Ferrite Microwave Technologies Cylindrical Heating Microwave Systems provide thermal processing of pumpable foods, liquids, and biomaterials. By providing uniform, high-intensity electromagnetic energy to the flowing components, the cylindrical heating system solves the problem of hot spots experienced with traditional surface-heating technologies. These systems utilize microwave technology for proven thermal processing of over sixty (60+) different food products.
About Microwave Cylindrical Heating
Cylindrical Heating Systems employ microwave technology that feature a unique, ultra-rapid method of heating aseptic and extended-shelf-life pumpable food products and biomaterials. The system’s patented heating technology enables liquid and semi-liquid pumpable foods and beverages to be uniformly and volumetrically heated on a continuous flow basis, while being pumped through a product heating tube manufactured from food-grade materials.
Overall, cylindrical heating with microwave systems allow manufacturers currently using conventional heat exchanger an opportunity to vastly improve product quality, while reducing floor space, and increasing operational efficiency.
Applications
Cylindrical Heating Microwave Systems are used for thermal processing applications. This includes over sixty food products, such as:
- Salsa
- Surimi
- Soy milk
- Smoothies
- Fruit purees
- Pasta sauces
- Meat slurries
- Cheese sauces
- Particulate soups
- Vegetable purees
- Poultry emulsions
- Coffee-based drinks
- Tomato-based products
- Dairy-based foods and desserts
Benefits of Microwave Cylindrical Heating
At this point, you may be curious about why cylindrical heating with microwaves is the best choice for pumpable food products. Here are a few of the benefits and advantages to utilizing this style system:
- Cool tube wall surfaces, fast product heating, and short residence times minimize fouling deposits and product degradation, increasing product run times
- Superior products with minimal color change and better nutrient retention and organoleptic properties
- Due to volumetric heating, center of particulate products may achieve higher temperature than the surrounding carrier fluid, enhancing adequate thermal processing
- Requires minimal formulation changes to achieve even temperature distribution during heating
- Ideal for thermal processing of high-value and/or shear-sensitive, high-viscosity, and multiphase fluids
- Excellent method for thermal treatment of high- and low-acid products, particularly when enzyme deactivation is important
- Non-intrusive processes is easy to control, clean in place, and inspect
- Low maintenance system with no moving parts
- Able to combine with other technologies to optimize final heater retrofits or new production lines
- Standard design modules can be added to expand production throughput or increase heating range
Specifications
Maximum product throughput depends on physical properties of product, power output of the magnetron(s), as well as initial and final heating temperatures. A given example is: Each 100 kW microwave generator can increase the temperature of 3,000 pounds per hour (1.5 metric tons per hour) of an aqueous-like product by 108°F (60°C).
Operating Parameters
| Product Heating Tubes: | FDA-approved plastic or ceramic materials in sizes up to 2.5″ (63 mm) internal diameter |
| Max. Working Temperature: | 302°F (150°C) |
| Max. Working Pressure: | 150 psig (10.5 bar), depending on tube material and diameter |
Utility Requirements
| Feed for generator cabinet: | 200 amps, 480 (+/- 5%) VAC, three phase 50/60 Hz |
| Feed for control panel: | 20 amps, 120 VAC, one phase 50/60 Hz |
| Max. power consumption: | 115 kW per 100 kW generator module |
| Cooling water for magnetron, circulator, and water load | 20 gallons (75 liters) per minute at 75°F (+/- 5°F); 24°C (+/- 3°C) inlet temperature and 45 psig (3.2 bar) minimum pressure |
| Optional chiller package: | This 10 TR air-cooled unit eliminates the need for once through magnetron cooling water |
System Footprint
The overall footprint or floor space requirements for the Cylindrical Heating Microwave system will vary with local plant conditions and specific customer requirements; however, each system is designed for site installation and assembly by using standardized components or modules, such as the following:
| Microwave Generator: | 6’0” (1.83 m) x 2’6” (0.76 m) x 9’3” (2.82 m) height |
| Control Panel: | 2’8” (0.81 m) x 0’9” (0.23 m) x 4’0” (1.22 m) height |
| Two-stage Applicator: | 2’9” (0.84 m) x 2’0” (0.61 m) x 8’2” (2.49 m) height |
To organize a product trial or request additional information, please contact our support team! We look forward to learning about your current process application, goals for your products, and recommending a solution to fit your needs!