Modelling of a high temperature short time pasteurization process

Abstract This paper presents a new mathematical model for the behaviour of a High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization plant. Each physical part of the plant was identified separately and the complete process was considered as a union of the single parts. This model was able to work with different operating points, within the hardware limits. It incorporated the non-linearities of the process (from varying flow) through parameter variation. The model obtained was based on real data from an existing pasteurization process. The validation results showed that this model was suitable for control purposes, allowing it to operate at variable flow rates.