Abstract:
A microwave heater capable of heating a bundle of wood and equipped with an optimized system for introducing microwave energy into the heater is provided. Also provided is an enhanced system for launching and dispersing within the heater. The system uses one or more TM ab microwave launchers to emit microwave energy in the interior of the microwave heater in a TM ab mode, where a is 0 and b is an integer between 1 and 5. The TM ab launchers can be configured to emit microwave energy through an open outlet that faces generally parallel to the nearest wall of the heater. In certain situations, it can be advantageous to use at least two TM ab microwave launchers having open outlets that face towards one another. In certain situations, it can be advantageous to use at least two TM ab microwave launchers located on generally opposite sides of the microwave heater. In certain situations, the system can also include one or more moving reflectors for dispersing microwave energy emitted from the TM ab microwave launchers.
Abstract:
A wood treatment system that includes at least one wood treatment vessel and a bundle lift system for loading and unloading a bundle of wood from a cart used to transport the bundle into and/or out of the treatment vessel. The lift system vertically disengages the bundle of wood from the cart within the interior of the vessel, thereby allowing the cart to be removed from the vessel prior to initiating treatment. The lift system, which can be physically separate from or physically coupled to the cart, is entirely disposed within a lower portion of the interior volume of the wood treatment vessel.
Abstract:
A commercial scale microwave system that includes a heater having enhanced heat distribution and minimized void space. The enhanced heat distribution can be provided by a unique launcher and/or reflector configuration disposed in the interior of the microwave heater. The microwave system can be operated to prevent the wood from both overheating (which results in scorching) and under-heating (which results in inadequate drying and/or inadequate thermal- modification). The microwave heating system can provide enhanced microwave energy distribution for large quantities of wood, even large quantities of wood heated under vacuum and/or in the presence of one or more chemical reagents.
Abstract:
An optimized microwave barrier assembly for use in conjunction with a microwave wood heater. The barrier is configured to allow microwaves to pass therethrough in a TM ab ) mode, where a is 0 and b is an integer between 1 and 5. The barrier assembly is also configured to maintain a pressure differential across a window of the barrier assembly. Such a configuration can reduce or eliminate arcing in the barrier assembly, even at low pressures.
Abstract:
A microwave heater equipped with a microwave choke and suitable for heating wood under vacuum. The microwave choke inhibits leakage of microwave energy between a door of the heater and a main vessel body of the heater without causing arcing at the choke, even at low pressures. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be configured with side-by-side choke cavities. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be removably coupled to the door and/or vessel body for easier fabrication, installation, and/or replacement.