Ouagadougou: Rimnogdo Wilfried Ou©draogo has successfully defended his doctoral thesis in applied physics from Joseph Ki Zerbo University, presenting a groundbreaking study on enhancing the thermal performance of fish smoking equipment in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Ou©draogo’s research introduces a ‘deformed channel’ as a viable alternative to traditional straight channels in fish smoking processes. On Friday, April 25, 2025, he showcased his findings at Joseph Ki Zerbo University, emphasizing the potential of this innovation to reduce energy costs significantly. His thesis, entitled “Numerical study of heat and mass transfers in a deformed channel: Application to smoking and drying fish,” was well-received by an international jury.
The research aims to assist industry stakeholders in better preserving their products by improving heat and mass transfers within the channel. Dr. Ou©draogo explains that the deformed channel exhibits enhanced transfer peaks at the channel neck, crucial for efficient smoking and drying. He notes that the influence of wall deformation diminishes with increased flow velocity, specifically at a Reynolds number of 1500, resulting in a plateau effect for temperature and mass fraction profiles.
His numerical simulations suggest that specific conditions-such as a deformation ratio of neck to channel cross-section radii between 1/6 and 1/3, combined with a Reynolds number between 500 and 1000-are optimal for the drying and smoking process. Conversely, in a straight channel, heat and mass transfers improve with higher Reynolds numbers but decrease as the fluid progresses.
The physicist proposes constructing prototype smokehouses based on his research to replace less efficient traditional models. The jury awarded Dr. Ou©draogo a very honorable mention, acknowledging the scientific rigor and practical implications of his work.
Professor Si© Kam, president of the jury, praised Dr. Ou©draogo’s ability to tackle a complex subject with innovative solutions. The thesis director, Wensida Serge Igo, commended the researcher’s determination and the significant impact of his work on both the scientific community and Burkina Faso’s fish industry.