Design and optimization of a high-efficiency microwave continuous-flow heating reactor
Continuous-flow heating systems are integral to the food, chemical, and medical industries. This study addresses a significant challenge related to the alteration of permittivity in heated materials and its consequent effect on the energy utilization rate during microwave heating processes. A novel...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-10-01
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| Series: | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25011669 |
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| Summary: | Continuous-flow heating systems are integral to the food, chemical, and medical industries. This study addresses a significant challenge related to the alteration of permittivity in heated materials and its consequent effect on the energy utilization rate during microwave heating processes. A novel continuous-flow heating system specifically designed is introduced to optimise heating efficiency for fluids exhibiting a range of permittivity. Our methodology employs an innovative approach based on asymmetric wave propagation, utilizing the continuous GIM equivalent of a wedge ceramic structure. This configuration facilitates the effective convergence of electromagnetic waves at the terminal end of wedge plate, thereby enhancing heating performance. The thermal behaviour of aqueous ethanol solutions with different volume ratios, as well as a range of edible liquids, were investigated through systematic experimentation. Results show an energy utilization rate consistently above 92 %. The effects of flow rate and pipeline materials on heating efficiency were also analysed, with energy utilization rates maintained above 92 %. This continuous-flow heating system is adaptable, accommodating materials with permittivity values ranging from 10 to 80 and loss tangent values between 0.1 and 1 while ensuring energy efficiencies consistently surpassing 90 %. Overall, the proposed system serves as an effective solution for practical microwave continuous-flow processing applications. |
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| ISSN: | 2214-157X |