DEM Simulation of Flow Characteristics of Digital Flavor Encapsulation Particles

Flavor delivery systems are widely used in food applications such as coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks and chewing gum to protect volatile flavors and deliver them to in a consumer application upon a specific trigger (e.g., dissolution). It is important that these flavor particles are stable against elevated humidity and temperature conditions, and they should ideally have excellent flow properties without the help of flow aids.

In this application study we apply Discrete Element Methodology modeling to simulate the flow and mixing behavior of spherical particles to simulate the processing of these flavor products. Experimentally we conducted both static angle and dynamic angle of repose measurements on different flavor particles. In particular, we focus on the effect of particle size on flow properties in a rotating drum at around 1-50 rpm. We compare the agreement between measurements and simulations. This approach allows prediction of the bulk properties of this orange-flavored product, and it could also be used to predict the behavior of these flavors in a client’s final product, for example when blended with coffee or tea to ensure flavor uniformity.

Presented as part of the virtual ATCx DEM in November 2022.
Speaker: Dr. Rutger M.T. van Sleeuwen, Principal Scientist, Materials Science R&D, Firmenich, Inc
Duration: 20 minutes