Microwave Reactor Wave Guide with Curved U-Shaped Return Loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave treatment devices for reactive media face challenges in energy transfer efficiency, particularly for liquid masses, due to the limitations of applicators requiring wave-transparent reactors, which are complex, costly, and restricted in size and shape, and the need for multiple applicators and complex circulation systems for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact microwave treatment device with a wave guide featuring a curved 'U' shape and a separation wall to isolate the generator from the reactor, allowing for a near-field applicator with a lossy transmission line to directly transmit electromagnetic radiation into the reactor, reducing the need for wave-transparent materials and simplifying the setup with a single motor for mobile adaptation members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wave-transparent reactors are used for microwave treatment, then electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted to the reactive medium, but the device becomes complex, costly, and restricted in size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wave-transparent reactor requirement by using a lossy transmission line that directly transmits microwave energy into the reactive medium without needing a transparent reactor wall. The applicator probe itself becomes the transmission medium, eliminating the need for complex transparent reactor constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lossy transmission line acts as an intermediary between the microwave generator and the reactive medium. It directly couples electromagnetic energy to the liquid mass, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for wave-transparent reactor materials while improving energy transfer efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple applicators and complex circulation systems are used for industrial applications, then treatment capacity is increased, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a movable applicator probe that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted within the reactor. The mobile adaptation members allow the system to adapt to different treatment requirements and volumes, providing industrial-scale productivity through a single, versatile applicator rather than multiple fixed applicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The single applicator with mobile adaptation members serves multiple functions: it can treat different volumes of liquid, adjust to various positions, and accommodate different reactive media. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized applicators and complex circulation systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If generator and reactor are isolated for safety, then safety standards are met, but extensive spacing is required increasing device size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the applicator probe inside the reactor, with the lossy transmission line extending directly into the reactive medium. This nested configuration allows the generator to be isolated from the reactor for safety while maintaining compact device dimensions, as the energy transmission path is integrated within the reactor volume rather than requiring external spacing.
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 configuration enhances energy transfer efficiency, reduces device size and cost, facilitates easier handling and access to the reactor, and meets safety standards by isolating the generator from the reactor without requiring extensive spacing, enabling more compact and efficient heat treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a wave guide (4) intended to transmit the electromagnetic radiation of the generator
Implementation Method 2
coupling means (5) arranged for allowing transfer into the reactive medium of electromagnetic energy transmitted by the wave guide
Implementation Method 3
heating by dielectric losses
Data Source
AI summary
The device for electromagnetic radiation treatment of a reactive medium includes an electromagnetic radiation generator, a reactor containing the reactive medium, and a device for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation generated by the generator to the reactive medium contained in the reactor. The device includes a wave guide for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation from the generator and a coupling means arranged to allow transfer within the reactive medium of the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the wave guide. The wave guide includes a curved segment in a general “U” shape forming a return loop from the wave guide. The device further includes a separation wall that isolates the generator form the reactor, with the reactor being connected to the curved segment. The curved segment extends at least partially from one side of the separation wall to the opposite generator.