MICROWAVE AND METALS
As is the case in chemical synthesis and several other disciplines, Microwave Energy is now being evaluated for use where it was previously thought to be impractical or lacked the required reproducibility.
During its early use as a food-processing tool, relatively large multi-mode cavities comprised the applicators available for product trials with other applications. Unacceptable as these applicators were for these alternate technologies, it was concluded that Microwave, as a heating method was unacceptable for the application.
As the result of recent work being done in the area of novel applicator design and the use of mono-mode cavities, many of these technologies and/or application techniques are being revisited. The use of original methods and the use of Microwave receptive susceptor materials have also brought materials to the Microwave oven that normally would have been perceived as unacceptable.
Metals are a classic example - even the owner of the common home Microwave oven knows not to introduce metals. When the objective is to heat food or water, this is most certainly true. When the objective is to heat metal, Microwave can and does provide a clean and efficient source for metal processes.
Today, the costs of newly-mined and refined metals are skyrocketing due to increased global competition for these resources adding significant value to the recovery of scrap. Much re-use of scrap requires as pure a metal recovery as possible. In early investigation Microwave has shown methods that result in cost-effective, cleaner recovery.
In addition, there are positive effects experienced by the process itself, including reduced energy costs, increased yield and smaller infrastructure. These factors apply to other metals melting and casting applications as well.
We are a process-oriented company. Please feel free to review a general presentation of equipment developed by Thermex Thermatron, LP for a variety of applications or submit your application concepts to us for evaluation.
