EVALUATING TEMPERATURE UNIFORMITY IN PASTEURIZATION: CFD AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH FOR VISCOUS FLUIDS

Autor/innen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26034/lu.akwi.2026.8840

Schlagworte:

Computational Fluid Dynamics, viscous products, heat exchanger, virtual sensor, experimental validation, industrial process optimization

Abstract

This study investigates temperature uniformity in a tube-in-tube heat exchanger using a combined Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and experimental approach. CFD provides detailed thermal profiles, while the experimental tests carried out using concentrated orange juice (40 Brix) allow to validate the simulation results and confirm the presence of significant temperature variations across the pipe section. The results highlight the need for more precise thermal control strategies to
mitigate risks of localized undertreatment or excessive heating, which can lead to food safety concerns or product degradation. A virtual sensor approach based on simulation results is proposed to this end. This solution would allow estimating internal temperature distributions based on external sensor data, acting as an essential tool for real-time process optimization that could be integrated into Digital Twin frameworks. This approach would enhance pasteurization efficiency, reduce fouling,
and ensure consistent product quality.

Autor/innen-Biografien

Natalya Lysova, University of Parma, Department of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies

Natalya Lysova is a Ph.D. Candidate in Industrial Engineering at the University of Parma, where she graduated in Engineering for the Food Industry in 2021. Her doctoral research project is titled “Virtualization approaches for industrial plants control and design”. In her research activities, she aims to leverage numerical techniques for the analysis, design and optimization of industrial systems, plants, and devices.

Federico Solari, University of Parma, Department of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies

Federico Solari is a researcher and lecturer at the Department of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies of the University of Parma since September 2021. He graduated (with distinction) in Mechanical Engineering for the Food Industry in 2008 and got his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering in 2014, both at the University of Parma. He authored 57 publications indexed on Scopus. His main research topics are industrial plant logistics, industrial plant analysis and design, supply chain management, advanced industrial plant design also using simulative techniques. In his research activities, he explores the use of simulation and advanced numerical techniques for the design, control and maintenance of industrial plants and processes.

Roberto Montanari, University of Parma, Department of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies

Roberto Montanari is a Full Professor at the Department of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies - University of Parma. He is the Holder of the course in Industrial Plants – Bachelor of Engineering Management, and the course in Simulation of Production Systems – Master Degree in
Engineering for the Food Industry.

Literaturhinweise

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Veröffentlicht

2026-09-02

Ausgabe

Nr. 22 (2026)

Rubrik

Trends

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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalya Lysova, Federico Solari, Roberto Montanari

Creative-Commons-Lizenz
Dieses Werk steht unter der Lizenz Creative Commons Namensnennung 4.0 International.