1. (a) The gauge water glass or series of petcocks shall be installed in such a position as to determine the water level during the process. If a gauge water glass is used, a mark indicating the height of the top row of jars shall be placed on the gauge water glass. If a series of petcocks is used, the petcock above the level of the top row of jars must be open at all times during the process and the free flow of water shall be visible to the retort operator.

2. (b) Steam and air shall be admitted at the bottom of the retort. Water may be admitted at the top, or bottom, or both.

   Note: It is recommended that all pipe connections be equipped with check valves where there is a common entrance for steam, water, and air.

3. (c) Steam and air shall be admitted into the bottom center of the retort through a perforated pipe or cross extending the length of the horizontal retort or throughout the width of a vertical retort, and in which the perforations are so arranged as to produce equal turbulence and distribution throughout the length of the pipe or cross. The extreme ends of the perforated steam distributor pipe or cross shall be closed; other methods of producing turbulence and proper distribution of heat are subject to approval.
4. (d) Each diaphragm control valve shall be equipped with a bypass to allow for hand control in case of an emergency.

5. (e) In horizontal retorts a suction manifold shall be installed in the bottom of the retort to remove the water for circulation. The number of water inlets to the suction manifold shall be dependent upon the length of the retort with a minimum of one for each eight linear feet of retort length.

   The inlets shall be spaced at approximately equal intervals. The combined area of the inlets shall equal the area of the manifold. The manifold shall be connected to a recirculating pump operating at a sufficient rate to completely recirculate the water in not more than seven minutes. The water shall re-enter the top of the retort through the perforated water spreader.

   Any other type of manifold or suction installation will be subject to the approval of the Department.

   Note: It is recommended that the switch operating the pump be equipped with a signal light, preferably red, or other warning device, so that the operator can see at all times that the pump is properly functioning.

6. (f) In horizontal retorts the mercury thermometer bulb, recording thermometer bulb and temperature controller bulb shall be located within the shell of the retort, and in such a position that they are beneath the surface of the water throughout the process.
7. (g) In vertical retorts the recording thermometer bulb and temperature controller bulb shall be installed at the bottom of the retort beneath and away from the steam inlet.

8. (h) In vertical retorts the mercury thermometer shall be so installed as to permit continuous circulation of the heating medium past the bulb during the process.

   Note: This may be accomplished by inserting the thermometer in a gradually sloped shallow and closed extension of the retort.

9. (i) The bottom of the overflow outlet shall be above the level of the top of the jars in the retort.
10. (j) All recording thermometers, mercury thermometers, pressure gauges and gauge water glasses must be so placed in respect to light that they are easily readable.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 208 and 28440, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 28411, Health and Safety Code.

History

1. Editorial correction of subsection (e) and new Note filed 8-1-84 (Register 84, No. 31).