The TORWAVE processors, combining the abilities of the TORBED processor and microwave energy offer a significant step forward in industrial microwave processing and continues Torftech’s history of technological innovation. Set out below are some of the processes where we expect that the enhancement of control and accuracy that are features of a microwave-equipped processor will be of benefit. Capable of all-electric processing, TORWAVE processors extend the capabilities of all-electric TORBED processors and extend the scope of Tortech’s support for industrial decarbonization.
High heat transfer rates achieved in the TORBED and TORWAVE processors allow more rapid expansion of water or other volatiles in a feed particle causing it to expand more rapidly, opening up the structure of the particle. Good examples would be the processing of pasta shapes to produce puffed snacks, roasting of coffee and ‘exfoliation’ (expansion) of minerals such as vermiculite. The TORWAVE processor by providing both conventional heat and microwave energy can significantly enhance this process by increasing the internal vapour pressures developed.
TORBED processors and microwave-equipped TORWAVES offer opportunities for practical implementation of industrial decarbonisation strategies. Both can be “all-electric” and offer viable alternatives to hydro-carbon fired bloating and expansion technologies. If circumstances dictate that the process concerned cannot be “all-electric”, then our processes can use hydrogen as a process gas, supporting industrial carbon gas substitution.
Used in the processing of minerals, calcination is a chemical process in which a substance is heated to a high temperature in the absence of oxygen, in a neutral atmosphere or with limited oxygen supply. This process is often used to decompose carbonate ores, such as limestone, into their respective oxides, releasing carbon dioxide in the process. In metallurgy, calcination is used to drive off volatile components from ores before further processing. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is utilized to remove impurities from drugs or to convert them into more stable forms.
Our processors offer their customary control, economy and efficiency. Where the material being calcined is particularly fragile or valuable, such as a catalyst, the TORWAVE processor offers exceptional control over process conditions, adding considerable capabilities to the range of fine chemical processing equipment.
Drying is a feature of the Torftech Technology across a range of industrial applications from processing starch powders in the food industry to drying biomass and sludges. Drying applications showcase the control that the TORBED offers, removing water without damaging underlying materials. For particularly sensitive applications, an initial pulse of microwave energy can be applied using the TORWAVE processor.
TORBED processors and microwave-equipped TORWAVES offer opportunities for practical implementation of industrial decarbonisation strategies. Both can be “all-electric” and as with bloating, offer viable alternatives to hydro-carbon fired technologies. If circumstances dictate that the process concerned cannot be “all-electric”, then our processes can use hydrogen as a process gas, supporting industrial carbon gas substitution.
Gasification, as opposed to Pyrolysis (see below), occurs when biomass or organic waste is heated in an atmosphere with a limited oxygen content at over 650°C. Carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen are generated to produce a combustible gas stream (‘syngas’). Syngas with a greater energy content can be produced either by introducing oxygen into the process or undertaking the process under greater than atmospheric pressure. The TORBED processors are particularly effective at the small/medium scale unpressurised gasification processes.
As with cooling above, the high heat transfer rates achieved in TORBED and TORWAVE processors allow smaller but more effective pre-heaters for minerals for example.
Where applies to heating processes, both TORBED processors and microwave-equipped TORWAVES offer opportunities for practical implementation of industrial decarbonisation strategies. Both can be “all-electric” and as with bloating and drying, offer viable alternatives to hydro-carbon fired technologies. If circumstances dictate that the process concerned cannot be “all-electric”, then our processes can use hydrogen as a process gas, supporting industrial carbon gas substitution.
In addition, TORWAVES with their industrial microwave processing capacity, allow for volumetric heating and precise process control, minimizing energy use and allowing treatment of fragile materials such as catalysts and pharmaceuticals without over-heating.
Where the contaminants to be removed or sufficiently reduced are held on the surface of a feedstock (spices for example), the TORBED processors are particularly effective for flash or high speed processing compared to large slow autoclave processes. Multiple large scale pasteurisation processes using TORBED processors have been in operation over many years.
Pyrolysis is the process of driving off volatiles from a material (typically biomass or forms of waste) at up to 650°C – in the case of biomass to produce biochar and a volatile stream that can be condensed or combusted. The process aims to maximise biochar by minimising conversion of the fixed carbon in the material into the volatile stream (as with gasification above). It will require direct or indirect external heating.
As with drying, this is an application that crosses a number of industrial boundaries from food to biomass processing and minerals. The roasting of coffee or cocoa are good examples of processes used in the food and beverage industries. The TORBED and TORWAVE processors are particularly effective at controlling roast processes due to the very close control inherent in their concepts. Close roast control allows better flavour development and increased extraction of the coffee oils generated for example.
Roasting is also used in the minerals industry for converting sulphides to oxides for example (such as zinc sulphide to zinc oxide). Again the TORBED processors produce higher surface area, more reactive and purer product.
TORBED and TORWAVE processors offer opportunities for practical implementation of industrial decarbonisation strategies. Both can be “all-electric” and a sin other processes, offer viable alternatives to hydro-carbon fired technologies, supporting industrial carbon gas substitution. If circumstances dictate that the process concerned cannot be “all-electric”, then our processes can use hydrogen as a process gas, providing an alternative means of supporting industrial carbon gas substitution.
A roasting process reducing moisture and breaking down cellular structures, whilst preserving most volatiles. This increases energy density and brittleness, the latter permitting milling for easy pelletisation.
Torrefaction, often used in the context of the treatment of biomass processes, typically contain several process steps including low temperature drying, high temperature drying and roasting.
The roasting of coffee is also a Torrefaction process and as discussed in the roasting section above, the TORWAVE extends the capabilities of the TORBED and offers further opportunities to use our technology in support of industrial decarbonisation strategies.
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