Leo Pappukutty Luke

Leo Pappukutty Luke

Email: c1051719@hallam.shu.ac.uk
Research Centre: NCEFE
PhD Thesis Title: From laboratory to industrial scale: model based-MEF processing to decarbonize food manufacturing.
Director of Studies: Dr. Hongwei Zhang
Supervisors: Dr. James Spendlove, Dr. Walid Issa

SUMMARY

I am a Mechanical Engineer specializing in Automation, Control, and Robotics, with a research focus on Model-based Modern Electric Field (MEF)/ Ohmic Heating in food processing. At the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE), my work is dedicated to bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale operations.

My aim is to decarbonize food manufacturing through the development of advanced control systems and the application of machine learning techniques, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of food systems.

RESEARCH

My project aims to advance the application of Moderate Electric Field (MEF) processing for sustainable food production. Our objectives include developing sophisticated hybrid MEF processing models, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Lattice Boltzmann models, that account for the physicochemical properties of food materials in Ohmic Heaters. We will also develop intelligent, model-based controllers capable of adapting to diverse raw materials, products, heating geometries, and process stages.

Additionally, we will address implementation challenges of scaling MEF processing technology to industrial levels on different food products in different applications such as cooking, pasteurizing, and sterilizing, investigating issues like size limitations, novel electrode designs, fouling, and electrode corrosion.

This research will contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of food manufacturing by enhancing process efficiency and effectiveness.