The Water Immersion Process is the most widely accepted method of sterilizing products using an over-pressure process. The Water Immersion process is similar to a saturated steam process in that the product is totally isolated from any influence of cooling air – the product is totally submerged in water. But, it is different from Saturated Steam in that air can be introduced into the vessel during sterilization. Overpressure is provided by introducing air (or steam) on top of the water. In some instances, the air is added to the steam (which then heats the air). The heated air agitates the water as it flows to the surface and serves to pressurize the processing load.
