Thermal Processing Calculator

Calculate F-value, process time, and lethality for canning and pasteurization using D and z values.

Process temperature (°C)

Reference temperature (°C)

D-value at ref temp (min)

z-value (°C)

Target log reduction

Initial load (log₁₀ CFU)

Tab to move between fields

F₀ value (min)

2.52

Required process time (min)

2.52

D at process temp (min)0.21

Lethal rate (L)1

Log survivors-8

Safety margin (log cycles)8

How to Use This Calculator

Enter process temperature in °C and reference temperature (typically 121.1 °C for sterilization).
Set the D-value at reference temperature, z-value, and target log reduction.
Enter the initial microbial load in log CFU.
The calculator shows F₀ value, required process time, D-value at process temperature, lethal rate, and safety margin in log cycles.
Verify that the calculated process time meets your target log reduction with adequate safety margin before finalizing the retort schedule.

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