Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the food industry: a review

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a simulation tool, which uses powerful computer and applied mathematics to model fluid flow situations for the prediction of heat, mass and momentum transfer and optimal design in industrial processes. It is only in recent years that CFD has been applied in the food processing industry. This paper reviews the application of CFD in food processing industries including drying, sterilisation, refrigeration and mixing. The advantages of using CFD are discussed and the future Of CFD applications is also outlined. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.