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Barwell acquired the rights to microwave system designs from Elnode Services Ltd, who have been designing and manufacturing industrial microwave systems since 1973.
Microwaves
Microwaves are simply high frequency radio waves generated by magnetrons at 2450 MHz. At this frequency the wavelength is 12.24cms, this being important to the method of preventing leaks. This frequency is controlled by international agreement. The domestic microwave oven operates on the same frequency.
Method of Heating by Microwaves
Radio and TV signals are absorbed by the bricks of a house and this causes the need for outside aerials. The energy absorbed by the bricks although very small appears as heat. In the same way the microwave energy in your oven is absorbed by the load in the oven. (i.e. meal or product) which becomes heated.
The effectiveness of this absorption and the depth of penetration depends upon the material or materials. For instance, material (say plaster of paris) containing a considerable moisture content will absorb more energy than a dry material and therefore will get hotter more quickly. Equally if the energy is not absorbed by the outer drier portion of the load, the waves will pass unreduced and heat the inside wetter or more absorbent material. This very useful feature of microwave heating is used in many industrial processes.
The Advantages of Microwave Heating
Microwave heating offers numerous advantages in productivity over conventional heating methods such as hot air, steam, etc.
Energy Saving
Microwave processing requires considerably less kWh or BTU's for the same or better results than conventional equipment.
High Speed
Save space, reduces scrap and saves labour.
Energy Penetration
Microwave energy penetrates to generate heat internally as well as at the surface of the treated material. Other methods apply heat only to the surface and temperature must be limited in order to avoid burning. Conventional processing time is slow due to thermal conductivity. Microwave energy overcomes those time and temperature limitations and produces a very high quality product even when the materials being processed are fairly thick.
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Barwell microwave systems are expensive to buy
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NO
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The running costs are high
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NO
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You need specialist maintenace staff
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NO
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The control systems are complicated
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NO
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Maintenance costs are expensive
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NO
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Pay back in twelve months
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YES
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Greater energy savings
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YES
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Greater productivity and yield
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YES
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