Abstract: A thermal processing system for processing a hot-fill liquid product and filling containers with the hot-fill liquid product is set forth that includes: 1) a thermal processing unit for thermally processing the hot-fill liquid product; 2) a packaging machine for filling individual containers with the hot-fill liquid product; and 3) an intermediate degassing tank. The intermediate degassing tank includes a tank body having an inlet receiving the thermally processed hot-fill liquid product from the thermal processing unit, an interior chamber holding the thermally processed hot-fill liquid, and an outlet facilitating fluid communication of the thermally processed hot-fill liquid product from the interior chamber of the degassing tank to the packaging machine, and a vent. A degasser is disposed in the interior chamber of the tank body and receives the hot-fill liquid product from the inlet.