Harnessing digital-twin technology for performance analysis and energy efficiency in the food industry
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Improving energy efficiency in the food sector is critical for reducing emissions and reaching net-zero goals.While raw material production and transportation contribute significantly to emissions in the industry, optimizing energy use during processing remains a key priority.One promising solution, digital-twin technology, creates a digital representation of equipment that integrates plant data for real-time monitoring and optimization.This paper introduces HTRIconnect™, an innovative digital-twin technology that links plant data to advanced heat exchanger models for continuous monitoring, with a focus on analysing the impact of fouling on operational parameters.A case study features operational data connected to a detailed model for a Robert-type evaporator, commonly used in sugar refineries.The digital twin enables effective monitoring of performance degradation caused by fouling, and a normalized Brix index is used to evaluate the impact of operating conditions and fouling on sugar juice quality.Additionally, a "what-if" analysis assesses the effectiveness of surface coatings, an emerging technology that can reduce fouling in food processing, and their influence on the operational efficiency of the Robert evaporator.
DOI: 10.25368/2025.115
Authors: H.U. Zettler, J. Kennedy, S.J. Pugh, E.M. Ishiyama
Institution: Heat Transfer Research (United States)
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4411281756