Operation of biofilm reactors for the food industry using CFD (Cap. 25)

Abstract

Biofilm formation in the food industry is a major concern due to the severe economic impact and associated health risks. This process is strongly affected by hydrodynamics and therefore the knowledge of flow characteristics in different food process areas is crucial for the development of more efficient biofilm control strategies. This development relies on the possibility of obtaining reproducible biofilms in the laboratory using biofilm reactors that mimic the conditions found in typical food processes. These reactors are then used to optimize cleaning and disinfection protocols or even to test new surfaces and operational conditions that delay biofilm formation or decrease its resistance. This chapter describes the most widely used reactors that enable biofilm formation in controlled hydrodynamic conditions and where CFD has been used to determine relevant flow characteristics, including the shear rate and shear stress. The information extracted from these biofilm reactors is extremely important not only to optimize process conditions during production, cleaning and disinfection, but also to introduce modifications in process equipment towards a more hygienic design.