Numerical simulation and validation of ice filling process for ice slurry precooling box packaging of broccoli

Abstract

[Objective] In order to solve the problem of uniformity of ice crystal distribution in the process of ice slurry filling. [Methods] Taking broccoli as the research object, the physical model of packing broccoli in carton was established, and the effects of ice filling speed and ice filling Angle on ice crystal distribution uniformity during the ice filling process were analyzed by CFD simulation, so as to determine appropriate ice filling process parameters. [Results] The ice-filling speed and filling angle significantly impact the uniformity of ice crystal distribution. Both excessively low and high ice-filling speeds were detrimental to achieving uniform ice distribution. Tilting the filling angle results in inadequate coverage of fluidized ice on the upper layers of broccoli within the container. [Conclusion] Maintaining a horizontal angle and an ice-filling speed of 3 m/s yields the most uniform distribution of ice crystals, meeting the pre-cooling requirements for broccoli and enabling a certain duration of low-temperature storage.

Keywords

• broccoli
• ice slurry
• precooling
• packaging
• cfd
• ice filling rate
• ice filling angle