PREDICTION OF FREEZING TIMES FOR FOODS AS INFLUENCED BY PRODUCT PROPERTIES

This investigation utilizes a computer simulation technique to predict the freezing times and temperature history curves for food products. The input information consists of the product properties for temperatures above the initial freezing point, freezing medium conditions and the initial product temperature.

It has been established that food products with lower initial freezing points, higher initial water contents and higher initial product densities will have longer freezing times. The prediction of freezing time is most sensitive to the accuracy of the measurement of the product density and the initial freezing point if the freezing point is above −0.5°C. The influence of the accuracy of unfrozen product thermal conductivity data on the freezing time is not important in the range of 0.45 to 0.55 W/m°K investigated. The combined influence of inaccuracy in measuring these product properties on the freezing time prediction will be significant even if the influence of an individual product property is small.