The schematic of the modified retort is shown in Fig. 1. The
existing static retort (E) was retrofitted to include a reciprocating
cage assembly comprising of a cage (A) reciprocating on horizontal
rails (B), by the aid of slip rings (C), as shown in Fig. 1c. The steel
rails (B) were welded to the interior of the steam retort (E). The slip
rings (C) were made from Nylon materialon each side of the axis of reciprocation for balancing. The cans
could be placed in three orientations viz. (i) vertically perpendicular,
(ii) horizontally parallel, or (iii) horizontally perpendicular to
the axis of reciprocation. Metallic can holders were provided to
securely hold the cans in position during reciprocation. The cage
(A) was connected to a reciprocating rod (D) of 65 cm in length
and 2 cm diameter. The rod was inserted into the retort by drilling
a hole at one-third height from the top of the retort. Any loss of
steam through the hole was minimized by using a properly greased
reciprocating seal (F).