Mathematical modeling of the heat transfer process and protein denaturation during the thermal treatment of Patagonian marine crabs

► Heat transfer during the thermal processing of crabs was numerically simulated. ► Thermal denaturation kinetics of proteins during heating was determined by DSC. ► Protein denaturation kinetics and thermal penetration data were coupled. ► Adequate conditions for meat detachment from crab exoskeleton are established. ► Results contribute to determine optimal heating times for crab industrialization.