mETAL CAN SEALERS
INTRODUCTION How does the metal can sealer work? Metal can sealers are used to attach the can lid to the can body through a double seam. The can sealer first connects the lid edge, sealing material, and the can body by curling them together. This first step needs to be done correctly because it cannot be corrected on the second step. The second step presses the layers of metal tightly together, resulting in a flattened and smoothed seam. Both ends of the can should be flat or slightly concave at the end of the process. Always follow instructions that come with the metal can sealer. This process makes the container air tight and protects the food items inside it from the entry of microorganisms during and after processing (Long, 2009). Can size: The size of the can will determine the chuck size, position of seaming rollers, number, and size of spacers used with the turntable spring and turntable, and the turntable extension (University of Alaska, 2007).
BEFORE SEALING
The type of food item being canned determines the method of processing. For instance, when canning meats, there are specific guidelines that need to be followed as far as processing before and after sealing. The University of Alaska Fairbanks: Cooperative Extension Service gives instructions on how to can meat and fish in cans at this website: http://www.uaf.edu/ ces/preservingalaskasbounty/ Defects: Defects are possible during the sealing process. They include: droop, vee, sharp seam, cut seam, incomplete seam, and false seam. Cans with defects should not be used
Before sealing, check all cans, lids and sealing material. Cans
because the defects can prevent the seam from being airtight,
or lids that are bent or dented are unacceptable for use. Make
can promote spoilage, and may allow the botulism bacteria
sure that the sealing material goes all the way around the lid
through the defective seam. Running the can through the
sealing edge. Do not wash, boil, or heat lids before use. The
sealer again will not fix the defects. If the can is defective, the
sealing material is different on cans than it is on jars. Cans
contents must be put into a new can and reprocessed
may be rinsed or wiped with a damp cloth if they are dusty
(Long, 2009).
(Long, 2009).
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
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