In this contribution, an integrated computer aided design framework is presented that allows for the improvement of one of the most relevant processes in the fish canning industry, namely sterilization in batch retorts. The aspects to be covered are the modelling and simulation of the process, its optimization and the implementation of the optimal policies through feed-back control. Special emphasis will be placed on the last point by establishing connections between design and process control. In that respect, advanced control structures are suggested and justified on the basis of their robustness and performance-in handling nonlinearities derived from the batch nature of the process. This is particularly important when the system is operating at low energy consumption rates or in tracking variable time-temperature profiles (VRT). The advantages and limitations of these control structures will also be examined.
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