Over the years, Dr. Poonam Rani’s research has spanned a diverse range of topics across thermal processing, food engineering, and computational modeling. Her work integrates experimental investigation, pilot-scale and industrial validation, and advanced modeling techniques to drive innovation in food processing technologies.
Spray Drying & Energy Efficiency
- Developed mathematical models for energy balance in multi-stage spray dryers, enabling the prediction and optimization of specific energy consumption.
- Conducted pilot-scale and industrial-scale spray drying trials to improve the energy efficiency of dairy powder production.
- Demonstrated the potential for significant energy savings through optimization of pre-processing steps and viscosity control.
- Focused on the functional characterization of milk powders and addressed key challenges in achieving end-user quality standards.
- Collaborated on the integration of data capture systems, real-time sensors, and monitoring dashboards into upgraded spray drying systems, advancing process digitalization and parameter optimization.
Food Drying Technologies
- Performed energy and exergy flow assessments in mixed-mode solar dryers to identify energy loss points.
- Improved drying performance and product quality using finned collectors, enhancing thermal efficiency.
- Evaluated the economic feasibility of solar drying systems.
- Investigated chemical and ultrasound pre-treatments to enhance drying kinetics and product quality in convective drying of pineapple slices.
- Collaborated on the optimization of osmotic air drying of banana slices, contributing to improved process efficiency and product texture.
Computational Modeling & Simulation
- Conducted finite element-based parametric studies to augment heat transfer in semicircular loop fin and baffle-integrated solar collectors.
- Developed computational models to simulate heat and mass transfer in mixed-mode and indirect solar dryers, targeting energy efficiency improvements.
- Visualized 3D air circulation patterns, heat transfer regimes, and moisture migration during natural and forced convection to assess drying uniformity.
- Modeled moisture migration during convective drying of pineapple rings, accounting for non-isotropic shrinkage and variable transport properties.
Ready-to-Eat Foods & Extrusion
- Developed and optimized a variety of ready-to-eat (RTE) puffed products, multigrain flakes using extrusion technology.
- Enhanced product texture, taste, and nutritional profile through fermentation and extrusion optimization.
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