The main purpose of the report is to present possible reasons and solutions for variation in quality of sugar used in confectionery manufacturing, with focus on chocolate manufacturing, at Cloetta Sverige AB in Ljungsbro. The project has its purpose to optimize the quality of both the sugar and manufacturing processes in a long-term perspective, since the variation in quality of the sugar affects, more or less, all manufacturing processes and causes yield losses.   Cloetta Ljungsbro uses a pneumatic conveying system to transfer the sugar within the factory and when unloading the sugar from delivery trucks. A various of different analyses were performed in order to study the sugar quality; water content analyses in forms of Karl Fischer titration and particle size distribution analyses with help from sieving. During the sugar sampling time period, an observation of the air pressure used by the road tanker while unloading sugar at Cloetta and the lead time as sugar was delivered was executed. Moreover, data of the dew point in the pneumatic conveying system and, both temperature and humidity in the sugar silos, were collected.   As a result, most of the sugar particles breakage occurred somewhere between the delivery road tanker and while in the storage silos. Most likely it is due to the use of high pressure when unloading the sugar that the particle size distribution of the sugar varies, but also causes the temperature to reach a higher temperature than recommended. Furthermore, the water content of the sugar was higher in the beginning of the autumn. Further investigations of the effect of unloading the sugar and storage of sugar should be done, but also analyse the air velocity used within the pneumatic conveying system.

The effects of oxidation by sodium hypochlorite (0, 0.8, 2, and 5%, NaOCl), the presence of endogenous proteins, and amylose content on waxy and common rice flours (WF, CF) and starches (WS, CS) were investigated in terms of in vitro starch digestibility, morphology and surface properties, and thermal and rheological characteristics. The concentration of NaOCl had an effect on all the samples including WF, CF, WS, and CS. The carbonyl and carboxyl group contents increased up to 25 and 10 folds (P < 0.05) of oxidized starches (WS, CS), respectively. Only mild oxidation (P < 0.05) occurred in flours (WF, WS). In addition, endogenous proteins were oxidized according to amino acid analysis and SDS–PAGE results. Glu+Gln, Gly, His, Arg, Tyr, and Lys were more sensitive to NaOCl oxidation. Disulfide bonds, hydrophobic force, and hydrogen bonds were involved in protein polymerization after NaOCl oxidative modification. In granular state, the in vitro starch digestibility of WF, WS, and CS decreased by 5% NaOCl oxidation. After gelatinization, only 2 and 5% oxidized WS had lower digestibility. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy further demonstrated that protein existed on the surface of starch granules and had aggregation by oxidation. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the crystallinity of 5% oxidized flours and starches was reduced compared with all their non-oxidized samples. Thermal and rheological properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and rheometer, respectively. Starch gelatinization peak temperature of flours (WF, RF) was increased by 3 °C, but starches (WS, CS) had a significantly decrease by 8 °C. Viscoelastic patterns were dramatically changed by oxidation. Oxidized WF and CF had increased in both viscosity and elasticity by oxidation, whereas both WS and CS had significantly lower viscoelasticity after oxidative modification.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Subramanyam Bhadriraju / Environmental concerns are growing as new information is being discovered as to what is harmful to the environment. The desire to help the environment along with improving fumigations is a big concern and effects many people. Ongoing research to improve fumigations without harming the environment has shown great promise in advancing technology and lowering the cost in protecting commodities consumed by the consumer. Methyl Bromide (MB) has been the major fumigant used to control stored-product insects for many commodities for many years. There has been a lot of concern surrounding MB because of health and environmental drawbacks. These concerns have caused MB to be reduced by 2005. With the total phase out of MB becoming critical, there is much anticipation as what will be the alternative(s). The research presented in this thesis describes two different and very effective methods of controlling stored product insects. Although there are many other methods of fumigating this thesis analyzes two forms; Sulfuryl Fluoride and Heat. The first presented alternative in this paper will be heat treatments. It has the attraction that chemical forms of treatments do not have by having pesticide-free products. The total cost of heat fumigation depends on the complexity of the lay-out/structure and the cost heaters and electricity. This cost can range anywhere from $15,000-25,000. The second alternative that will be discussed is sulfuryl fluoride. This fumigant has many positive aspects that counter act the negative aspects that have been a concern with methyl bromide treatments. These positive aspects include environmentally safe and fast off-gassing. Sulfuryl fluoride is also very efficacious with stored product insects. The labor costs per job, ProFume shows a cost of about $216.00 less than that of a methyl bromide treatment.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações causadas pela radiação ionizante em diferentes tipos e quantidades de produtos ricos em amido (farinhas de trigo, de mandioca, centeio, trigo integral, polpa de banana verde e milho) nas características reológicas, tecnológicas, físicas e de textura. As amostras foram irradiadas em fonte de 60Co, com doses de 1, 3 e 9kGy, e taxa de dose 2kGy/h. Foram estudadas a energia de deformação e a extensibilidade, para farinhas de trigo forte e fraca e observou-se o comportamento das características reológicas um, cinco e trinta dias após a irradiação. A característica tecnológica estudada, por até 1 mês após irradiação, foi a atividade enzimática das farinhas de trigo forte e fraca irradiadas. As características físicas: altura, peso e perda de umidade e textura de fatias de pães confeccionadas com a substituição parcial (30%) da farinha de trigo por diferentes farinhas irradiadas foram estabelecidas. Os resultados mostraram que com o aumento da dose de radiação houve uma diminuição no valor da atividade enzimática, principalmente a 9kGy, desta forma não haveria necessidade do acréscimo de melhoradores enzimáticos na elaboração de pães. A altura, o peso, e a perda de umidade dos pães apresentaram diversos comportamentos dependendo do tipo de produto utilizado na sua formulação em substituição à farinha de trigo. Com o aumento da dose de radiação aplicada, houve um aumento na altura dos pães, bem como, diminuição da perda de umidade para a farinha de trigo e farinha de trigo contendo 30% de farinha de banana verde. Do ponto de vista tecnológico, a atividade enzimática não foi negativamente afetada pela radiação. Considerando as características estudadas, a aplicação da dose de 9kGy seria recomendável visando a produção de pães de forma. Embora o processo de irradiação seja geralmente aplicado na preservação da qualidade higiênica de produtos alimentícios, a irradiação de farinhas induz algumas características tecnológicas benéficas para seu uso na produção de pães. / In this work, an evaluation of the changes caused by ionizing radiation in different types and quantities of products rich in starch (wheat flour, cassava, rye, whole wheat, green banana pulp and maize) on rheological, technological, physical and texture characteristics was studied. The samples were irradiated in a 60Co source with doses up to 10kGy, and dose rate about 2kGy/h. It was studied the force and the extensibility of strong and weak wheat flours and the rheological behavior was observed for one, five and thirty days after irradiation. The technological characteristic studied for up to 1 month after irradiation, was the enzymatic activity of the irradiated, weak and strong flours. The physical characteristics: height, weight and moisture loss and texture of loaves made with a partial replacement (30%) of wheat flour by different irradiated flours was established. The results showed that with the increase of radiation dose there was an increase of enzymatic activity, especially for higher doses (9kGy). These results corroborate for the understanding that there would be no need of addition of enzymatic improvers for the bread confection. The height, weight, and loss of moisture from the products developed with different substitutions of flours used in the formulations, showed different behaviors. With an increasing of the radiation dose applied, there was an increase in the height of the loaves, as well as a reduced loss of moisture on the products developed with substitution of 30% of the wheat flour with irradiated wheat flour and pulp of green banana flour. From a technological standpoint, the enzymatic activity was not adversely affected by radiation. Considering the characteristics studied, the dose of 9kGy would be recommended seeking the production of loaves. Although the irradiation process is generally applied in the preservation of hygienic quality of food products, its use on different kinds of flours used in bread production may induce some beneficial technological characteristics.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tipo de corte, a temperatura de armazenamento e os materiais de embalagem que proporcionam melhor manutenção da qualidade de melão minimamente processado. No primeiro experimento foram testados dois tipos de corte (cubo e fatia) e três temperaturas de armazenamento (3º, 6º e 9ºC). No segundo experimento os melões minimamente processados em cubos foram acondicionados em diversos materiais de embalagem e armazenados à 3ºC. Os materiais de embalagem foram: AFG: filme poliolefínico com antifog da DuPont 15mm; HP: filme poliolefínico da DuPont 15mm; PD-900: filme poliolefínico da Cryovac 58mm; PEBD: filme de polietileno de baixa densidade 87mm; PP: filme de polipropileno 52mm; BB-200: filme multicamada da Cryovac 65mm e PET: embalagem rígida de polietileno tereftalato. No terceiro experimento foi testado a injeção da mistura gasosa (5% O2 + 20% CO2 + 75% N2) em 3 diferentes materiais de embalagem: BB-200: filme multicamada da Cryovac 65mm; PBC: filme poliolefínico Probag Conservax 64mm e PP: filme de polipropileno 52mm e o armazenamento foi realizado à 3ºC. Melões acondicionados em embalagem com perfurações foram utilizados como controle. Todos os materiais de embalagem utilizados neste trabalho tiveram sua taxa de permeabilidade ao O2 e CO2 determinadas. No primeiro experimento foram determinadas as características físico-químicas e sensoriais a cada 3 dias por um período de 9 dias. No segundo experimento foi realizado um monitoramento da composição gasosa do espaço livre das embalagens durante 8 dias e no 9º dia avaliou-se as características físico-químicas e sensoriais. No terceiro experimento determinou-se as características físico-químicas, sensoriais, microbiológicas e a composição gasosa do espaço livre das embalagens a cada 3 dias durante 12 dias. Os tipos de corte estudados não influenciaram a qualidade do melão. O armazenamento à 3ºC apresentou maior eficiência na manutenção da firmeza e das características sensoriais. Os filmes AFG e HP apresentaram alta taxa de permeabilidade ao O2 e CO2 e praticamente não possibilitaram a modificação da atmosfera. Os filmes PD-900, PEBD, PP e BB-200 apresentaram as menores taxas de permeabilidade aos gases, porém a modificação da atmosfera do interior destes filmes foi pequena. A embalagem rígida, apesar de alta taxa de permeabilidade aos gases, promoveu maior modificação da atmosfera, provavelmente devido à menor relação área de permeação da embalagem/massa de melão, porém o equilíbrio dos gases nesta embalagem só ocorreu após o 6º dia. Em todos os filmes as características físico-químicas foram mantidas, enquanto as características sensoriais foram mantidas apenas nos melões em embalagem de PET. A injeção de 5% de O2 + 20% CO2 + 75% N2 nos filmes BB-200, PP e PBC teve pouca influência nas características sensoriais e físico-química dos melões. Verificou-se que a injeção da mistura gasosa (independente da embalagem) controlou o crescimento de microorganismos e que os melões do controle apresentaram alta contagem de bactérias mesófilas a partir do 9º dia. / The objective of this work was to determine the cut type, storage temperature and packaging materials for better quality maintenance in minimally processed melons. In the first experiment two cut types (cube and slice) and three storage temperatures (3, 6 and 9ºC) were evaluated. In the second experiment minimally processed melon in cubes were wrapped in several packaging materials with passive modified atmosphere and stored at 3ºC. The packaging materials were: AFG: DuPont polyolephinic antifog film 15mm; HP: DuPont polyolephinic film 15 mm, PD-900: Cryovac polyolephinic film 58 mm, PEBD: low density polyethylene film 87 mm, PP: polypropylene film 52 mm; BB-200: Cryovac multlayer film 65mm and PET: rigid polyethylene terephthalate tray. In the third experiment the melons were wrapped in several packaging materials with active modified atmosphere (5% O2 + 20% CO2 + 75% N2) and stored at 3ºC. The packaging materials were: BB-200: Cryovac multlayer film 65mm; PBC: Probag Conservax polyolephinic film 64mm and PP: polypropylene film 52 mm. Melons wrapped in packaging with perforations were used as control. The gas permeability of each film was determined. In the first experiment physical-chemical and sensorial characteristics were determined each 3 days during 9 days. In the second experiment gases composition analyses were monitoring during 8 days and in the 9 th day physical-chemical and sensorial characteristics were determined. In the third experiment physical-chemical, sensorial and microbiological characteristics and the gas composition were evaluated each 3 days during 12 days. Cut types did not influence the melon quality. The storage at 3ºC had higher efficiency maintaining firmness and sensorial characteristics. Films AFG and HP had high rate permeability to O2 and CO2 and practically did not allow atmosphere modification. Films PD-900, PEBD, PP and BB-200 had the smallest rate permeability to gases, even when the modification of the interior atmosphere of these films was small. The rigid packaging despite high permeability rate to the gases, promoted large atmosphere modification, probably due to the smallest relationship permeation area of the packaging: melon mass, but gases balance happened only after the 6 th day. The physical-chemical characteristics were maintained in all films, while the sensorial characteristics were maintained only the PET packing. Modified atmosphere by injection of 5% of O2 + 20% CO2 + 75% N2 showed low influence in the physical-chemical and sensorial characteristics. It was found that the gaseous mixture (independent of the packaging) restricted the microorganisms growth while control showed high mesophilics bacteria count after the 9 th day.

A indústria de comissaria aérea é uma atividade com grandes riscos que afetam diretamente a saúde do consumidor, sendo um desses o tempo, entre 150 horas e 200 horas, decorrido entre o preparo das refeições e o seu consumo. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi validar o sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (HACCP) implementado em uma indústria de comissaria aérea com a finalidade de prover melhorias na inocuidade das refeições servidas a bordo. A presente pesquisa foi composta pela análise de 4.899 laudos de refeições, 1.920 laudos de mãos de manipuladores e 1.200 laudos de superfícies que apresentaram resultados de ensaios microbiológicos realizados durante o período de 1998 a 2005. Os ensaios microbiológicos realizados foram a determinação da população de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, de membros da família Enterobacteriaceae, de Staphylococcus aureus, de Bacillus cereus além da pesquisa de Salmonella spp. Observou-se que após a implantação das medidas de controle, houve uma significativa melhora na evolução da porcentagem das refeições classificadas como \"Seguro\" (Classe A), de 45% no ano de 1998 para cerca de 85% no ano de 2005. O maior número de alimentos em não conformidade com os parâmetros internos da comissaria aérea em estudo foram os pratos frios que, por sua vez, foram os principais responsáveis pelos resultados insatisfatórios para o período em questão. Tal fato pode ser justificado pelo maior número de manipulações a que esses pratos são expostos e ao uso de ingredientes crus e pré-cozidos. O aumento significativo no número de refeições consideradas \"Seguro\" para todos os tipos de pratos mostra que quando as medidas implantadas são efetivas e devidamente fiscalizadas, o sistema HACCP mostra-se útil no controle da disseminação de microrganismos patogênicos veiculados por alimentos. / Airline catering is an activity with high risks that directly affects the health of consumers. A cause of concern in this activity, among opthers, is the time elapsed between the preparation of meals and consumption 150 to 200 hours. - which may allow the growth of undesirable microorganisms. The Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a system that, when properly implemented, provides conditions for the control of pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of the present study was to validate the HACCP implemented in an airline catering industry in order to improve the safety of the meals served on board. This study consisted of the analysis of microbiological reports (4,899 reports on meals, 1,920 on handlers\' hands and 1,200 on surfaces) from 1998 to 2005 comprising pre-and post-HACCP implementation periods. The microbiological assays determined the population of mesophile aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureusand Bacillus cereus. Salmonella spp. analysis were also carried out. After control measures were implemented, a significant increase was observed in the percentage of meals classified as \"Safe\" (Class A) -from 45% in 1998 to about 85% in 2005. The highest number of meals not satisfying the standards was found among the cold dishes. This was accounted for by the fact that they need more manipulation and they are prepared with raw ingredients or cold pre-cooked ingredients. The meaningful increase in the number of meals classified as \"Safe\" for all kind of dishes showed that when the measures implemented are effective and properly inspected, the HACCP system is useful to control the dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms transmitted by foods.

A batata doce (Ipomoea batatas Lam) é um alimento considerado rica fonte de carboidratos, fibras, minerais, vitaminas e também antioxidantes como carotenóides, compostos fenólicos e antocianinas que contribuem na pigmentação natural das raízes de diferentes cultivares e cuja bioatividade tem sido associada com a proteção de células e tecidos no organismo prevenindo e reduzindo o risco de doenças crônicas. Recentemente tem sido despertado interesse pelo desenvolvimento de raízes de batata doce de polpa alaranjada, ricas fontes de carotenóides, como estratégia aliada na solução dos problemas de deficiência de vitamina A no mundo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as concentrações de compostos carotenóides individuais, compostos fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante de raízes de quatro cultivares de batata doce biofortificadas cruas e processadas mediante quatro tratamentos térmicos comuns, usando as técnicas de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, ensaios Folin- Ciocalteu, DPPH e ABTS, respectivamente. Adicionalmente foram feitos medições dos parâmetros de cor usando o sistema Hunter de medida na matéria prima. Todos os cultivares avaliados apresentaram altos teores de carotenóides, com predominância do All-trans--caroteno, sugerindo alta atividade estimada de vitamina A. O cultivar CNPH 1194 apresentou teores consideráveis de carotenóides. Os compostos fenólicos totais variaram entre os cultivares e os processamentos. Os tratamentos térmicos favoreceram, na maioria dos casos, diminuição significativa dos compostos bioativos avaliados, bem como da atividade antioxidante, sendo que a estabilidade destes compostos aparentou ser um fator dependente do cultivar. Houve correlações significativas entre os valores de cor instrumental e os carotenóides, assim como entre os compostos bioativos e a atividade antioxidante dos diferentes cultivares a níveis de 1 e 5%. / Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins and also antioxidants such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds and anthocyanins which provide cultivars with distinctive flesh colors. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that antioxidants have health-promoting properties that may reduce the risk associated with chronic diseases. It has been recently awakened interest in the development of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, rich sources of carotenoids, such as an intervention strategy of combating vitamin A deficiency in the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the accumulation of individual carotenoids, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of roots of four cultivars of sweet potato biofortified raw and processed through four common heat treatments. Techniques of HPLC, Folin- Ciocalteu, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydazyl) and ABTS assays, respectively were used. In addition measurements were made of color parameters using the Hunter system in raw material. All cultivars evaluated have high levels of carotenoids, predominantly All-trans--carotene, suggesting a high estimated vitamin A activity. The cultivar CNPH 1194 showed significant levels of carotenoids. The total phenolic compounds varied among cultivars and heat treatments. The heat treatments favored in most cases a significant decrease in bioactive compounds as well as the antioxidant activity and stability of these compounds appeared to be a factor dependent on the cultivar. There were significant correlations between the values of instrumental color and carotenoids, and bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of cultivars to levels of 1 and 5%.

O morango utilizado pela indústria alimentícia tem seu sabor e aroma bastante valorizados e apreciados, quando comparado com outras frutas. Entretanto, é um produto muito delicado e altamente perecível, exigindo, assim, o uso de técnicas adequadas de colheita e pós-colheita. Para manter sua qualidade e quantidade de produção, observa-se um aumento do uso de agrotóxicos para minimizar prejuízos causados por pragas e doenças do campo. Porém, os pesticidas podem deixar resíduos persistentes nos alimentos e o seu consumo in natura ou industrializado pode ficar comprometido, colocando em risco a saúde do consumidor. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a influência do processamento de morangos, como, minimamente processado, geléia e polpa frente aos resíduos do fungicida procimidona. Em experimento de campo foi aplicado o produto Sumilex 500 WP nos seguintes tratamentos: A testemunha (sem aplicação); B uma única aplicação de 300 g p.c. 100 L-1 água (150 g i.a. 100 L-1 água) e C 3 aplicações sucessivas de 300 g p.c. 100 L-1 água (150 g i.a. 100 L-1 água), com intervalos de 7 dias entre elas. As amostragens foram iniciadas no dia anterior a aplicação do tratamento B (-1 dia) e aos 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 e 15 dias, sendo amostrados frutos in natura, para posterior processamento, como minimamente processado, geléia e polpa. O método de análise consistiu na extração dos resíduos de procimidona com acetato de etila, limpeza do extrato (clean up) feita por cromatografia de exclusão por tamanho molecular de alta eficiência - GPC e determinação quantitativa feita por técnica de cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplado a detector de captura de elétrons - CG/ECD. O método analítico apresentou recuperação em torno de 85,5% com desvio padrão de 7% e limites de quantificação de 0,00076 mg.kg-1 e detecção de 0,00023 mg.kg-1. Os valores de procimidona encontrados em morango não excederam o LMR (3 mg.kg-1) estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, em qualquer um dos períodos de coleta das amostras. Nos tratamentos que receberam aplicações no campo (B e C) os níveis de procimidona decresceram no decorrer do tempo, tanto para o morango in natura como para os produtos processados de morango. Os valores de meia vida de degradação foram de 7-8 dias para ambos os tratamentos. Não houve redução significativa nos níveis de resíduos encontrados no morango in natura, assim como para os obtidos na polpa e minimamente processado. Porém, uma considerável degradação de procimidona foi observada no processo de cozimento, apresentado pela baixa concentração de resíduos na geléia. De maneira geral, a procimidona apresentou maiores níveis no morango in natura e menores na geléia de morango (produto final). / The strawberry used by the food industry has flavor and aroma very valued and appreciated when compared to the other fruits. However, it is a very delicate and highly perishable product, demanding, therefore, the use of appropriate techniques of harvesting and post-harvest. To keep quality and quantity of production, there is an increase of pesticides utilization in order to minimize damages caused by pests and field diseases on the field. However, the pesticides can leave persistent residues in the foods and their consumer fresh or industrialized may be impaired, putting the consumer health at risk. Thus, this work aimed to investigate the influence of the strawberries processing, as, minimally process, jam and pulp front of the waste of fungicide procymidone. In the field experiment, was applied the Sumilex 500 WP product according the treatments: A control (without application); B - a single application for 300 g c.p. 100 L-1 water (150 g a.i. 100 L-1 water) and C - 3 successive applications for 300 g c.p. 100 L-1 water (150 g a.i. 100 L-1 water), with intervals of 7 days between them. The sampling started in the previous day of the last treatment application B (- 1 day). Other sampling were carried through 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 days, and sampled fresh fruit, for further processing, such as minimally process, jam and pulp. The analysis method consisted in extraction with ethyl acetate, cleaning of the extract by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and quantitative determination by gas chromatograph with specific detector of electron capture (GC/ECD). The analytical method presented recovery around 85,5% with errors of 7% and the quantification limits of 0,000076 mg.kg-1 and detection limits of 0,00023 mg.kg-1. The procymidone values found in strawberry did not exceed the maximum residues limits (3 mg.kg-1) fixed by brazilian legislation, in any periods of harvest. In the treatments that received application on the field (B and C) the procymidone levels decreased in the course of the study, as fresh strawberry as for process product of strawberry. The half-life values of degradation were of 7-8 days to the both treatments. There was no significant reduction in the residue levels found in strawberry fresh, pulp and minimally process. But, a considerable degradation of procymidone was observed in the cooking process, showing by low residues concentrations in the jam. Overall, the procymidone showed higher residues in fresh strawberry and lower on strawberry jam (final product).

Le renforcement du secteur de la transformation agroalimentaire est reconnu comme un élément moteur de développement des pays d’Afrique subsaharienne, face à une importante croissance démographique accompagnée d’un fort taux d’urbanisation. Si les entreprises agroalimentaires créent localement de la valeur ajoutée et dynamisent la production agricole, elles éprouvent des difficultés pour se doter d’équipements efficients et assurer leur fourniture énergétique.Les méthodes de conception et d’optimisation des procédés agroalimentaires sont encore peu développées, du fait de la complexité de ces systèmes (composition et propriétés de l’aliment, variabilité et évolution de sa qualité, ...) dont la modélisation n’est pas aisée car elle requiert des connaissances pluridisciplinaires.Ce travail se propose de mettre en œuvre une méthode intégrée, déjà éprouvée dans d’autres domaines industriels, la méthode « Observation-Interprétation-Agrégation (O.I.A.) », et de l’appliquer à un procédé couplant une unité de conversion biomasse énergie à un séchoir de produits céréaliers. L’apport de bioénergie pour le séchage, opération très pratiquée en Afrique de l’Ouest mais énergivore constitue un enjeu pour les entreprises. La conception de ce procédé prend en compte des objectifs variés comme la qualité du produit séché, la fabrication locale et l’efficacité énergétique des équipements et ce, pour en garantir une meilleure durabilité.Dans une première partie, les modèles de transfert de chaleur et de perte de pression associés à un turbulateur elliptique innovant sont créés. Cet élément s’insère dans les tubes d’un échangeur de chaleur et améliore nettement le transfert thermique. Dans un deuxième temps, les variables de conception et d’observation du procédé sont définies et justifiées. Les modèles de représentation des différentes opérations unitaires sont développés et assemblés dans un simulateur afin de prédire les performances du procédé. Dans une dernière partie, le simulateur est intégré dans un environnement d’optimisation multicritère apte à formaliser, interpréter puis agréger les préférences des utilisateurs finaux. Ce processus s’appuie sur un algorithme génétique. La pertinence des solutions de conception du procédé performantes produites révèle tout l’intérêt et la performance de la méthode O.I.A. Le concepteur dispose ainsi d’éléments objectifs pour faire des choix et aller vers la réalisation d’installations de séchage durables en Afrique de l’Ouest. / The reinforcement of the food processing sector is recognized as a driving factor for the development of sub-Saharan African countries, faced with considerable major demographic growth accompanied by a high rate of urbanization. While the agribusiness companies generate added value locally and boost agricultural production, they find difficulties in obtaining efficient equipment and securing their energy supply.Agribusiness process design and optimization methods are still underdeveloped, due to the complexity of these systems (food composition and properties, variable and changing quality, etc.), modelling of which is not easy since it requires multidisciplinary knowledge.This work proposes to implement an integrated method, already proven in other industrial fields, the “Observation-Interpretation-Aggregation” method (OIA), and apply it to a process coupling a biomass energy conversion unit to a cereal products dryer. The bioenergy supply for drying, a very common practice in West Africa despite being energy-intensive, represents a challenge for the companies. The design of this process takes into account the various objectives such as quality of the dried product, local manufacture and the energy efficiency of the equipment, in order to guarantee better sustainability.First of all, the models for heat transfer and pressure loss associated with an innovative elliptic turbulator are created. This component is inserted into the tubes of a heat exchanger, and significantly improves heat transfer. Secondly, the process design and observation variables are defined and justified. The representation models of the various unit operations are developed and brought together in a simulator, in order to predict the process performances. Finally, the simulator is integrated into a multicriteria optimization environment able to formalize, interpret and then aggregate end user preferences. This procedure is based on a genetic algorithm. The relevance of the high-performance design solutions produced reveals the full benefit and performance of the OIA method. In this way, the designer obtains objective information on which to base their choices, and develop sustainable drying facilities for West Africa.

A goiaba é uma fruta saudável para consumo, oferece níveis elevados de licopeno, vitamina C e fibras e constitui-se numa boa opção ao processamento mínimo. Entretanto, o ponto de colheita e o controle da senescência são questões importantes para o sucesso do processamento. O objetivo do trabalho foi definir o melhor estádio de maturação para o processamento mínimo, em rodelas, de goiabas Kumagai e Pedro Sato, bem como utilizar meios de controlar a senescência desses frutos, como o 1- Metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) e atmosfera modificada. Primeiramente, foi conduzida uma avaliação dos melhores estádios de maturação das goiabas para o processamento mínimo. Os frutos de ambas as variedades foram colhidos em 3 estádios de maturação definidos pela cor da casca em verde, verde-claro e verde-amarelado. Análises físicoquímicas e sensoriais ocorreram no início do experimento e a cada 3 dias durante 9 dias. As goiabas do estádio verde obtiveram notas abaixo do limite de aceitabilidade quanto à aparência durante as avaliações. Porém, nas goiabas dos estádios de maturação mais avançados, foram observados intensa perda de firmeza e escurecimento da polpa na região placentária, características de senescência. No segundo experimento, goiabas dos estádios verde-claro e verde-amarelado foram submetidas, antes do processamento, ao tratamento com 1-MCP por 0, 3, 6 e 12 horas, para escolha do tempo ideal de exposição dos frutos ao produto. As análises físicoquímicas seguiram de acordo com o experimento anterior. A determinação da atividade respiratória e da produção de etileno foram realizadas diariamente durante 9 dias. O pico respiratório e a elevação da concentração de etileno foram evidenciados no dia do processamento em ambas as variedades e em todos os tratamentos. Isto ocorre, provavelmente, devido às injúrias ocasionadas pelo processamento. Contudo os tratamentos em que as goiabas ficaram expostas ao 1-MCP por 12 horas reduziram a atividade respiratória e a produção de etileno das goiabas, mantendo a qualidade físicoquímica durante o armazenamento. No terceiro experimento foram estudados seis materiais de embalagem, os quais foram selecionados em função da manutenção de qualidade dos produtos minimamente processados. As análises físico-químicas ocorreram no início e ao final dos 9 dias de armazenamento. Nesse período, o monitoramento da composição gasosa foi realizado diariamente. As embalagens de polipropileno e polietileno de baixa densidade, sob atmosfera modificada passiva, foram eficientes, permitindo a conservação e manutenção da qualidade das goiabas. No último experimento foi avaliada a combinação dos melhores resultados obtidos anteriormente. O processamento mínimo das duas variedades ocorreu simultaneamente, com objetivo de se obter um mix de goiabas brancas e vermelhas, proporcionando, assim, um visual mais atrativo. Goiabas do estádio verde-amarelado, minimamente processadas, tratadas por 12 horas com 1-MCP e embaladas com filme de polipropileno de 52µm conseguiram manter sua qualidade, viabilizando, assim, a combinação das técnicas de controle da senescência. / The guava is a healthy fruit, offer high levels of lycopene, vitamin C and fibers, being a good option to the minimal processing. However, the harvest point and senescence control are important for the processing success. The objective of this work was to define the best ripening stage for the minimal processing, in round slices, of Kumagai and Pedro Sato guavas, as well as means of controlling the senescence of theses fruits, as the 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere. Firstly, the evaluation of the best ripening stages was conducted. The fruits of both varieties were harvested at 3 ripening stages defined by the skin color in green, light-green and yellowish-green. In the beginning of the experiment, physical-chemical and sensorial analyses took place every 3 days during 9 days. The green ones obtained low acceptability grades as to their appearance during evaluations. However, the yellowishgreen ones lost their firmness and gained a browning flesh. In the second experiment, the light-green and yellowish-green guavas were submitted, before the processing, to treatment with 1-MCP per 0, 3, 6 and 12 hours, in order to choose the best time of exposure of the fruit to the product. The physical-chemical analyses were equal to the previous experiment. The respiratory activity and ethylene production were achieved daily during 9 days. The respiratory peak and the increase of ethylene concentration were observed in the day of the processing in both varieties as well as in all treatments, probably due to injuries caused by the cuts. However, the treatment in which the guavas were exposed to 1-MCP for 12 hours had their respiratory activity and ethylene production reduced, thus keeping the physical-chemical qualities storage. In the third experiment, six packaging materials were studied, being selected according to the quality of the guavas. The physical-chemical analyses took place in the beginning and the end of the 9 days of storage. In this period the monitoring of gas composition was accomplished daily. The packagings of polypropylene and low density polyethylene films, under passive modified atmosphere, were efficient in keeping the quality of guavas. In the last experiment, the combination of the best results of the previous experiments was evaluated. The minimal processing of the two varieties was performed simultaneously, obtaining a mix of white and red guavas, thus achieving a more attractive look. Yellowish-green guavas treated with 1-MCP per 12 hours and packed with polypropylene film (52µm) the keeping the quality, thus enabling the combination of two techniques of senescence control.