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Module

CME8130 : Food Processing

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Colin Hare
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

To outline the challenges involved with food processing, including:
- Handling complex fluids such as suspensions and emulsions
- Characterising particles and handling powders
- Preventing contamination and maintaining a sanitary process

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will first focus on rheology and processing implications of dispersions. Classification of dispersions (e.g. suspensions, foams and emulsions) will be explained, followed by a detailed examination of the interaction forces that control the flow behaviour (rheology) of these complex fluids. The focus here will be on suspensions and emulsions with relevant food examples discussed.

Particle properties such as size and strength will be explained, including how these can be characterized and how to account for the distribution in a powder. Problems of powder handling such as segregation and poor flowability will be outlined, including how to design a hopper to ensure reliable flow, taking account of the stresses in the powder bed.

The causes of contamination, cleaning practices and guidelines for hygienic equipment design will be discussed. Specific unit operations often encountered in foods industries, such as spray drying, fluid mixing and homogenisation will also be explained, accompanied by design equations.

Consideration will be given to how a food manufacturer can manipulate the formulation of the product to achieve desirable properties for the consumer.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion144:0044:00Preparation and completion of computer assessment and exam revision
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00PiP lectures covering core material
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00PiP Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study321:0032:00Preparation for tutorials and reviewing lecture material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Key concepts are introduced and developed in lectures, supported by analysis of complex problems in tutorials.

Tutorials are used to examine practical cases for each section of the syllabus.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination901A100N/A
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MCanvas quiz covering aspects of each section of the syllabus
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination and formative assessment will allow the opportunity for the student to demonstrate achievement of module learning outcomes.

Reading Lists

Timetable