Traveling Wave

A Traveling Wave Applicator is simply a mechanical assembly into which the workload is exposed to the microwave energy supplied from the generator. The majority of the Microwave energy is absorbed into the workload and the remainder of the energy is attenuated into a Microwave termination.

This type of Microwave applicator distinguishes itself by presenting a good Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) to the Microwave Power Source at all times no matter how much workload is within the applicator. The Applicator can even be operated empty without damage to the Microwave power source.

Standard Traveling Wave Applicators are not suitable for materials that do not heat well (low loss) because the applicator requires an extremely long design. However, for low-loss materials, the Traveling Wave Applicator can be built as a Resonant Waveguide Applicator allowing these materials to be heated more efficiently.

A Traveling Wave Applicator can be used to heat liquids by pumping them through a tube which passes through the Waveguide or to heat solids by sending them through the Applicator on a conveyor. The Traveling Wave Applicator has the advantage of being a fairly simple design at relatively low cost. A disadvantage to this type of Microwave Applicator is the physical size restrictions of the process material.