Simulation of heat transfer to a canned corn starch dispersion subjected to axial rotation

A finite element based simulation software (FIDAP) was used to solve the governing mass, momentum and energy transport equations for heating a 3.5% corn starch dispersion (STD) at 121°C in a 303×406 axially rotating can. A thermorheological model for the STD was incorporated into the program. Results revealed non-uniform temperature distribution with different slowest heating point (SHP) in the can when it was stationary and continuously rotating at 15 and 146 rpm. At 146 rpm, a highly viscous layer of gelatinized starch that formed at the can wall hindered heat transfer in the radial direction resulting in slower heat penetration than at 0 and 15 rpm.