Microwave heating apparatus for heating a flowing fluid
US5719380A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2219/1293
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for heating a flowing fluid with microwave energy comprising a conduit having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a retention portion wherein at least the retention portion of the conduit is fabricated from a material which is substantially microwave transparent. A temperature probe is provided for measuring the temperature of the flowing fluid in the outlet portion. The cross-sectional area of the retention portion is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet portion such that the flow rate through the retention portion is slower than the flow rate through the outlet portion from the retention portion to the temperature probe. Microwave energy is used to heat the flowing fluid in the retention portion, the microwave energy being generated by a source which is controlled in response to a signal from the temperature probe. The retention portion of the conduit resides within a wave guide and passes transversely therethrough. The wave guide is dimensioned to allow a standing electromagnetic wave to be set up therein with the retention portion residing at a region of maximum field strength.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.