A novel strategy for improving radio frequency heating uniformity of dry food products using computational modeling

摘要: Abstract This study attempted to quantify effects of dielectric properties (DPs) and densities a surrounding container treated food products on heating uniformity in 6 kW, 27.12 MHz parallel plate radio frequency (RF) system. A computer simulation model was established with finite element-based commercial software, COMSOL Multiphysics®, experiments 1.5 kg soybean flour packed rectangular polystyrene were performed validate the developed model. Surface temperature distributions three different horizontal layers obtained an infrared camera, temperature–time histories at two representative locations inside monitored optical fiber sensors. The index (UI) used as criterion evaluate RF within products. Results showed that samples clearly influenced by DPs density container. UI lowest when constant comparable range sample's, loss factor values lying between 0.01–0.1% sample's. optimum could be achieved smaller value correlations derived from validated provide valuable information strategy improve low moisture foods for insect or microbial control. Thus, can further developing effective industrial-scale treatment protocols after optimization this process industry. Industrial relevance Although most important characteristic treatments is fast volumetric generated dipole rotation ionic conduction, edge over-heating still major problem heated containers. sample index. Simulated results illustrated improved accordance relationships. may optimized methods ensure industrial applications.