Parametric Analysis for Predicting Freezing Time of Infinitely Slab-Shaped Food

A computer program was developed in order to predict freezing times of homogeneous food which may be approximated by infinite slabs. For this solution we assume temperature dependent thermophysical properties, together with symmetric or nonsymmetric convective and radiative heat exchange imposed at the boundaries. Through application of a statistical analysis, all dimensionless groups that have a significant influence in the rate of heat transfer were selected and used to develop a regression equation for the prediction of freezing times, by applying a central composite experimental design. This equation is applicable to the wide range of parametric values encountered during commercial operations. The reliability of the computer program and regression equation developed was verified experimentally.