Food Processing and Product Development

Any action or procedure that modifies raw materials or initial food into a finished product.

A group of experts responsible for creating, developing, and launching new food products.

A system that ensures consistency and safety during food production by monitoring and controlling processes.

A type of food production where each batch of food is made separately, allowing flexibility but requiring careful monitoring.

A type of food production where a continuous flow of ingredients is processed without stopping, ensuring high volume and efficiency.

The use of automated systems to measure and adjust food processing variables like temperature or pressure, ensuring accuracy and safety.

Automatic process control ensures accuracy and consistency, reducing errors and improving product quality. But, it's more complex and expensive to implement.

Automatic process control requires specialized equipment and maintenance, and human oversight is still crucial to prevent failures.

A control system where an operator manually adjusts the process based on readings. It is used in simple processes with minimal changes and allows time for corrections.

A sensor that detects and measures a specific process variable, like temperature or pressure, and sends this information to the controller.

The brain of the control system, comparing the measured value to the setpoint and sending corrective signals to the final control element.

The device that directly alters the process to bring it back to the desired setpoint, based on signals from the controller.

The simplest automatic controller, providing only two options: on or off. It's used for basic control like turning a heater on or off.

A controller that adjusts output based on the error between the setpoint and measured value. It provides a proportional response to deviations.

A control system that combines proportional control with an integral term. It considers past errors and adjusts the output to eliminate steady-state deviations.

The P-controller's sensitivity to the error signal. Larger gain means a stronger response.

A type of controller that combines proportional (P) and integral (I) action.

The integral component of a PI controller. It accumulates the error over time, helping eliminate steady-state errors.

A type of controller that combines proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) action.

The derivative component of a PID controller. It predicts future errors based on the rate of change of the error.

A production process where ingredients are mixed in predefined quantities to create a final product.

A production process that continuously mixes ingredients in a flowing stream.

A system that uses programmed instructions to control every action needed for optimal efficiency in a food process.

Consistent quality, better safety, less waste, and faster production are some benefits of using automated systems in food processing.

It can be expensive to set up, needs expert maintenance, and could cause delays if the system fails.

Automated systems can quickly alert operators to problems like valve failures or temperature rises.

Automation can lead to less job opportunities for human operators.

Ensuring the correct proportions of ingredients are used in each batch of food production to maintain product consistency and meet specifications.

A set of instructions detailing each step of a batch process, including ingredient measurements, temperature settings, and processing times.

Sensors, gauges, and instruments used to measure and monitor key factors in a batch process, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate.

Using control systems like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to adjust and manage the batch process based on real-time data.

Collecting and analyzing data from the batch process to identify areas for improvement, troubleshoot problems, and ensure optimal performance.

Regularly checking and maintaining the equipment used in batch processing, including calibration and adjustments, to ensure accuracy and prevent breakdowns.

Recording all process steps, adjustments, and data for documentation, traceability, and future reference.

Ensuring the batch process complies with relevant regulations and safety standards, including food safety, hygiene, and environmental regulations.

A system used in batch processing that monitors and controls multiple variables like temperature, pressure, flow rate, and chemical concentration to ensure consistent production.

A type of process control that uses a controller to automatically maintain a desired setpoint. It calculates adjustments based on the current value, the setpoint, and the rate of change.

It involves using automation to monitor and adjust key process variables like temperature, pressure, and flow rate to ensure quality and consistency.

Production methods where each batch is made separately, allowing flexibility but requiring careful monitoring and control.

It provides essential data to track performance over time and identify areas for improvement. This helps enhance efficiency and product quality.

It is used to maintain a desired setpoint in a process variable. It uses proportional, integral, and derivative components to adjust the system.

It relies on automated systems to monitor and control processes, reducing human errors and ensuring accuracy and consistency.

The increasing competition in the food industry, rising labor and material costs, and stricter regulations have driven the adoption of automated process control systems.