Search

The convective drying of a food product whose dehydration occurs under large deformation is studied. A numerical model is proposed for solving the heat and water mass transfer phenomena while accounting for shrinkage. The finite volume method is applied; mesh boundaries move with the dry matter. Shrinkage is predicted from geometrical considerations only, hence no information about the product's mechanical properties is required. Water diffusivity in the product is assumed to depend on both temperature and water content. The approach is illustrated for cylindrical samples of yacon, associated with high water content in natura and significant volume reduction after drying. This study considers previous experimental work with a convective drying pilot unit under controlled air temperature and relative humidity conditions. Numerical results reveal, firstly, that the significant evolutions of sample volume (to about 10 % of initial value) and of total water content (to less than 5 % of initial value) are quite well represented. Secondly, despite the relative homogeneity of temperature field, the water content exhibits differences between the sample surface and its core even after six hours of drying. Sensitivity tests put in evidence the major role played by the convective heat and mass transfer coefficients. The physical model and the numerical approach can be adapted in order to predict the evolution of materials with high water content in natura, which experience large deformation during the convective drying process.

Overheating is still a major problem in the use of conventional heating for milk and various dairy products, because it leads to the lowering of quality and sensory and nutritional values. Microwave (MW) heating has been credited with providing superior-quality dairy-based products with extended shelf-life, representing a good alternative to conventional heat treatment. The main drawback of MW heating refers to nonuniform temperature distribution, resulting in hot and cold spots mainly in solid and semisolid products; however, MW heating has been shown to be suitable for liquid foods, especially in a continuous fluid system. This review aims to describe the main factors and parameters necessary for the application of MW heating technology for dairy processing, considering the theoretical fundamentals and its effects on quality and safety aspects of milk and dairy products. MW heating has demonstrated great ability for the destruction of pathogenic/spoilage microorganisms and their spores, and also inactivation of enzymes, thereby preserving fresh characteristics of dairy products.

Neste trabalho, suco de laranja natural foi pasteurizado em um trocador de calor a placas empregando três diferentes temperaturas de pasteurização: 82,5ºC; 85,0ºC e 87,0ºC e tempos de retenção variando de 11 a 59s, para se obter um produto minimamente processado. Um estudo comparativo foi realizado no suco de laranja armazenado em latas de alumínio em relação ao mesmo produto armazenado em garrafas PEAD, sob refrigeração, por um período de 21 dias. Análises de graus Brix, pH, acidez, sólidos insolúveis e totais e análises microbiológicas foram realizadas em amostras logo após o processamento e durante o período de armazenamento. As propriedades físico-químicas do suco de laranja pasteurizado apresentaram diferenças devido as diferenças detectadas na matéria-prima ao longo do período do estudo. O parâmetro de pasteurização mais apropriado para o suco de laranja natural foi 87,0ºC e com tempo de retenção variando de acordo com o pH do suco. Para pH 4,0 o tempo de retenção requerido foi maior. De acordo com os resultados, uma vida-de-prateleira de 15 dias foi determinada para o suco processado nas condições acima.In this work, single-strength orange juice was pasteurized in a plate heat exchanger using three different temperatures: 82.5ºC, 85.0ºC and 87.0°C and holding times varying from 11 to 59s in order to obtain a minimally processed product. A comparison among orange juice samples stored in aluminium cans and in polyethylene bottles under refrigerated conditions for 21 days was carried out. Degree of Brix, acidity, pH, insoluble and total solids, and microbiological analyses were conducted soon after processing and during the storage period. The physico-chemical properties of the pasteurized orange juice showed differences due to variations in the raw material during the period of study. The most appropriate pasteurization temperature for orange juice was 87.0°C, with the holding time varying according to pH; pH 4.0 required longer holding times. According to the results, a shelf life of 15 days was determined for the processed orange juice, under the above conditions.