Ferrite Microwave Technologies (FMT) wide range of microwave system upgrades allow users to get more out of their existing equipment. Upgrades make the most financial sense for systems which may be working less efficiently due to an outdated transformer or poor heat exchanger. However, upgrades to any virtually microwave equipment is possible.
What Is A Microwave System Upgrade?
When we talk about microwave system upgrades, we principally mean one of two things:
- Upgrades to the Microwave Generator
- Upgrades to the PLC Control System
There could be several options for upgrades, depending on your equipment’s current condition. It could be that a customer is changing the product makeup and requires more belt support to handle the added weight. Or, it could be that the door to the microwave cavity has seen better days and needs replacing and strengthening. However, these upgrades are much less common. There are just a lot more old generators out there than applicators or cavities. Technological advances also bring more benefit at less cost to generators than they do to the microwave cavities.
Types of Upgrades To Consider
Consider these different options as you evaluate your current generator and control unit. Often, an older unit can be salvaged, saving you tens of thousands of dollars. If you are unsure what you need or just want a professional opinion to back up your hunch, have one of our professional technicians visit your facility.
| Type of Upgrade | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete Generator Upgrade | Our most expensive upgrade, this upgrade involves a full rebuild of your existing microwave generator. This enables better performance through longer tube life, more control, better efficiency and easier troubleshooting. |
| Filament Upgrade | We can also upgrade the filament and/or the solenoid to enable better control over the magnetron performance. |
| Circuit Breaker Tripping Issues | Having inrush issues on your 6 pulse transformers or Amana or Raytheon Generators? Add a step start circuit. |
| Diode Failures | Having lots of diode failures? Consider upgrading to our higher current capacity diode. |
| Ethernet Upgrade | Older control setups may be obsolete and need switching to ethernet I/O to be compatible with new displays. We’re currently standardized on Allen Bradley Ethernet I/O infrastructure. |
| Display Upgrade | Any older system can be upgraded to the latest touchscreen, assuming it is using ethernet I/O protocols. We’re currently standardized on Allen Bradley PanelView Plus 6 touchscreens. |
| Water Pump Upgrade | A water pump upgrade can increase pressure from 35PSI to 65PSI which increases cooling and flow to the magnetron tube for better performance. |
| Cooling Upgrade | Our new cooling components are less expensive and more efficient than the old tube-and-shell style heat exchangers — we now use flat plate heat exchangers. |
| Power Upgrade | On certain generators, we can upgrade the power output from 50 kW to 60 kW by replacing the transformer to a higher voltage unit with concurrent wiring. |
Don’t Wait to Upgrade Your Microwave System!
Regular maintenance and an on-site supply of spare parts can keep your microwave generator up and running for decades. However, no matter how disciplined the maintenance schedule, efficiency loss and obsolescence are inevitable. But, that does not mean that you have to throw out your investment and purchase a replacement. Consider an upgrade instead. Are you ready for an upgrade? Let our trained technicians walk you through your options!
To learn more about microwave system upgrades, please contact our support team.
