Automatic control of food extrusion: problems and perspectives

Abstract Food extrusion processes are multiple input, multiple output systems involving complex interactions. With limited understanding of these interactions, it is difficult to design proper control systems for food extruders. The absence of online sensors for product quality attributes makes the automatic control of food extruders even more difficult. The problems involved in designing control systems for food extrusion are discussed and the existing research is reviewed to identify trends and gaps.