Constraint modelling of food processing systems

The aim in the production of foodstuffs is to process the product as efficiently as possible without compromising quality. In general, these goals are in conflict and a compromise is sought. This paper presents a constraint modelling technique that can be employed to manage these issues. This method has the advantage that it allows the production process to be modelled together with the food properties. Optimization techniques have been implemented to help to resolve conflicts and to identify improvements to the overall process. Applications are given from the area of machine-product interaction and machinery optimization.