Method of processing ceramic materials and a microwave furnace therefore
US6172346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2206/046
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A microwave furnace (10) of the type comprising a microwave source (14), coupled to an enclosure for the confinement of microwaves and for containing an object to be heated (12). An independently controllable alternate heating (20) is disposed in relation to the enclosure (12) to provide at least one of radiant and convective heating within the enclosure. The method comprises the steps of energizing the alternate heater (20) so as to generate heat substantially throughout the heating cycle of the furnace (10) and controlling the quanity of heat generated in the object y one or both of the microwaves and the alternate heater so as to provide a desired thermal profile in the object. A temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature within the enclosure (12) can be provided and control circuit (54) responsive to the sensed temperature controls the quanity of heat generated in the object by the microwaves and the alternate heat so as to provide a desired thermal profile within the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.