Steriflow Retorts for Sterilization and Pasteurization

Steriflow is a French manufacturer of industrial autoclaves in Roanne, part of the SFPI Group since 1992: Static, Rotary, Shaka, Dali, Steristeam air-steam retorts, pharmaceutical models, Microflow pilots and MPI Expert.

Static streaming-water retorts

Static is the core Steriflow retort: water streams over cans, glass and plastic jars, pouches and trays. Diameters range from 900 to 2,300 mm with 1 to 12 baskets; at 1,300 mm a manual basket holds 476 1/1 cans. Products are cooled with sterilized water, and a chilled water circuit cools below 5°C.

Diameters 900–2,300 mm
1 to 12 baskets
Basket for 476 1/1 cans
Chilled water below 5°C

Rotary retorts with a rotating drum

In the Rotary Steriflow, baskets rotate inside a stainless steel drum with a triangulated structure under heavy water streaming. Rotation improves heat transfer, avoids browning at the packaging edge and keeps rice from sticking. At 1600 mm the retort holds 1 to 6 baskets, at 1800 mm 4 or 5.

Triangulated drum structure
1600 mm: 1 to 6 baskets
1800 mm: 4 or 5 baskets
Cans, jars, pouches, trays

Shaka high-frequency shaking retorts

Shaka, launched in 2009, shakes the basket at high frequency and cuts sterilization cycle times by 5 to 10 times. The cycle has three stages: rising, holding and cooling; two automatic valves under MPI control regulate shell pressure. Sizes are 900 and 1300 mm, weight over 10 tonnes.

Cycles 5 to 10 times shorter
900 and 1300 mm sizes
Weight over 10 tonnes
Radar water level

Dali low-frequency shaking retorts

Dali moves the baskets lengthwise by 15 cm, 15 to 20 times per minute, which is 10 times slower than Shaka. It suits liquid and low-viscosity products: milk in plastic or glass bottles does not caramelize; sauces and drinks are also processed. Capacity is 2 to 9 baskets depending on diameter.

15 cm basket stroke
15 to 20 strokes per minute
2 to 9 baskets
Dairy products and sauces

Steristeam air-steam retorts

In the Steristeam a hydraulic cylinder locks the door, and heating uses direct steam injection with a monitored fan. Pre-heating is adjustable, for example 100°C and 0.2 bar, with sterilization at, for instance, 121°C. A radar level controls water during cooling.

Pre-heating 100°C, 0.2 bar
Sterilization at 121°C
Hydraulic door locking
Radar level control

Pharmaceutical autoclaves

Steriflow pharmaceutical autoclaves use streaming water, air-steam or saturated steam, with load volumes from 90 l to over 25 m3. The saturated steam unit in 304L or 316L steel from 200 litres has a liquid ring vacuum pump and an inflatable door seal. Loads: vials, pouches, syringes, ampoules.

Load volume from 90 l
304L or 316L steel
Liquid ring vacuum pump
Inflatable door seal

Microflow pilot sterilizers

Microflow laboratory autoclaves, 900 mm in diameter with 1 or 2 baskets, carry the same safety and control elements as industrial models. Versions are Static, Rotary, Dali and multi-process: water streaming, air/steam, spray and immersion. Counter pressure is independent from temperature.

900 mm diameter
1 or 2 baskets
Four processes in one unit
MPI Expert control

MPI Expert control system

The MPI Expert is an industrial PC-type programmer that runs the cycle, records data and serves as the operator interface. It offers 0.01° temperature definition, 0.03 bar pressure regulation, up to 8 product probes and about 1 hour of backup power. Over 1,100 units are installed.

0.01° temperature definition
0.03 bar pressure regulation
Up to 8 product probes
Over 1,100 units installed

Selecting a Steriflow retort by product and packaging

A retort is chosen by product, packaging and heat treatment. Static streaming-water retorts suit cans, glass and plastic jars, pouches and trays, with diameters from 900 to 2,300 mm and 1 to 12 baskets.

Rotary turns the baskets to avoid browning at the packaging edge, Dali moves them 15 cm, 15 to 20 times per minute, for milk and sauces, and Shaka cuts the cycle by 5 to 10 times.

The Steristeam air-steam retort uses standard baskets designed for pouches; porous products, packaged or not, go to the saturated steam autoclave from 200 litres. Process settings are developed on Microflow pilot units 900 mm in diameter.

Cycle control, loading and automation

All retorts run on the MPI Expert: 0.01° temperature definition, 0.03 bar pressure regulation and up to 8 product probes, with counter pressure programmed by packaging type. Options include a radar level, an independent cycle recorder and a second chilled water circuit for cooling below 5°C.

For manual loading below 1.5 layers per minute a basket lift is used, while larger plants use automatic lines with a shuttle system. PCR baskets take rigid packaging, PTP and PET baskets take flexible packaging.

Steriflow and model names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the equipment for which we source parts. SpareX is not an official dealer, distributor or representative of Steriflow and is not affiliated with the trademark owner. Origin, documents and warranty are stated for each item in the quotation.