The Ball Formula method uses heating factors to calculate process times. These Heating Factors are generated from the evaluation of heat penetration test data. The time/temperature data for each thermocoupled container is plotted on an inverted, semi-logarithmic graph. This graph is developed based on the Retort Temperature and the Come Up Time experienced by the test containers during the heat penetration test. The temperatures are plotted on the graph as one or two straight lines on semi-logarithmic paper.
CALSoft generates the graph based on the PLOTTING DEFAULTS established prior to plotting, and then automatically plots the heat penetration data and generates the Heating Factors for each thermocoupled container. Access the Ball Plotting feature by clicking "Plot" for a specific HP file on the Ball Summary tab of the ProCAL page, or by clicking the "Ball Plot" button (within the HP File Screen, either in the "Ball Plotting" section, or in the "Plotting" section of the Ribbon Menu). To review all of the plotted data, follow these steps:
- Click on the lead number at the bottom of the Plot screen. The lead numbers are originally identified in Blue circles, but will change to Green once that lead is "reviewed."
- CALSoft will automatically attempt to plot your data using an algorithm that TechniCAL has developed. In most cases CALSoft will accurately and conservatively plot your data. If CALSoft is unable to plot your data, an Autoplot Difficulty dialog box will be displayed.
- If you need to adjust the line(s) that CALSoft has drawn, move your mouse pointer over the end-point of the line that you would like to move. Click-drag-drop to move the line. Remember, you must click and hold to drag and drop the line end-point.
- When the lines are in the correct position, click the "REVIEWED" button under PLOT STATUS at the top. The circle containing the lead number will change to Green signifying that it is reviewed. When the REVIEWED status is selected, CALSoft will automatically advance to plotting the next lead.
- If the data for a particular thermocouple is Bad, click the "BAD DATA" button under PLOT STATUS at the top. When Bad data is clicked, CALSoft will automatically advance to plotting the next lead.
For more help with plotting, including simple vs. broken, see the PLOTTING TIPS help section.
