FOOD PROCESSING
Benefits of Process Modeling
Provide understanding of complex fluid flow and heat transfer processes Enable chemists/engineers to understand process dynamics inside equipment that are difficult to measure experimentally Understand the effect of changing a design and/or process parameter	Provide a predictive tool for scale-up problems Minimize number of tests to be performed to achieve repeatability Improve process control through better understanding of the system
System Engineering for Fermentation
Objective
Simulate fluid mixing and heat transfer Determine influence of cone angle on fluid mixing and temperature distribution Locate temperature sensors for accurate process control
Results
Velocity distribution and streamlines indicating fluid mixing within tank Isotherms describing fluid temperature distribution and mean temperature inside fermentation tank	Design evaluations for different process parameters Cone angle at tank bottom Rate of heat generation in fluid Location of sensor for better temperature control
Benefits
Provide an understanding of complex fluid mechanics and heat transfer occurring inside tank Enable chemists to observe dynamics inside tank that are difficult to measure experimentally	Minimize cost of building and testing Improve process control through better understanding of system
Process Parameters
Tank capacity Liquid depth Temperature control Number and location of sensors Fermentation tank shape Cone angle, diameter, height	Type of cooling system Cooling jacket Internal coils Outside cooler Cooling media temperature Glycol, ammonia, Freon
Performance Evaluations
Temperature uniformity Residence time of product at high temperature zones Uniform chemical concentration	Counter rotating vortices that tend to isolate regions of fluid from the bulk of tank degrades amount of convective heat exchange
Systems Process Modeling
Objective
Predict impact of process line changes on operating performance. Changes can include: - Process configuration - Component selection (pump, heat exchanger, etc.) - Process conditions (flow rate, temperature) - Material properties (viscosity, etc.)
Results
Prediction of velocities, pressures, temperatures and viscosity throughout flow network.
Benefits
Economic (fast) way to simulate effect of process changes without expensive piloting. A process design - optimization tool.
Pilot Line Network Analysis
Objective
Accurately size components Predict pressure and flow rate distribution Predict temperature for aseptic quality issues
Refrigeration Analysis
Objective
Improve air curtain design to reduce ambient air infiltration in refrigerator
Results
Air curtain velocity vectors Inside temperature distribution
Benefits
Energy savings in refrigeration operation
Plastic Packaging Analysis
Objective
Predict package strength under retort process conditions
Results
Identify package failure locations Stresses & strains in container material
Other Relevant Links
Freeze Drying Spray Drying Filling Line System Analysis Barrier Technology