Dissertation
Improved performance of microwave assisted thermal processing system and processes
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
01/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000002428
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/120876
Abstract
Computer-aided simulation and modeling are effective tools to optimize processing systems and conditions for improved food quality and safety. The main goal of this research was to improve the system design of Microwave assisted pasteurization system (MAPS) and Microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) system for better heating uniformity and processing efficiency using computer simulation and modeling. Analytic methods based on the Maxwell’s equations are also useful in estimating heating rates during microwave assisted heating. The objectives of this research were: 1) using three-dimensional (3D) model based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to investigate the effect of metal carrier structures on the electric field distribution inside food in the pilot-scale MAPS processing and 2) to understand the influence of dimension and the electric field distribution and heating patterns in commercial MATS systems; and 3) using analytic solutions to develop simplified chart for estimation of temperature increase in microwave heating as influenced by food formulation and product package thickness. The results of FDTD simulation provided better understanding of the electric field distribution inside cavity as influenced by carrier design, cavity dimensions, and the dielectric properties of food. The developed chart based on the analytical model was validated using pilot plant experiments. The chart allows rapid prediction of temperature increases in microwave assisted thermal processing as influenced by food dielectric properties and package thickness. the results of this research can be used to design industrial microwave assisted thermal processing systems and guide product development for desired heating uniformity and throughputs.
Metrics
3 File views/ downloads
55 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Improved performance of microwave assisted thermal processing system and processes
- Creators
- YoonKi Hong
- Contributors
- Juming Tang (Advisor)Shyam S. Sablani (Committee Member)Patrick D. Pedrow (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Biological Systems Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 153
- Identifiers
- 99900606756701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation