Hybrid digital twin for organic-acid brine processing
A hybrid mechanistic–data-driven digital twin platform designed to predict pH changes in vegetable and meat inclusions during organic acid brining, optimizing manufacturing conditions and reducing variability.
Overview
The hybrid digital twin platform is an innovative solution developed to enhance the processing of vegetable and meat inclusions in organic acid brining. By accurately predicting pH changes through a combination of mechanistic and data-driven models, this technology addresses the challenges of variability in acidification. It provides clear, manufacturing-relevant outputs to optimize conditions and reduce trial-and-error in achieving target pH levels, improving product consistency and scalability.
Technical specifications
- Hybrid modeling approach: Integrates first-principles transport modeling with machine-learning surrogates.
- Predictive capabilities: Forecasts surface and core pH trajectories, time-to-target pH, and final equilibrium pH.
- Comprehensive framework: Considers diffusion, buffering, geometry, and matrix properties.
- Manufacturing tool: Outputs actionable conditions such as acid strength and dwell time using a COMSOL/Python tool.
- Validation process: Includes experimental calibration with various inclusions and acids across different sizes.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this platform is in the development and validation phase. It involves model development, experimental calibration, and tool deployment over three years. The project aims for a manufacturing-ready decision tool by the end of the timeline.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a comprehensive, STEM‑focused public research university within Switzerland’s ETH Domain, recognized for large‑scale, interdisciplinary science and engineering. Industry engages on the Hönggerberg “Science City” campus through co‑located laboratories, prototyping spaces, and collaboration suites, and via a joint translational center with the University of Zurich that links researchers to clinical partners. A Basel campus positions faculty and students alongside one of Europe’s densest pharma‑biotech ecosystems, streamlining sponsored research and talent pipelines. Research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, and competitive European programs. ETH transfer provides IP management, licensing, and startup support to accelerate commercialization.
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