Waveguide Applicator for Volumetric Thermal Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing microbial growth in foodstuffs and biomaterials through thermal treatment often result in detrimental effects such as altered taste, appearance, and nutrient loss, as well as issues like thermal fouling due to direct heat application.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a waveguide with reflective plates and a multi-port applicator junction to deliver electromagnetic energy, such as microwave energy, to a flowable material within a conduit that is transparent to electromagnetic energy, allowing for non-contact volumetric heating without direct contact with heated surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect heating methods are used to reduce microbial growth, then the temperature of the material increases to kill or inactivate microorganisms, but the material is negatively impacted with altered taste, appearance, and nutrient loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal conduction system (heated chamber contacting material) with an electromagnetic field system (microwave radiation) that heats the material volumetrically without physical contact, thereby achieving microbial reduction while minimizing surface-related quality degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic energy (microwaves) as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy to the material without requiring direct contact between the heating source and the material, enabling internal heating while preventing surface burning and sticking
2Reliability
If indirect heating methods are used to reduce microbial growth, then the temperature of the material increases to kill or inactivate microorganisms, but thermal fouling occurs with reduced heat flow, increased run times, and off flavors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based heating system with an electromagnetic field-based system that eliminates the heating surface entirely, preventing thermal fouling from occurring since there is no surface for the material to stick to or burn on
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heated chamber surface from the heating process, using only electromagnetic radiation to transfer energy, thereby removing the source of thermal fouling problems
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 method effectively sterilizes or pasteurizes the material while minimizing adverse effects on taste, appearance, and nutrient levels, reducing thermal fouling and extending shelf life without the need for heated surfaces, thus providing a more efficient and effective thermal treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-port applicator junction that delivers electromagnetic energy to the first and second arms of the waveguide; and a generator for providing electromagnetic energy to the multi-port applicator junction
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic energy is microwave energy
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the conduit is transparent to electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for thermally treating a flowable product includes an apparatus including a waveguide for providing electromagnetic energy, a conduit for receiving a flowable material, and an applicator for delivering electromagnetic energy from a generator to the waveguide. The waveguide includes first and second arms that each comprise an output that is isolated from the output of the other arm by a phase shift, such that any reflected electromagnetic energy exits the arm through the input port and does not flow into the opposing arm.