A methodical approach to the flexible-manufacturing-system batching,loading and tool configuration problems

A mixed-integer programming (MIP) problem is formulated to address the flexible manufacturing system (FMS) batching, loading, and tool configuration problems concurrently. This model results in a great many variables, making its mathematical solution impractical. We introduce a four-pass approach using submodels of the original MIP problem. The approach assumes that the need for batching is primarily that of tool magazine capacity constraints, with balancing and maximizing flexibility as secondary objectives.     

FILTER INLET VELOCITY REDISTRIBUTION WITH FILTER LOADING

ABSTRACT

Previous flow visualizations and laser Doppler anemometer velocity measurements have shown that clean engine air filters are presented with very non-uniform velocity distributions when tested in the SAE universal panel Filter test housing. Experiments were conducted to measure the changes that occur in the velocity distribution in the plane 12.7 mm upstream of the filter as it is loaded with dust. Laser Doppler anemometer measurements of velocity profiles were performed for a production engine air Filter in the SAE universal panel filter test housing. Test conditions corresponded to a clean Filter, and dust-loaded Filters at additional pressure drops corresponding to 50 percent, 100 percent, and 150 percent of the design terminating pressure value. The results show that dust loading does make the velocity profiles less non-uniform, but that the changes are not dramatic. The inlet velocity profiles for the design capacity Filter remain very non-uniform.     

Specific Heat, Thermal Conductivity, Density, and Thermal Diffusivity of Mexican Tortillas Dough

A split-split unit experiment was conducted and analyzed to determine the specific heat, thermal conductivity, density, and thermal diffusivity of Mexican corn-based tortillas dough (MCTD) as a function of processing time, temperature, and moisture content (wb). The data indicated that thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were significantly influenced by processing time, and respective components of temperature and moisture content. Specific heat and density varied with levels of moisture content and temperature. Thermal conductivity, specific heat, density, and thermal diffusivity could each be predicted separately by a polynomial equation.     

PREDICTION OF FLOUR EXTRACTION RATE IN HARD RED WINTER WHEAT USING THE SINGLE KERNEL CHARACTERIZATION†

Flour extraction rate is a key determinant in milling efficiency and profitability and can be useful in projecting flour output from a mill. Wheat is generally purchased based upon a small group of traditionally measured physical characteristics. This article explores the use of the Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS) to predict flour extraction rate. Regression analysis was performed using the SKCS parameters and test weight against flour extraction rate for over 600 observations from multiple years from the hard red winter wheat production areas of the U.S. The regression equation had an R²of 0.81. The data suggest that the SKCS 4100 and test weight can be used to predict flour extraction rate in hard red winter wheat. Using the regression equation as a tool, mill buyers may be able to make better decisions regarding their wheat purchases and prediction of flour output.     

A Kinetic Approach to Food Quality Prediction Using Full-History Time-Temperature Indicators

A mathematical model based on the theory of chemical kinetics was derived to predict food quality change from the response of a full-history time-temperature indicator. A first-order kinetic reaction (n = 1) was used to describe both indicator response and changes in food quality. A storage investigation of mature green tomatoes showed that the quality prediction model satisfactorily predicted changes in tomato firmness induced by variable temperature storage. Tomato firmness as predicted from the response of a LifeLines model 57 time-temperature indicator was not significantly different from the observed changes (F = 1.99, p = 0.18) for 28 days of storage. The mathematical derivation was extended to develop a quality-based interpretation of the shelf life of perishable foods.     

INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON QUALITY OF CUT APPLE (cv. JONAGORED)

The quality of a new variety of apple, ‘Jonagored’, after peeling and cutting was evaluated during ten days of storage in air at 4C. The objective was to evaluate the shelf-life of apple cubes by detecting the limiting parameter and to test the influence of different chemical dips on the cut apple quality with the aim of extending shelf-life. Color, i.e. browning at the cut surface, was found to be the critical quality parameter determining the shelf-life of the cut apple to less than three days. There were no significant differences between the dip treatments in measurements of CIE values. When apple cubes were treated with ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid plus calcium chloride or ascorbic acid plus calcium chloride and citric acid, the 0.75% ascorbic acid dip was found to be the most effective preservation treatment in terms of reducing color change of the cut surface. Both 0.75% ascorbic acid and 0.75% ascorbic acid plus 0.75% calcium chloride inhibited the loss of firmness of apple cubes. When citric acid was added to the dip treatment, there were color changes similar to those of the control.     

Reduction of Bitterness and Tartness in Grapefruit Juice with Florisil

Treatment of commercial grapefruit juice with Florisil (activated magnesium silicate) simultaneously reduced the content of citric acid and the bitter compounds limonin and naringin. Ascorbic acid concentration and °Brix (total soluble solids) were not altered by the Florisil treatment. Experienced taste panelists were able to differentiate between the nontreated and Florisil-treated juice on the basis of bitterness and tartness (acidity). The panelists indicated a preference for the Florisil-treated juice.     

FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF BRINE DRIVEN EVAPORATORS

Concentrated CaCl₂ and LiCl brines were used to evaporatively concentrate liquid foods. The concentration was carried out in double falling film evaporators in which brine flowed down the outside of the tubes and liquid food flowed down the inside. The vapor spaces between the brine and the food were connected and vapor from the food was absorbed in the brine. The heat generated by vapor absorption in the brine provided the heat needed to sustain evaporation, and was transferred to the food because of the boiling point elevation of the brine. Evaporation rates approaching those obtained in commercial evaporators were obtained for skim milk, sugar solutions and orange juice. The evaporation rates were affected by flow rates, temperature, concentration and tube material.     

Dynamic Changes of Headspace Gases in CO2 and N2 Packaged Fresh Beef

Two independent experiments were conducted to examine the effects of initial packaging/product conditions and storage conditions on in-package headspace pressure changes for modified atmosphere packaged beef during 12 hr storage. Headspace-to-meat volume ratio 1.8 to 5.9, surface area 200--800 cm², sample volume 0.22–0.75L, storage at 3–13°C and initial gas composition 20–100% CO₂ balanced with N₂ were studied. Headspace-to-meat volume ratio was the most important packaging parameter, but surface area and meat volume also affected headspace CO₂ changes. Decreased storage temperature reduced CO₂ concentration remaining in headspace. Higher initial CO₂ concentration resulted in greater concentration changes.