Abstract: An installation for drying organic matter, especially kitchen and food wastes or other biological matter, including matter that contains packaging residues, napkins, straws or the like. The installation comprises the following components: (a) a vacuum mixer (M) having a closable charging opening for introducing the organic matter and a closable discharge opening, disposed at the bottom or laterally towards the bottom, for the dried matter, (b) at least one vacuum pump (VP) for evacuating the air in the mixer to generate the vacuum, the pump being connected to at least one evacuation tube mounted above the maximum filling level in the housing of the mixer (M), (c) a heater (H) for heating the organic matter, (d) at least one condenser (K), connected to the air evacuation duct (AL) of the vacuum pump (VP) and having a cooling unit (KA) connected thereto to condense the evacuated air, and (e) a discharge duct (AW) for the condensate obtained from the evacuated air by cooling in the condenser (K).

Abstract: A former unit (20) as a drying apparatus includes four irradiation zones (31-34) in a main casing (21). Each of the irradiation zones (31-34) contains one tray unit (10). Each of the tray units (10) contains four transfer trays (14) aligned in the vertical direction. Each of the transfer trays (14) carries wet PTFE powder. In the former unit (20), the tray units (10) sequentially move from the first irradiation zone (31) to the fourth irradiation zone (34). A microwave is applied to the transfer trays (14) in the tray unit (10) from the left in the first irradiation zone (31), from behind in the second irradiation zone (32), from the front in the third irradiation zone (33), and from the right in the fourth irradiation zone.

Abstract: An undried honeycomb formed body 41 is subjected to high-frequency heating in an atmosphere where humidity and temperature are maintained at 30 to 65% and 75 to 130° C., respectively, such that 50 to 99 mass % of water contained in the undried honeycomb formed body 41 is evaporated at the end of high-frequency heating, whereby the amount of water vaporized from the outer part of the undried honeycomb formed body 41 is increased, thereby reducing a difference between amount of water vaporized from the inner part of the undried honeycomb formed body 41 and that of water vaporized from the outer part thereof as well as reducing a difference between drying degree of the inner part of the undried honeycomb formed body 41 and that of the outer part thereof, thereby producing a dried honeycomb formed body 42 in which deformation of the partition walls is suppressed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying ceramic green bodies include providing one or more ceramic green bodies in a microwave heating chamber operatively connected to a microwave source and a PLC. The total mass of the ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber is determined. Microwave energy is generated with the microwave source and transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber. A transmitted power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is measured with power sensors. The reflected power of reflected microwave energy reflected back from the microwave heating chamber is also measured. The power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is adjusted based on the total mass of ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber, the measured transmitted power and the measured reflected power.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for dehumidifying, drying or the like of different materials. The invention is developed primarily for dehumidification of sewage sludge (7), but it may be utilized for many different materials including foodstuffs as crispbread and pasta. The sludge (7) or other material is dehumidified or dried in a chamber (1) by means of thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is given by means of one or more elements (2) for thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is concentrated to one or more distinct wavelength ranges at which water has peaks for absorption of radiation energy. Air is circulated in the chamber (1), to take up moisture evaporated from the material.

Abstract: A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying under reduced pressure using microwaves. The apparatus comprises a chamber (13) for housing an object (11), a depressurizing pump (22) connected to the chamber (13) for depressurizing the inside of the chamber (13), a microwave irradiating device (12) for irradiating microwaves to the object (11) in the chamber (13), an airflow generating device for generating an airflow in the chamber (13) by introducing a gas from the outside to the inside of the chamber (13), and a control device (35) for controlling the above components. The object (11) in the chamber (13) is dried at temperatures below a deterioration temperature of the object (11) by intermittent irradiation of the microwaves under reduced pressure while the airflow is generated around the object (11).

Abstract: A former unit (20) as a drying apparatus includes a horizontally oriented main casing (21). Space inside the main casing (21) is divided into four irradiation zones (31-34). Each of the irradiation zones (31-34) contains one tray unit (10). Each of the tray units (10) contains four metallic transfer trays (14) aligned in the vertical direction, with a distance between the transfer trays (14) set to half a wavelength of a microwave (?/2) or larger. Each of the transfer trays (14) carries wet PTFE powder. In the irradiation zones (31-34), the tray units (10) sequentially move from the first irradiation zone (31) to the fourth irradiation zone (34), and the microwave is laterally applied to the transfer trays (14).

Abstract: A vacuum microwave drying apparatus, includes: a tank (1); a tank enclosure (2), which defines an accommodate space with the tank; a vacuum system, which is communicated with the accommodate space through a vacuum pipe (5); a continuous feed-in mechanism (9), including a feed-in pipe (902) communicated with the accommodate space, the continuous feed-in mechanism (9) sending materials into the accommodate space through the feed-in pipe (902) continuously; a continuous feed-out mechanism (10), which sends the materials out of the accommodate space continuously; at least two layers of material sending mechanisms (3), each of which is arranged in the accommodate space in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the tank, to send the materials from the continuous feed-in mechanism (9) into the continuous feed-out mechanism (10); and a plurality of microwave heating devices (4), each of which has a microwave feed-in port (403), which is located in the accommodate space, to send microwave to the accommodate spac

Abstract: A method of drying a honeycomb formed article, in which the honeycomb formed article can be dried in a short time while prohibiting occurrence of defects such as deformation, breakage and the like. There is provided a drying method of an unfired honeycomb formed article including raw material composition containing ceramics raw material, water, and binder, and having a plurality of cells, the cells being separated by partition walls to be passage of fluid, and electromagnetic wave drying is performed to dry the honeycomb formed article after the honeycomb formed article is preheated by steam.

Abstract: A composite material that increases in temperature upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation comprising single crystal silicon carbide whiskers and fibrils in a matrix material. Also, heat-generating objects comprising the composite material, and a method of generating heat.

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 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 and device for the drying of sludges, wherein the drying method includes a stage for raising a sealed enclosure to a set pressure, at least by the injection of saturating water vapour, and for holding this pressure for a given length of time; a stage for loading the sludges into a tank that is distanced from the walls of the enclosure, with loading means that guarantee maintenance of the pressure; a stage for the injection of superheated steam into the sludge by means of a mixer in action close to the wall of the tank that is most distant in relation to the source of the microwaves, including injection means; a stage for heating to the centre of the sludge by the emission of microwaves at frequencies of between 400 and 2450 MHz in the direction of the tank, this stage being executed while mixing the sludge; a stage for removal of the water collected by condensation and run-off on the walls of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure, by means of a valve leading to the outside.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for individually separating wafers from a stack of wafers by placing the stack of wafers in a microwave chamber, and exposing the wafers for microwaves causing the water between the wafers to evaporate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described to dry solid objects being manufactured in a chain of steps. The apparatus contains a cartridge to hold the objects, a chamber to house the cartridge, nozzle sections to spray drying agents on the objects, and a vacuum section to remove the drying agent and the released solvent. The apparatus also contains an optical radiation source such as an IR lamp for heating the objects, which can be used in conjunction with the vacuum section for removing solvent and drying steps. The cartridge or the nozzles can be swayed changing the orientation of the objects and the nozzles. The spraying step and evacuating steps can be repeated as needed.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for removing volatiles from a saturated adsorbent is provided. The heating apparatus can include a vessel including a first end and a second end. The vessel can be adapted to receive the saturated adsorbent. The heating apparatus can also include a channel in communication with the first end of the vessel and a radiation source that provides energy to heat the vessel. The heating apparatus can further comprise a lateral waveguide coupled to the radiation source and disposed within the channel to transmit the energy from the radiation source to the vessel to heat the saturated adsorbent disposed within the vessel.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for treating minerals using microwave energy are disclosed. The method includes exposing a moving bed, preferably a mixed moving bed, of mineral particles to pulsed high energy microwave energy so that at least substantially all particles receive at least some exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drying of foams by means of microwave radiation, and in particular, where the foams are obtained from aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PU dispersions).

Abstract: Heating and drying devices including generally rectangular waveguide applicators forming exposure chambers for uniformly heating materials. Material to be heated enters and exits a microwave exposure region of the chamber through entrance and exit ports at opposite ends of the chamber. Various techniques are used to achieve uniform or preferred heating effects.

Abstract: A system and method of drying wet items including roving packages, cakes and bobbins of wound wet glass fibers and/or wet glass fiber strand(s) by first preheating the wet items using waste hot gases coming from any source including a glass furnace, a dryer or a heat engine operating to generate electrical power prior to removing much, most or all of the moisture in the wet roving packages, cakes and bobbins using a dielectric or microwave oven, to save energy, reduce drying costs and to increase the capacity of dielectric or microwave dryers.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a multistage continuous microwave dryer for plate-shaped products, especially fiber boards, using microwave energy as a drying means while taking preventive steps that allow for an optimal drying process of the fiber boards. Said aim is achieved by disposing the rod antennas (12) above each plane of conveyance of the continuous microwave dryer (1), embodying the belt conveyor (6, 7, 8) on the respective plane of conveyance as a metallic perforated belt that can be effective as a reflective shield for the rod antennas, placing means (13a, 13b) for sucking off humid air between the rod antennas (12), said means acting as a reflective shield, and connecting the means for sucking off humid air to a common negative pressure source.

Abstract: The invention provides a honeycomb formed structure drying method including causing undried honeycomb formed structures 10 placed on stands 12 to pass through a drying apparatus 1, thereby drying the undried honeycomb formed structures through high-frequency heating, to thereby form dried honeycomb formed structures 11; removing the dried honeycomb formed structures 11 from the stands 12; cooling the stands 12 which have been heated dried in the drying apparatus 1 are cooled to a temperature lower than the gelation temperature of the undried honeycomb formed structures 10; placing newly formed undried honeycomb formed structures 10 on the cooled stands 12; drying the undried honeycomb formed structures by passing through the drying apparatus 1; and repeating these operations. The honeycomb formed structure drying method prevents deformation such as warpage of partition walls of honeycomb formed structures during drying thereof.

Abstract: A method for drying a honeycomb formed body using microwaves is provided. The method can reduce the difference in the drying speed inside the honeycomb formed bodies during the drying process and can dry the honeycomb formed bodies without cell deformation. The method comprises placing the honeycomb formed body in a drying furnace with the cell axis in the vertical direction and irradiating the honeycomb with microwaves at a frequency of 300–30,000 MHz. The difference of the water content in the vertical direction of the honeycomb formed body 1 is maintained at 0.3% per mm or less during microwave irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave mixer/dryer/reactor for industrial use. The inventive machine has a three-fold purpose, namely to: a) mix solid products with solids, solids with liquids and solids with very viscous fluids; b) dry aforementioned products; and c) initiate reaction between said products by means of suitable microwave discharge from a generator which is specially connected to the shaft of the machine. Said machine can be used to perform one or two of said functions or all the functions together.

Abstract: The invention includes a toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between the power supply and the magnetron for driving the magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy, and at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strengths within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber. A processing unit provides for data acquisition, processing and storage.

Abstract: A household appliance (1) e.g a washer-dryer, comprises an enclosure (2) into which objects to be heated are placed, a magnetron (4) for generating microwaves, a waveguide (3) for feeding the generated microwave into the enclosure, an arc detector (5) coupled to the waveguide (3) for detecting the arcing within the enclosure (2) and a control unit (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method, for drying ceramic molded articles, are disclosed. A drying apparatus (1) comprises a drying chamber (10) for accommodating ceramic molded articles (8), a plurality of microwave generators (20) for supplying microwave energy into the drying chamber, and a conveyor (30) for charging the ceramic molded articles (8) continuously into the drying chamber (10), conveying the ceramic molded articles through the drying chamber, and delivering the ceramic molded articles from the drying chamber. The drying chamber (10) has arranged therein a plurality of the microwave generators (20) and at least a sensor (40) for detecting the distribution of the ceramic molded articles (8) in the drying chamber (10). Each microwave generator (20) is adapted to change the output thereof in accordance with the distribution of the ceramic molded articles (8) detected by the sensor (40).

Abstract: The present invention is a microwave preheat press. The microwave preheat press includes a first and a second press section which define a press passage therebetween. A compression belt movable along the press passage is contiguous with one of the press sections. The press passage is configured such that it has an initial press section leading into a final press section. A microwave generator is in communication with a microwave waveguide applicator structure assembly such that microwave energy is created and transmitted through the microwave waveguide assembly into the initial compression section.

Abstract: The present invention is a microwave preheat press. The microwave preheat press includes a first and a second press section which define a press passage therebetween. A compression belt movable along the press passage is contiguous with one of the press sections. The press passage is configured such that it has an initial press section leading into a final press section. A microwave generator is in communication with a microwave waveguide applicator structure assembly such that microwave energy is created and transmitted through the microwave waveguide assembly into the initial compression section.

Abstract: Heating a printing substance and/or toner, in an electrophotographic printer, with a standing microwave formed by at least one cavity resonator, with the printed matter being caused to move through the resonator gap. The power distribution of the microwave applied by the resonator is shaped and configured for specific application requirements.

Abstract: A method for drying a plurality of objects in a same space using a microwave, a method of uniformly drying all the objects to be dried while retaining the high productivity (mass productivity) as much as possible is provided. The method comprises laying a plurality of objects to be dried apart from each other by keeping, as a shortest distance between at least one pair of adjacent objects among them a distance equivalent to ¾ or more of the wavelength of the microwave to be used and irradiating them with the microwave.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying book and similar paper-based materials in wet or frozen state, in which the material dried is exposed to microwave irradiation with frequency from 500 MHz to 10 GHz and in which the book or similar paper-based materials is lined with ceramic slabs before the drying. In this arrangement the materials are subsequently exposed to microwaves under atmospheric or reduced pressure. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes microwave drying oven modified for a batch or continuous operation, which includes adjustable ceramic slabs capable to absorb both moisture and microwaves.

Abstract: An anionic surfactant powder prepared by subjecting a mixture of an anionic surfactant and a solvent to microwave irradiation to remove at least a part of the solvent, and a process for preparing the anionic surfactant. The anionic surfactant powder can be suitably used for laundry detergents, detergents for tableware and kitchenware, foaming agents for toothpastes, powdery shampoos, emulsifying agents for polymerization, foaming agents for cement plaster and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for providing electromagnetic drying of printed media. A resonant cavity allows support of standing waves along many radial axes throughout the resonant cavity. The electromagnetic drying unit allows forced air to be introduced into the resonant cavity, thereby reducing moisture within the resonant cavity and extending the life of the resonant cavity. Input and output openings may be arranged longitudinally along the resonant cavity and may be designed to substantially reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from them during operation. A honeycomb feature at the end of the resonant cavity may allow egress of the forced air, while substantially reducing the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the end of the resonant cavity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for providing electromagnetic drying of printed media. A resonant cavity allows support of standing waves along many radial axes throughout the resonant cavity. The electromagnetic drying unit allows forced air to be introduced into the resonant cavity, thereby reducing moisture within the resonant cavity and extending the life of the resonant cavity. Input and output openings may be arranged longitudinally along the resonant cavity and may be designed to substantially reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from them during operation. A honeycomb feature at the end of the resonant cavity may allow egress of the forced air, while substantially reducing the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the end of the resonant cavity.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy spot curing system is provided which utilizes a template which moves relative to a source of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. A channel is formed through the template of varying widths so that during the course of relative movement, different intensities of radiation emanating from the source is continuously passed through the channel and applied to a desired location, typically a curable material.

Abstract: A plastic dryer has a drying tank provided with a magnetic control tube in the interior. The magnetic control tube is connected with a connecting tube, which has one end installed with an air filter having a wind inlet and the other end connected with a wind duct, which is connected with a windmill. Thus, microwave heating of the magnetic control tube is able to vaporize the water molecule of the plastic in the drying tank and dry it up with quickness, able to economize time and electricity and having excellent effect in drying plastic. The dried plastic is used for injecting molding by an injection-molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting volatile natural substances, for example a plant oil, from biological material, for example from plants, wherein the biological material contains water. The extraction is carried out without the addition of a solvent. Microwave irradiation is used for heating.

Abstract: A method of microwave treatment of wood with a moisture content (based on dry weight) of at least 12% for rapid drying and stress relief which includes determining an area of the wood that is not to be treated, selectively subjecting a surface of the wood outside said determined area to microwave radiation at a frequency (f) in the range of from about 0.1 to about 24 GHz to provide a modified wood zone having increased permeability relative to the untreated wood, wherein said zone is located in an exterior shell of the wood and has wooden rays directed from the core of the wood to the irradiated surface.

Abstract: A microwave continuous heating apparatus is provided with a heating compartment having openings at its front and rear portions and a transfer device which carries a to-be-heated object held thereon through the heating compartment, and microwave electric power is irradiated onto the to-be-heated object that passes through the heating compartment to heat the same. Two microwave absorbing compartments, through which the to-be-heated object passes, are connected to the front and the rear portions of the heating compartment, respectively. A plurality of reflecting plates of metal which are spaced from each other in a forward-and-backward direction are transferred by the transfer device. The object to be heated is placed between two adjacent reflecting plates. The reflecting plates are placed on the transfer device so that at least one reflecting plate is positioned in each microwave absorbing compartment, at least during irradiation of microwaves into the heating compartment.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy spot curing system is provided which utilizes a template which moves relative to a source of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. A channel is formed through the template of varying widths so that during the course of relative movement, different intensities of radiation emanating from the source is continuously passed through the channel and applied to a desired location, typically a curable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hot-pressing a planar product in a process using microwave heating. The apparatus comprises a constant-volume, box-like microwave resonant cavity divided into two opposed subcavities by an elongated gap suitable for passing therethrough the product (1) to be heated. The product is guided through the gap by conveyor belts (2, 2′) of microwave-transparent material. The subcavities are delineated from the conveyor passageway gap by parallel walls of microwave-transparent material, each one of them sealed so as to form a wall of its own subcavity. At least one of the subcavities is pressurized, whereby the sealed wall of the pressurized subcavity is designed to yield under the pressure applied into the subcavity in a direction perpendicular to the product (1) to be pressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wood, and is particularly concerned with a method for increasing the permeability of wood, especially moist wood.

Abstract: A method of drying honeycomb structural bodies in which a dielectric drying is performed by moving the honeycomb structural bodies in a dielectric drying apparatus under a condition such that vapor is flowed in the dielectric drying apparatus, includes the steps of: covering a surrounding area of the honeycomb structural body by a sheet with a constant space; and performing the dielectric drying under such a condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying wood, characterized in that it comprises a pressurizing step to place a sealed chamber (1) under a predetermined pressure by injecting or generating saturating steam and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time interval, while ensuring a forced circulation of air and saturating steam within the chamber, a heating step to heat the wood core and central zone of the wood pieces by emitting microwaves at frequencies ranging between 400 and 2450 MHz, an evacuation step to carry away the liquid exudates from the wood when run down to the bottom of the chamber (1) where they are collected.

Abstract: The apparatus for uniformly dispersing the microwave comprises a body including a plurality of reflective portions which are made of materials capable of reflecting the microwave and have the horizontal top surfaces and vertical side surfaces. The width of the plurality of reflective portions is set as 1/n times as large as a wavelength &lgr;g of the microwave. The depth of each of the plurality of reflective portions may be set as a value obtained by multiplying the remainder, which is obtained by dividing the power of a natural number for the least primitive root of a prime number by the prime number, by the width of the reflective portion under a condition that a datum plane is defined by a height from the bottom surface corresponding to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the reflective portion by (prime number−1).

Abstract: An instantaneous pressure reducing heating and drying apparatus for an object, such as a wafer, includes a pressure reducing chamber; a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure in the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure; a drying chamber installed within the pressure reducing chamber for drying the object that is loaded in the drying chamber; a pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber, wherein when the pressure regulating valve is opened a pressure in the drying chamber is instantaneously reduced to the pressure of the pressure reducing chamber; and a heating means for heating the drying chamber. In operation, the vacuum pump reduces a pressure of the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure, and the pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber opens thereby instantaneously reducing the pressure the drying chamber to the reduced pressure of the pressure reducing chamber.

Abstract: Wood such as spruce, maple, and hornbeam are retained in high pressure steam of pressure 0.2 to 1.6 MPa at 120 to 200° C. for 1 to 60 minutes, and subsequently, cooled and dried to obtain a modified wood having superior acoustic properties and old wood-like appearance due to a change to a deep color tone. Since the conventional modification methods by chemical treatment using chemicals such as resorcin and formaldehyde are not used, the treatment steps are simple and a modified wood used as a material for musical instruments is obtained at low cost.