Modeling Food Processing Operations (Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition)

Computational modeling is an important tool for understanding and improving food processing and manufacturing. It is used for many different purposes, including process design and process optimization. However, modeling goes beyond the process and can include applications to understand and optimize food storage and the food supply chain, and to perform a life cycle analysis. Modeling Food Processing Operations provides a comprehensive overview of the various applications of modeling in conventional food processing. The needs of industry, current practices, and state-of-the-art technologies are examined, and case studies are provided.

Part One provides an introduction to the topic, with a particular focus on modeling and simulation strategies in food processing operations. Part Two reviews the modeling of various food processes involving heating and cooling. These processes include: thermal inactivation; sterilization and pasteurization; drying; baking; frying; and chilled and frozen food processing, storage and display. Part Three examines the modeling of multiphase unit operations such as membrane separation, extrusion processes and food digestion, and reviews models used to optimize food distribution.

• Comprehensively reviews the various applications of modeling in conventional food processing
• Examines the modeling of multiphase unit operations and various food processes involving heating and cooling
• Analyzes the models used to optimize food distribution

Professor Serafim Bakalis is a professor in the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK

Dr. Kai Knoerzer has a background in process engineering (BSc), chemical engineering (MSc), and food process engineering (PhD, summa cum laude), all awarded from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany). In 2006, he commenced work with Food Science Australia (a joint venture of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Victorian Government) as a postdoctoral fellow. He has since become a principal research scientist in CSIRO Agriculture and Food. Kai has a proven track record in food process engineering research and development, particularly of innovative technologies. Currently, he is leading research activities on engineering aspects (e.g., numerical modelling, simulation, process/equipment design, and optimization, as well as scale-up) across a number of innovative food processing technologies, such as high pressure (thermal), pulsed electric field, and ultrasonics/megasonics processing. Kai's work has shown both science impact, with more than 90 peer-reviewed journal publications, conference proceedings and book chapters, 6 patent applications, four edited books, and over 90 oral and 50 poster presentations at national and international conferences, as well as commercial impact in the food industry. His work has also been recognized with various international awards for research excellence. Kai has been an active member of IFT's International Division in the leadership team for a number of years and is past chair of this division. He edited Elsevier’s Innovative Food Processing Technologies: Extraction, Separation, Component Modification and Process Intensification (2016) and two volumes in the Food Science, Technology and Nutrition series: Modeling Food Processing Operations (2015) and The Microwave Processing of Foods (2016). He is also Subject Editor for the “Food Process Engineering” section of Elsevier’s Reference Module in Food Science. He has an h-index of 18.

Professor Peter Fryer is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK.