HTST FAT and Evidence Checklist

Prepare the witness list for equipment, controls, records and plant interfaces. FAT and SAT evidence support equipment acceptance; they do not replace product-specific thermal-process validation.

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Witness items ready

Select an item only when its document, test method and acceptance rule are ready.

Process and flow path

Approved process flow and marked P&IDRaw, pasteurised, return, CIP and utility paths are distinguishable.Holding calculation and flow basisUses the approved duty and process-authority input.Raw-to-pasteurised pressure intentRequired relationship and failure response are written.Plate and gasket integrity methodInspection, leakage detection and acceptance rules are defined.

Controls and diversion

Instrument list and calibrated rangesTag, range, accuracy and calibration evidence are available.Cause-and-effect matrixTrips, alarms, interlocks and equipment responses are mapped.Divert and return challenge testTrigger, fail-safe state, destination and reset are witnessed.Recorder-controller sample reportCritical tags, alarms, audit trail and retention are visible.

Cleaning and hygienic release

CIP circuit and sequenceSupply, return, valves, temperatures and monitored values are listed.Cleaning release ruleThe release decision and record owner are identified.Drainability and inspection accessLow points, dead legs and service clearances are reviewed.Product-contact compatibility recordQuoted plate, gasket and seal materials match the product brief.

Plant and validation boundary

Utility performance testHeating, cooling, air and electrical conditions match the agreed basis.Upstream and downstream handshakesBuffer, homogeniser, filler and stop/start states are tested.FAT versus process-validation boundaryEquipment acceptance and food-safety validation are separate deliverables.Open-item and SAT ownership listSite-only tests, evidence owners and closure dates are assigned.

Keep one boundary explicit

A successful FAT shows that the agreed skid, controls and interfaces behaved as specified under the test conditions. The qualified process authority still has to establish or verify the thermal process for the actual product and market.