CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Abstract The coupled microscopic heat and mass transfer balances in a food heated by microwaves are solved. The conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat within the food is accounted for, as well as variable thermal, transport and electromagnetic properties. Balances lead to highly nonlinear coupled differential equations that were solved using a commercial software (Comsol 3.2). Maxwell laws were used to describe the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the food materials. The mathematical model enables to evaluate the effect of product size on the predicted temperature and water content profiles, as well as the possibility of irradiation over one or both opposite surfaces. The use of constructive interference of waves within the food was also simulated in an attempt to improve the uniformity of temperature profiles during heating. Results show the potential benefits of this heating policy.