Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a simpler and more robust mechanism for transporting materials to be dried through a vacuum microwave chamber in rotating containers. The apparatus (20) has a vacuum chamber (22), an input end (26) to introduce a container (24) into the chamber, and a discharge end (28) to remove the container. The container has spur gear teeth (60) extending along its outer circumferential surface. The apparatus has a single roller (42) having spur gear teeth (46) extending along its outer circumferential surface. The spur gear teeth of the roller mesh with the spur gear teeth of the container such that rotation of the roller about its longitudinal axis rotates the container. The apparatus also includes means for holding the container on the roller, means for moving the container through the chamber, a microwave generator 76 arranged for transmission of microwave radiation from the generator into the chamber, and means for reducing pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for microwave vacuum-drying of organic materials such as food products. The dehydration apparatus (20) has a vacuum chamber (24) with an input module (28) at one end and a discharge module (32) at the other. The vacuum chamber has access doors (80) spaced between the input end (30) and the discharge end (34) which provide operator and maintenance access. Microwave generators (86) are mounted on each access door and arranged to radiate through a microwave chamber and microwave-transparent window on the access door into the vacuum chamber. A pair of rollers (60) in the vacuum chamber rotates the container of organic material (112) about a horizontal axis, and a chain drive (64) pulls the containers along the rollers through the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for microwave vacuum-drying of organic materials such as food products. The dehydration apparatus (20) has a vacuum chamber (24) with an input module (28) at one end and a discharge module (32) at the other. The vacuum chamber has access doors (80) spaced between the input end (30) and the discharge end (34) which provide operator and maintenance access. Microwave generators (86) are mounted on each access door and arranged to radiate through a microwave chamber and microwave-transparent window on the access door into the vacuum chamber. A pair of rollers (60) in the vacuum chamber rotates the container of organic material (112) about a horizontal axis, and a chain drive (64) pulls the containers along the rollers through the vacuum chamber.