Experimental characterization of heat transfer inside a refrigerated trailer loaded with carcasses

Abstract

Measurements of convective heat transfer coefficients on reduced-scale replicates of half pork carcasses were conducted. Measurements were performed on both the muscle and rind sides at three positions: ham, loin and shoulder. The carcasses were placed in the symmetry plane and near the wall of a reduced-scale refrigerated trailer with or without air distribution ducts. The convective heat transfer coefficient values varied significantly along the trailer in both configurations (with or without air duct). Differences were observed between the rind and muscle sides for all positions. The heat transfer coefficients of the ham part were higher than those of the loin and shoulder parts. An analysis was conducted by correlating the measured convective heat transfer coefficients with the air velocity fields measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry presented in a previous study.