We have recently written on the Torftech section of our website, on the broad range of potential applications of the TORBED processor. The microwave equipped TORWAVE system by delivering both conventional and microwave energy extends the range of process possibility further. We set out to design a system where particles would be thoroughly mixed as they moved rapidly through areas of well-defined and concentrated microwave energy. This facilitates homogenous microwave processing without using moving parts, avoiding what is often a stumbling block for creating reliable and high temperature industrial microwave processors. The TorWave system design builds on this, extending the capabilities of industrial microwave processing, based on five design pillars:
• Ensure product bed compactness and stability, to maintain good absorption of electromagnetic energy and reduce treatment uniformity issues related to penetration depth.
• Harness enhanced mixing ability of TORBED technology, to promote treatment uniformity, reducing the likelihood of overheating, thermal runaway, and problems related to penetration depth.
• Minimise plant footprint, to enable installation within existing industrial processing lines.
• Handle a wide range of material feeds and sizes and inherently scalable – whilst ensuring a high degree of control over the processing conditions.
• Minimal requirements for specialist hardware or complicated design features, in particular moving parts within any microwave active zone.
Initial testing suggests that the TORWAVE’s hybrid energy delivery facilitates handling of fragile materials; a broader range of processing; and industrial decarbonisation strategies by extending the range of possible fossil fuel substitution.