Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method for microwave drying conducted at a higher microwave energization level while avoiding scorching of the material. The increasing energization includes the formation and interruption of chains of particles of the material in mutual contact and extending transverse to the flow of material and in line with the electric field of the energization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of bulk material, as e.g. heating to dry pasta (macaroni products), involves turning the individual pieces of bulk material and displacing them relatively to one another during treatment, and takes place in a throughflow fluidized bed. In one form heating is effected with microwaves, a fluidized bed duct acting as wave guide tube. Multistage processes are disclosed, including a pair of sub-steps involving separate heating and subsequent drying, at least the former utilizing microwave heating. The sub-steps can take place in separate treatment ducts which share a common air circulation duct, both the treatment ducts forming an integral unit.