Mathematical Evaluation of Process Schedules for Aseptic Processing of Low‐Acid Foods Containing Discrete Particulates

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Abstract
A quantitative methodology was developed for evaluating thermal process schedules for low‐acid foods containing particulates of any shape. The methodology uses finite element analysis to determine temperature distributions within particulate foods subjected to timevarying boundary conditions. Simulations were conducted to study the effects of particle size, residence time distributions within heat exchanger and holding tube, and convective heat transfer coefficients. Results indicate that all these factors have significant effects on the thermal process schedule required to achieve commercial sterility. For large particles, simulations indicate that little credit can be given for lethality within the heating section.