The modelling and simulation of a drying process in a poultry by-product processing plant

Abstract

This paper studies the modelling and simulation of a drying process in a poultry by-product processing plant. In a poultry by-product processing plant, the material is separated into liquids, fats and solids. The liquids are removed, either by pressing or drying, the fats are collected in a centrifuge and the solid mass is dried and manufactured into a protein-rich solid powder. The process contains two rendering operations, where heat is applied to the material to both remove extra moisture and to raise the temperature of the material. These processes are vital for the sterilization of the material as well as for the quality of the product. To improve the understanding behind the drying process, a mathematical model is created using first principles and the obtained model is complemented with experimental data from the real-world process to produce a dynamic model of the drying process. The model is built on a digital computer, using a simulation software. The model is validated with data from the real process plant and used to reveal the underlying dynamics that complicate the control of the process. The model enables the design of automatic control for the process in a safe environment.