The Saturated Steam Process is the oldest method of in-container sterilization. Since air is considered an insulating medium, saturating the retort vessel with steam is a requirement of the process. It is inherent in the process that all air be evacuated from the retort by flooding the vessel with steam and allowing the air to escape through vent valves. There is no overpressure during the sterilization phases of this process, since air is not permitted to enter the vessel at any time during any sterilization step. However, there may be air-overpressure applied during the cooling steps to prevent container deformation.