Apparatus and method for heating frying oil with solid-state RF energy technology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial continuous fryers face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of frying oil, leading to inefficient energy use and rapid degradation of oil, resulting in increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus that uses a pump to transport frying oil through a microwave chamber equipped with solid-state radio frequency sources, allowing for precise heating and control of the oil temperature, with features like adjustable flow and sensor-controlled RF energy distribution to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrical elements or thermal oil heat exchangers are used to heat frying oil, then the frying oil can be heated to required temperatures, but the temperature control is inaccurate leading to oil degradation and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heat exchangers (electrical elements in stainless steel tubes or thermal oil flow systems) with a microwave heating system that uses electromagnetic radiation to directly heat the frying oil. This substitution enables precise temperature control through microwave power regulation, eliminating the temperature overshoot and degradation issues associated with conventional thermal systems while reducing energy consumption through more efficient direct heating.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional heat exchangers are used, then heating function is provided, but the frying oil degrades fast due to inaccurate temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave heating system replaces conventional thermal heat exchangers to provide accurate temperature control of the frying oil. The microwave energy directly heats the oil molecules, allowing precise temperature maintenance that prevents oil degradation while ensuring stable composition throughout the frying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the frying oil temperature and provide feedback to the microwave control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism adjusts microwave power output to maintain the desired temperature, preventing both overheating and degradation while ensuring consistent frying conditions.
3Measurement precision
If microwave heating is used with solid-state RF sources, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid-state microwave generators that convert electrical energy directly to microwave radiation for heating. While this represents a technological advancement over conventional heating, the solid-state design offers compact integration and precise power control, managing the complexity through modern semiconductor technology while achieving superior temperature control precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise temperature control of the frying oil, reducing energy consumption and extending oil lifespan, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the frying oil is pumped by a pump through a microwave chamber and is thereby heated and wherein the microwave chamber comprises at least one, preferably a multitude, solid-state radio frequency source(s)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, in which a flying oil is heated, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The present invention further relates to a method to treat a flying oil with radio-frequency wave.