Applications

Microwave technology can be applied to numerous types and shapes of materials effectively. These materials can take the form of liquids, solids, powders, gases, cells, or combinations of all.

Applying the energy to the material
is the heart of any process.

The first step in providing a microwave equipment solution is to fully understand the material to be processed. The term processing can mean many things to include dried, sintered, heated, cured, vulcanized, seal, etc. Some materials absorb energy (heat) very well and some not at all while others don’t start to absorb until the materials reach a minimum temperature. The size of the material (thickness) is always a very important factor during a drying process or when thermal uniformity is necessary. Materials that absorb microwave energy well can absorb too much energy on the surface and not allow even heating towards the center. This term is called depth of penetration. This dept of penetration is normally a function of the microwave frequency applied and always a function of the material.

What process Do you need the competitive edge on?

MMT engineers use a microwave dielectric properties measurement system to determine the materials ability to absorb energy over a broad temperature range. This information is used to properly design the microwave applicator (heating chamber). Once the design has been completed in the Engineering phase, the design along with the materials to be heated are modeled using electromagnetic wave propagation software to verify the heating or drying characteristics. The software uses the engineering design of the microwave applicator (heating instrument) along with the dielectric properties of the material in order to mathematically model the wave propagation (heating patern). Once the desired pattern has been achieved, the applicator (heating instrument) is manufactured and tested for the desired results.

Because materials can take so many different shapes and forms it’s easy to see why a specific microwave applicator (heating chamber) is required to apply the microwave energy effectively.