Implementing a process control strategy for the food processing industry

• Published in: Journal of food engineering Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 313 - 321
• Main Authors: McGrath, Michael J., O'Connor, James F., Cummins, Sinéad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: auditing; Biological and medical sciences; computer hardware; computer software; Food industries; food industry; food processing; food processing equipment; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Miscellaneous; monitoring; project implementation; sensors; simulation models; Processing control; Automation; Detector; Simulation; Food technology; Process control; Food industry; Software; Monitoring control system
• ISSN: 0260-8774; 1873-5770
• DOI: 10.1016/S0260-8774(98)00029-6

This paper describes some of the current problems facing food processing companies with respect to their process control requirements. The establishment of a research project to address some of these problems is outlined. The goal of the project is to develop a generic process control/simulation platform for the food industry. Process Control/IT audits were carried out on a number of plants and from this information it was possible to identify specific requirements. Appropriate software and hardware tools have been identified and sourced. These tools provide a powerful but flexible platform from which a variety of common problems and requirements can be addressed. The necessity for the development of sensors specifically tailored towards the needs of the food industry is discussed together with ongoing work in this area.