Operator errors trigger an audible and visual alarm so the batch can be corrected or aborted in time.

■Automation-ready frame accepts robotic basket loading and unloading, so a standalone vessel can later be upgraded into an automated batch retort system (ABRS) as throughput grows.

What Is Food Sterilization Equipment?

Food sterilization equipment applies a validated thermal process to food in its final sealed package until the target microorganism reduction (F0 value) is achieved, rendering the product commercially sterile and shelf-stable at ambient temperature. The correct machine family depends on packaging format, product pH and viscosity, required throughput, and the F0 value specified by your process authority.

Retort sterilizers (batch and continuous) — the standard solution for low-acid shelf-stable packaged food, processing sealed packs under pressure at 110°C to 135°C. This is the family DTS manufactures.
Pasteurizers and tunnels — lower-temperature (65–95°C) systems for acidified/high-acid products, dairy and beverages; cannot achieve commercial sterility in low-acid foods.
Continuous sterilizers — hydrostatic, rotary and automated batch systems where baskets move automatically through the vessel at high volume.
Aseptic / UHT lines — product is sterilized before filling into pre-sterilized packaging, requiring an aseptic filling environment.

How a Water Spray Retort Delivers a Validated Process

Loading and sealing. Baskets of filled, sealed packages are wheeled into the horizontal vessel; the door interlock prevents pressurization until the seal is confirmed.
Come-up under counter-pressure. Process water is drawn from the reservoir, heated in the external heat exchanger and sprayed through top and side headers. Compressed air raises vessel pressure in step with internal package pressure.
Hold at sterilization temperature. The load is held at the validated setpoint for the required time. Because water is sprayed rather than flooded, only a small recirculating volume is needed.
Controlled cooling. The same closed loop is cooled through the heat exchanger and re-sprayed on a controlled ramp while counter-pressure continues to protect the seal.
Data capture and release. Time, temperature, pressure and accumulated F0 are logged to the batch record before pressure is released and baskets unloaded.

Comparing Food Sterilization Methods

Method	How Heat Reaches Product	Process Temp.	Packaging Formats	Key Trade-offs
Water spray retort (this equipment)	Recirculated water sprayed from top/side headers; heated and cooled in external heat exchanger	Up to 135°C	Pouches, trays, bowls, cans, bottles, glass jars	Uniform heat from small water volume; ~30% less live steam; no exhaust step
Steam / steam-air retort	Steam injected directly into the vessel	Up to 135°C	Cans, rigid containers, some pouches	Highest steam demand; air removal step; air pockets can create cold zones
Full-immersion retort	Vessel flooded as one body of water	Up to 135°C	Rigid containers, limited flexible packs	Large water volume to heat/cool; immersion water quality must be controlled
Pasteurization tunnel	Hot water sprayed at atmospheric pressure	65–95°C	Bottles, cans, jars for acid products	Cannot achieve commercial sterility in low-acid products
Aseptic / UHT	Product sterilized before filling into pre-sterilized packs	135–150°C (seconds)	Cartons, aseptic flexible packs	Requires aseptic filling environment; different capital and operating profile

Packaging Formats & Applications

DTS food sterilization equipment handles the following pack formats and product categories:

Packaging:retort pouches & sachets (stand-up, flat, MRE, vacuum-sealed wet pet food); CPET/PP barrier trays & bowls with foil lidding; two-piece aluminium and three-piece tinplate cans; semi-rigid cups & tubs with film lids; glass jars & bottles on a gradual heat ramp to prevent cracking.
Applications:ready meals & convenience foods; wet pet food & treats; sauces, soups, purees & condiments; infant & baby food; canned/pouched fish, meat & RTE proteins; fruit & vegetables; plant-based & alternative proteins; clinical, enteral & sports nutrition.

Technical Specifications

Product	Water spray retort sterilizer (batch food sterilization equipment)
In-line names	Water spray retort; water shower retort; food sterilization machine
Products handled	Shelf-stable packaged food, beverages, pet food, infant food, clinical nutrition
Operating temperature	Up to 135°C (275°F); design temperature up to 156°C
Temperature uniformity	±0.3°C to ±0.5°C across the vessel
Pressure control	±0.05 Bar dynamic counter-pressure
Design / test pressure	0.35 MPa design; 0.44 to 0.56 MPa test
Vessel sizes	1,000 mm to 1,800 mm internal diameter, 2 to 6 baskets
Construction	SUS304 / SUS316L food-grade stainless steel, acid-pickled and passivated
Control system	Siemens S7-1500 PLC with industrial touchscreen; FDA 21 CFR Part 11 ready
Certifications	ASME "U", NB, CE-PED, EAC, CRN, DOSH, SASO; ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001
Delivery	4 to 6 months, depending on configuration; up to 50 units per month

Model Range & Standard Capacities

Every model is pressure-tested at the factory before shipment. Vessel dimensions, basket sizes and pressure ratings can be customized. Send us your package dimensions and target throughput and our engineers will size the correct model.

Model	Vessel Ø (mm)	Vessel Length (mm)	Volume (m³)	Basket L×W×H (mm)	Overall L×W×H (mm)	Design Temp. (°C)	Test Press. (MPa)	Design Press. (MPa)
P-1002	1000	1600	1.49	745×665×631	3200×1850×2200	147 / 156	0.44 / 0.56	0.35 / 0.45
P-1003	1000	2400	2.12	745×665×631	4000×1850×2200
P-1203	1200	2700	3.45	860×800×775	3800×2350×2400
P-1204	1200	3600	4.47	860×800×775	4400×2350×2400
P-1205	1200	4500	5.49	860×800×775	5300×2350×2500
P-1403	1400	3000	5.24	920×920×915	3900×2450×2700
P-1404	1400	3900	6.62	920×920×915	4800×2450×2700
P-1504	1500	4250	8.26	1000×1000×975	5200×2600×3250
P-1505	1500	5300	10.12	1000×1000×975	6300×2600×3250
P-1605	1600	5650	12.27	1070×1070×1050	6700×2900×3300
P-1606	1600	6800	14.58	1070×1070×1050	7900×2900×3300
P-1805	1800	6500	17.81	1220×1220×1170	7400×3100×3500
P-1806	1800	7800	21.12	1220×1220×1170	8700×3100×3500

Engineering Customization Range

Parameter	Standard Specification	Customization Range
Vessel Internal Diameter	1,000 / 1,200 / 1,400 / 1,500 / 1,600 / 1,800 mm	Custom vessels to suit plant layout
Vessel Length	2 to 6 baskets	Up to 8+ baskets for continuous line integration
Operating Temperature	Up to 135°C (275°F)	High-temperature rapid-cycle process validation
Temperature Distribution	±0.3°C to ±0.5°C	Multi-point thermal validation, certified
Pressure Tolerance	±0.05 Bar dynamic counter-pressure	Proportional steam and air regulation
Heat Exchanger	External spiral or plate exchanger	Indirect cooling prevents re-contamination
Control System	Siemens S7-1500 PLC with touchscreen	FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail

Certificates

Why Choose DTS
01/Design Planning
1. As a top retort manufacturer,We provide one-stop service, covering the whole process from design to delivery for our water spray retort.
2. We can develop customized solutions through communication and exchange with customers, covering project details, time management, team collaboration and resource optimization, and provide full support and guidance.
3. The company is equipped with advanced ERP and other information management software to ensure efficient operation from design to delivery.
4. Flexible connection with upstream and downstream equipment suppliers of the production line (can provide overall sterilization solutions for the food and beverage industry).
02/Manufacturing
1. Strict processing process including raw material preparation, processing, assembly, testing and packaging to ensure product quality and performance meet the expected requirements.
2. With a sound factory acceptance test (FAT) process (including function, stability and other performance tests) to ensure rapid commercial operation after the equipment arrives at the site.
3. With a perfect quality traceability system and safety measures to ensure the reliability of product quality, stability and sterilization effect uniformity.
4. Short delivery time (4-6 months) to help customers recover investment costs faster. Monthly production capacity of up to 50 units to ensure production efficiency.
5. The quality is comparable to international competitors.

03/After-sales Service:
1. As a Customer first retort company,The response speed of DTS is fast (7*24), the service is timely and the cost is reasonable.
2. Efficient and perfect on-site or remote guidance installation services and maintenance to ensure the continuous operation of equipment.
3. Provide local agent services in 16 countries and regions.

04/R&D Capability
1. 38 people technical research and development team, with a number of patents and certification.
2. As retort machine manufacturers with innovative capabilities,The laboratory of DTS can provide process testing and thermal verification services.
FAQ
Q: What is food sterilization equipment?A: Food sterilization equipment applies a validated heat process to food in its final package so pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms are destroyed and the product becomes commercially sterile and shelf-stable at ambient temperature. For packaged low-acid food, the main family is the retort sterilizer, which processes sealed packs under pressure at 110°C to 135°C.
Q: How do I choose between different types of food sterilization equipment?A: Start from the packaging and the product. Flexible and semi-rigid packs need counter-pressure and a sprayed or immersed heating medium, while rigid cans tolerate direct steam. Acidified products below pH 4.6 can often be pasteurized rather than retorted. Send us your pack format, product and target throughput and we will confirm which configuration fits.
Q: Is a water shower retort the same as a water spray retort?A: Yes — the two terms describe the same machine. Both refer to a retort that sterilizes sealed packages by spraying recirculated process water over the load, rather than flooding the vessel or injecting steam directly.
Q: What sterilization temperature and pressure does this equipment use?A: Design temperature across the DTS range is up to 156°C, with normal operating temperatures up to 135°C (275°F). Design pressure is 0.35 MPa, test pressure 0.44–0.56 MPa. Temperature is controlled within ±0.3°C and counter-pressure within ±0.05 Bar.
Q: How long does a sterilization cycle take?A: Cycle length depends on the product, pack format and the schedule your process authority approves. For comparable products our experience is roughly 60 minutes, covering come-up, holding and cooling.
Q: How much steam, water and power does the machine consume?A: Consumption depends on model and recipe, so we do not quote averages. Every technical proposal includes the utility figures for your specific configuration: steam, compressed air, cooling water and installed power.
Q: What is the delivery time, and can it be shortened?A: Standard delivery is around four months, and larger automated lines take 4–6 months. If you have a fixed start-up date, tell us early and we will review sequencing with our production manager.
Q: Do you provide installation, training and after-sales support?A: Yes. Seven days of free installation and debugging are included, along with operator training. A 20-engineer service team provides one-to-one 7×24 remote support, and local agents in 16 countries and regions handle on-the-ground service.
Q: How much experience does DTS have in food sterilization equipment?A: DTS has manufactured retorts for 26 years and supplies customers in 56 countries, including groups such as Nestlé, Bonduelle, Budweiser, Dole and Shineway. Capacity is up to 50 units per month, supported by a 38-person engineering team. More than 7,500 retorts and 100+ turnkey projects have been delivered.
Q: Can the equipment be validated for a new product?A: Yes. Our laboratory retorts run heat penetration studies and calculate the F0 value for new recipes and pack structures, and the production machine is then validated on site with multi-channel thermocouple surveys.

Area	What You Receive
Pressure vessel design	ASME "U" Stamp, National Board (NB) registration, ASME Sec. VIII Div. 1 design calculations
European market	CE marking under the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
Other export markets	EAC (Eurasian Customs Union), CRN (Canada), DOSH (Malaysia), SASO (Saudi Arabia), MOM (Singapore)
Management systems	ISO 9001:2015 quality, ISO 14001:2015 environmental, ISO 45001:2018 occupational health & safety
Electronic records	Control system designed for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, with audit trail and electronic batch records
Thermal process support	FAT and SAT dossiers including multi-point thermocouple temperature distribution reports
Industry membership	IFTPS — Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists, USA