Abstract: A microwave mode stirrer apparatus having a stirring member with microwave-transmissive regions is disclosed, along with methods of performing microwave stirring using the microwave mode-stirring apparatus. The microwave-transmissive regions can be in the form of holes or can include microwave-transmissive material. The stirring member can have a variety of configurations, and the microwave-transmissive regions can have a variety of sizes and shapes. A microwave oven that uses the mode stirrer apparatus for drying green ceramic-forming bodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave mode stirrer apparatus having a stirring member with microwave-transmissive regions is disclosed, along with methods of performing microwave stirring using the microwave mode-stirring apparatus. The microwave-transmissive regions can be in the form of holes or can include microwave-transmissive material. The stirring member can have a variety of configurations, and the microwave-transmissive regions can have a variety of sizes and shapes. A microwave oven that uses the mode stirrer apparatus for drying green ceramic-forming bodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling drying of ceramic greenwares accounting for the load presented to a radio-frequency (RF) source of an RF applicator to reduce the risk of overheating greenware during drying. The method includes partially drying the greenware and then substantially drying the greenware with RF radiation. The RF radiation provided to an electrode region is controlled based on the number of greenware pieces within the electrode region at a given time. The system includes a control unit electrically connected to the electrode and configured to provide a select RF voltage to the electrode based on the number of greenwares within the electrode region. The system adjusts at least one input voltage from a power supply. The adjusted voltage is stepped-up, DC-rectified to form a plate voltage, and then converted by a high-frequency DC/AC convertor to the select high-frequency AC RF voltage needed to dry the greenwares without overheating.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content.

Abstract: Camera monitoring systems (100) and methods for monitoring the drying of greenware (22) in an electromagnetic (EM) dryer applicator (12) are disclosed. At least one illuminator (120) is arranged relative to the applicator and provides visible illumination light (124) to the applicator interior (16) through at least one corresponding EM-reflective side window (200) to form an interior illuminated region (161) through which the greenware pass. A camera unit (110) is arranged relative to the applicator and to a camera opening (170S?) formed therein. The camera unit includes a housing (250) with an EM-blocking channel section (320) configured to substantially block EM radiation (36) from reaching the camera lens (260). The camera unit captures electronic images (SI) of the greenware as they pass through the illuminated region. The electronic images having sufficient resolution to resolve at least one greenware drying defect (400). At least one display (140) is used to display the electronic images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling drying of ceramic greenwares in a manner that accounts for the load presented to a radio-frequency (RF) source of an RF applicator to reduce the risk of overheating greenware during drying. The method includes partially drying the greenware and then substantially drying the greenware with RF radiation. The amount of RF radiation provided to an electrode region is controlled based on the number of greenware pieces within the electrode region at a given time. The system includes a control unit electrically connected to the electrode and configured to provide a select RF voltage to the electrode based on the number of greenwares within the electrode region. The system adjusts at least one input voltage from a power supply. The adjusted voltage is stepped-up, DC-rectified to form a plate voltage, and then is converted by a high-frequency DC/AC convertor to the select high-frequency AC RF voltage needed to dry the greenwares without overheating.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content.

Abstract: A method for drying a ceramic article comprises providing microwave radiation from a microwave generating source, providing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a middle portion and at least one end, and exposing the ceramic honeycomb structure to the microwave radiation while shielding the at least one end from directly receiving the microwave radiation, such that the radiation absorbed by the middle portion is equal to or greater than the radiation absorbed by the at least one end, and the proper drying of the entire honeycomb structure without heat-induced structural degradation is thus ensured.

Abstract: A method for drying a ceramic article comprises providing microwave radiation from a microwave generating source, providing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a middle portion and at least one end, and exposing the ceramic honeycomb structure to the microwave radiation while shielding the at least one end from directly receiving the microwave radiation, such that the radiation absorbed by the middle portion is equal to or greater than the radiation absorbed by the at least one end, and the proper drying of the entire honeycomb structure without heat-induced structural degradation is thus ensured.