Relationship between proximate chemical composition and thermal diffusivity of a commercial pelagic and demersal species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17268/agroind.sci.2026.02.11Keywords:
Seleccionado:thermal diffusivity, proximate composition, pelagic species, demersal species, fish processingAbstract
Thermal diffusivity is a key property for the design and optimization of thermal processes in the fish processing industry, as it is closely related to the chemical composition of the raw material. This study aimed to determine the thermal diffusivity of a pelagic species (Scomber japonicus peruanus) and a demersal species (Merluccius gayi peruanus), and to analyze its relationship with their proximate composition. Thermal diffusivity was estimated from heat penetration curves using the reduced driving force method, while proximate composition was determined following AOAC official procedures. The demersal species (merluza) showed higher moisture content (≈82.1%) and lower lipid levels (≈0.4%), which were associated with higher thermal diffusivity (3.96 × 10⁻⁴ m²/h). In contrast, the pelagic species (caballa) exhibited lower moisture (≈70.5%) and higher lipid content (≈5.3%), resulting in lower thermal diffusivity (3.28 × 10⁻⁴ m²/h). The results demonstrate that moisture positively influences thermal diffusivity, while lipids have a negative effect. This information is relevant for improving the design, control, and energy efficiency of thermal processes in the fish processing industry.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fredy Crispin-Sanchez, Fabiola Olivares-Ponce, Raúl Porturas-Olaechea, Tatiana Vergara Miranda, Rodrigo Gamarra Navarrete, Dalia Gallardo Ramirez, Oscar Amado Crisóstomo Gordillo

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