Multiphysics Simulation of Innovative Food Processing Technologies

Abstract

Innovative food processing technologies, such as high-pressure (low and high temperature), pulsed electric field and ultrasound processing, can be applied to manufacture safe foods with better sensory and nutrition properties. These technologies can play an important role towards satisfying consumer demand for safe and innovative products, while reducing the carbon and water footprint, to promote more sustainable food manufacturing. The design, application and optimisation of suitable equipment and the selection of process conditions for these technologies require further knowledge development. Computational fluid dynamics has been established as a tool for characterising, improving and optimising traditional food processing technologies. Innovative technologies, however, provide additional complexity and challenges because of the interacting Multiphysics phenomena. This review will highlight a number of Multiphysics modelling case studies for the characterisation of various processing aspects and optimisation of selected innovative technologies. The underlying inactivation mechanisms, efficiencies and design limitations of these technologies are currently still under investigation and will be discussed.