Correction of residence time distribution measurements for short holding times in pasteurization processes

Author(s)

Fortes, Nilo H. M. ^[1] ; Gut, Jorge A. W. ^{[2, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Chem Engn, Escola Politecn, BR-05588000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, FoRC Food Res Ctr, BR-05508080 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING; v. 17, n. 1, p. 11-26, JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

When in-line cells are used for obtaining residence time distribution (RTD) data from systems with short residence time, the signal distortion caused by the cell can compromise the results. A procedure to correct such distortion using convolution of signals in the time domain is proposed. First, the RTD of the cell is characterized, and then the E-curve of an RTD model is convoluted with the cell curve. The convoluted E-curve is fitted to the experimental data by adjusting the mean time and the model parameter. The procedure is demonstrated using a pilot scale pasteurization unit with two heaters, one cooler and six options of holding tube. Pulse experiments were performed, E-curves were obtained for each process step and five RTD models were tested. The convolution procedure was successful in removing the distortion caused by the detection cell, which was very significant for the holding tubes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 06/01628-0 - Mathematical modeling and experimental validation of continuous pasteurization of liquid food with plate heat exchangers
• Grantee: Jorge Andrey Wilhelms Gut
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants