The effect of heat properties of metallic or dielectric containers on thermal yield and energy efficiency in microwave heating applications

Isabelle Polaert (1) , Michel Delmotte (2) , Nassima Benamara (3) , Lionel Estel (1)

1 LSPC - Laboratoire de Sécurité des Procédés Chimiques
2 LIM - Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Matériaux
3 LGPC - Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés Catalytiques

This paper brings to the fore the key parameters set out on thermal yield and energy efficiency in microwave industrial processes, specifically, in the transient phases. It examines in detail two industrial operations: thermoset polymer curing and flow chemistry under pressure. Overall tuning systems are necessary for energy optimisation, but on the other hand, vessels, pipes, moulds and conveyor belts made of lossy materials are required for holding products or carrying materials. The impact of these inserts on the temperature profile of the heated product and on energy (the power usage and energy efficiency), were experimentally and theoretically examined. It was demonstrated that these parameters have to be considered for process design and calculations. Looking at these two examples, one can see how transient phases are crucial for the required power of the microwave generator and the process design.

Mots clés: Microwave; Transient regime; Thermal properties; Energy efficiency; Thermal yields

Domaines: Sciences de l'ingénieur [physics]; Génie des procédés

Isabelle Polaert, Michel Delmotte, Nassima Benamara, Lionel Estel. The effect of heat properties of metallic or dielectric containers on thermal yield and energy efficiency in microwave heating applications. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 2018, 126 (1), pp.1-7. ⟨10.1016/j.cep.2018.02.014⟩. ⟨hal-02409704⟩