Considerations in Calculating Kinetic Parameters From Experimental Data

Engineers require quantitative models to design and optimize processes. In the food industry, these process models become very complex because of the unique physical/chemical characteristics and variability of the raw material. Furthermore, frequently data describing rates of reactions and/or changes in foods are generated by food scientists who are not thoroughly familiar with reaction models. Analysis of those data to obtain parameters for reaction models thus becomes critical. In this paper, calculating kinetic parameters from experimental data is examined, and suggestions are presented for determining reaction rates and temperature dependence.