Computational techniques used in heat transfer studies on canned liquid-particulate mixtures

•This review highlights modeling considerations in thermal processing applications.•Thermal process modeling has been quite diverse both from techniques and analytical point of view.•The manuscript provides a critical review and highlights from currently used approaches.•Dimensionless correlations useful in heat transfer related to thermal processing are highlighted.•Optimization approaches for the evaluation of thermal processes are discussed.

Mathematical and predictive modeling through experimental and computer simulation techniques and the various optimization procedures form the three facets of studies on heat transfer modeling. Recent revolution in the computational capabilities has inspired the use of various advanced computer based procedures like artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, computational fluid dynamics, advanced numerical simulations etc.; although the use of traditional analytical procedures is still significant. Thermal processing is a mature technology that has been extensively studied and widely accepted for commercial applications for producing shelf-stable food products. This review brings to perspective, the current status of the various methods available with respect to the thermal processing of canned particulate liquid foods. Various models developed by researchers are highlighted and a summary of the associated ideas are presented.