Flows of Viscous Fluids in Food Processing Industries: A review

Abstract

The process of fluid movement is involved in a majority of food industries around the world. Viscous fluids are often used in such industries to make useful food products in bulk. These industries need to ensure that concerned equipment such as pipes are kept clean as well as are clear for the smooth transport of viscous liquids. The fluids are pumped in these pipes which results in friction over the walls of the pipe. Flow characteristics are the fundamental basis of the mass transfers taking place in food industries. The resulting qualities of the products are mainly reliant on these fluid flow properties. The design as well as control of the properties of a food in terms of its rheology is a big factor for the commercial success of a product. Therefore, to better understand this complex problem, it is crucial to first comprehend the rheological properties of different materials and fluids, which are widely present in the food industry. Thus, understanding the properties of fluids and overall the rheology of these is important. This paper discusses the fluid movements in food processing industries and discusses the concepts of fluids in motion. Concepts of viscosity and different flow regimes along with flow phenomena are also discussed in terms of rheology. Finally, as a case study example, the rheology of a complex fluid, honey, is reviewed in this paper.