An operational model for the optimal operation of the freeze-drying process

8 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables.-- XL Jornadas de Automática: libro de actas, Ferrol, 4-6 de septiembre de 2019.-- Atribución-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0In this work an operational mathematical model for the freeze-drying process is derived. The model describes the state variables related to product quality and stability. Computational issues associated to the presence of a moving front are approached by using the Landau transform. Unknown model parameters are estimated using experimental data. The model is used to design optimal operation policies that reduce the process duration ensuring product qualityThe authors acknowledge the financial support received from E.U. H2020 research and innovation programme (CoPro project, No 723575) and E.U. 7th Framework Programme (CAFE Project, KBBE-2007-2-3-01)Peer reviewe