Validação do processo de mistura do setor de produto semi acabado em uma indústria de gelatina

Abstract

Gelatin is a product derived from the hydrolysis of native collagen, which comes from animal skins and bones. Additionally, gelatin stands out as a highly versatile product, being applied in various sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, among others. In this context, the production process of the gelatin industry involves multiple unit operations, making it a relatively complex process with many variables. This work was conducted in a gelatin industry located in northern Paraná, named Gelprime Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Alimentícios Ltda, to validate the mixing process in the semi-finished product sector of the factory, specifically in relation to its current mixing parameter, which is set at 15 minutes. Samples from 15 batches were collected during unloading, with 10 samples taken from each batch for subsequent physicochemical analyses. Each sample was subjected to viscosity, turbidity, color (transmittance at a wavelength of 450 nm), and clarity (transmittance at a wavelength of 620 nm) tests. The results of these analyses were statistically evaluated using the coefficient of variation to assess the variability of the results within each data set. Additionally, analytical efficacy was ensured by comparing the obtained results with the deviation established by the limits of the statistical process control (SPC) chart. During the collections, an operational deviation was observed during the unloading of some batches; however, it was not considered in the validation as it was a manual error. Finally, the coefficient of variation results obtained from each batch were consistent and of low magnitude, indicating the effectiveness of the mixing process homogenization under the current parameter.