CN104782226B

CN104782226B - The microwave heating system and its application method of enhancing

Info

Publication number: CN104782226B
Application number: CN201380019360.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: H·D·小凯米瑞; G·E·卡宁汉姆
Original assignee: Microwave Materials Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Microwave Materials Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2012-03-14
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2018-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-13
Also published as: JP6553141B2; EP2826337B1; IL234581B; EP2866518A1; AU2017201469B2; CN104782226A; MX342586B; EP3300456A1; WO2013138455A1; CA2867301A1; EP2826337A1; JP2018037411A; BR112014022425B1; KR102060424B1; BR112014022425A2; ES2592710T3; EP2866518B1; CA3130845C; CN109068430B; AU2017201477A1

Abstract

Enhancing microwave heating system for heating multiple articles and the method using the system are provided.In one embodiment, microwave heating system can include the heating room of pressurization or liquid filling, which is configured to, using the microwave energy discharged by one or more microwave emitters, heat the article being conveyed there through along one or more conveying circuit.Microwave heating system according to an embodiment of the invention and process can be applied to commercial-scale heating system and can be used for the pasteurize and/or disinfection of food, medical fluid and medical instrument.

Description

The microwave heating system and its application method of enhancing

Technical field

The present invention relates to for heating one or more objects, article and/or the microwave system of load.

Background technology

Electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation is a kind of mechanisms known being used for object transfer energy.Electromagnetic radiation is with quick Penetrate and heat the ability of object with effective mode has been proved to be advantageous during many chemical industries.Due to It quickly and thoroughly heats the ability of article, and microwave energy, which has been used in, it is expected the quick heating process for realizing regulation minimum temperature In, such as in pasteurize and/or disinfecting process.Further, because microwave energy is usually Noninvasive, microwave heating It is particularly useful for the dielectric material such as food and drug that heat " sensitivity ".But, so far, particularly in commercial scale The complexity and nuance of upper safety and effective applied microwave energy seriously limit its industrial process in a few types In application.

Accordingly, there exist efficient, reliable and high performance-price ratio the industry for being suitble to use in various processes and application The demand of scale microwave heating system.

Invention content

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to connect Receive the microwave office of article and the transport system for article to be carried through to microwave office along transport axis.The system further includes First microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis, wherein extremely The first transmitting inclination angle 2 ° few is limited at the first center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to Receive the microwave office of article and the transport system for article to be carried through to the microwave office along transport axis.The system is also Including：First microwave emitter is limited and is open for microwave energy to be discharged into the indoor at least one transmitting of microwave；With set Put the basic microwave window between the microwave office and transmitting opening.The window shows the part for limiting the microwave office Room side surface, and at least the 50% of the total surface area of the room side surface of the window is oriented with horizontal plane at least 2 ° Angle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the mistake Journey includes step：(a) multiple articles are transported through into microwave heating chamber via transport system, wherein at least portion of the microwave heating chamber Divide filled with liquid medium；(b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(c) via at least one micro- At least part of microwave energy is introduced into the microwave office by wave launcher, wherein the microwave energy being introduced into the microwave office At least part is discharged at least 2 ° of transmitting inclination angle；(d) using at least one of the microwave energy being discharged into microwave office Divide article of the heating in the microwave heating chamber.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes generating tool There is the microwave generator of the microwave energy of main wavelength (λ), for conveying the transport system and first of article along transport axis Microwave emitter, first microwave emitter send out at least part of microwave energy towards the article conveyed by the transport system It penetrates.First microwave emitter limits at least one transmitting opening, which has width (W₁) and depth (D₁), wherein W₁More than depth D₁, wherein D₁No more than 0.625 λ.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes generating The microwave generator of microwave energy with main wavelength (λ) is configured to receive the microwave office of article and for that will come from At least part of the microwave energy of microwave generator is directed to the microwave distribution system of the microwave office.The microwave distribution system packet Include the first microwave emitter.First microwave emitter limits at least part of microwave entrance for receiving microwave energy, And for microwave energy to be discharged at least one of microwave office transmitting opening.The microwave entrance has depth (d₀), And transmitting opening has depth (d₁)。d₀More than d₁。

Another embodiment of the present invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to The microwave office of article is received, for article to be carried through to the transport system and the first microwave of the microwave office along transport axis Transmitter, first microwave emitter limit microwave entrance and are configured to two be discharged into microwave energy in the microwave office Or more transmitting opening.The central point of neighbouring transmitting opening is distanced from one another cross relative to the transport axis.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to microwave emitter, including receiving the micro- of the microwave energy with wavelength (λ) Wave entrance leads to for discharging at least part of at least one transmitting opening of microwave energy and limiting microwave in-between The opposite transmitter end wall of a pair on road and a pair of opposite transmitter side wall.The microwave access is configured to permit from microwave The transmission for the microwave energy that mouth is open to transmitting.The transmitter, which further includes, to be accordingly coupled to a pair of end walls and inwardly prolongs from the end wall A pair of of the induction type diaphragm panel stretched.Each induction type diaphragm faceplate part is extended in microwave access, in induction type diaphragm Induction type diaphragm is limited between panel, at least part that the microwave energy of transmitting opening is transmitted to from microwave entrance can be to pass through The induction type diaphragm.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes generating The microwave generator of microwave energy with wavelength (λ) is configured to receive the microwave office of article, for along transport axis by object Product conveying passes through the transport system of the microwave office and is directed at least part of the microwave energy from microwave generator The microwave distribution system of the microwave office.The microwave distribution system includes：By at least part of microwave energy be divided into two or More first microwave separators of independent sector and at least a pair of of microwave emitter, each microwave emitter limit microwave and enter Mouthful and for by microwave energy be discharged into microwave it is indoor it is at least one transmitting be open.The microwave distribution system further comprises setting Put the first sensing between the transmitting opening of a microwave emitter in the first microwave separator and the microwave emitter Formula diaphragm.

Another embodiment of the present invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process Include the following steps：(a) multiple articles are transported through into microwave heating chamber along the one or more strip transmission line roads of transport system； (b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(c) at least part of microwave energy is divided into two Or more independent sector；(d) via two or more microwave emitters by the partial discharge of microwave energy to microwave heating In room；(e) after partiting step (c) and before drain steps (d), at least part of microwave energy is transported through first Induction type diaphragm；(f) it is heated in the microwave heating chamber using at least part of microwave energy being emitted in microwave office Article.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the method for controlling microwave heating system, and this method includes the following steps： (a) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(b) multiple articles are transported through via transport system and filled out The microwave office of water-filling；(c) at least part of microwave energy is directed to microwave office via one or more microwave emitters In, so as to heat at least part of the article；(d) during at least part of step (a) to (c), one or more is determined The value of multiple microwave system parameters, so as to provide at least one determining parameter value；(e) by determining parameter value and corresponding mesh Mark parameter value compares, to determine difference；(f) it based on the difference, takes action to microwave heating system.It is one or more micro- Wave the systematic parameter temperature of water, water in net microwave power, microwave office pass through the flow velocity of microwave office and transport system speed.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the method for controlling microwave heating system, and this method includes the following steps：(a) Microwave energy is generated at least one microwave generator；(b) at least part of microwave energy is transported through into first wave guide section； (c) at least part of the microwave energy from first wave guide section is discharged into microwave office via at least one microwave emitter In, so as to heat multiple articles；(d) net power first discharged from microwave emitter is determined using first pair of directional coupler Value；(e) the net power second value discharged from microwave emitter is determined using second pair of directional coupler, wherein first pair and second It is independent of one another to directional coupler；(f) compare the first value and second value to determine the first difference；(g) when the difference is more than in advance When quantitative, take action to microwave heating system.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the variable phase short-circuiting means for microwave heating system.The device includes limit The fixed part and rotating part of fixed first general rectangular opening, the rotating part include outer cover and be contained in the outer cover it is multiple every The substantially parallel plate opened.The outer cover includes the first and second opposite ends, and first end restriction is adjacent to fixed part First opening second opening.Each plate is coupled to the second end of outer cover, and generally towards the first and second openings Extension.Rotating part is configured to rotate relative to fixed part on the rotation axis for extending through the first and second openings.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the method for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, this method Include the following steps：(a) article is transported through to the heating zone of microwave office via transport system, wherein each article is in the heating Article residence time (τ) is kept in area；(b) microwave energy is generated with one or more microwave generators；(c) by microwave energy At least part transport through phase shifting equipment, which is configured to phase shift rate (t) the cyclic shift microwave energy Phase；(d) at least part for the microwave energy discharged from the phase shifting equipment is discharged via at least one microwave emitter Into the heating zone；(e) article in heating zone is heated at least part for being emitted on microwave energy therein, wherein The ratio of article residence time and phase shift rate (τ: t) is at least 4: 1.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes micro- for generating At least one microwave generator of wave energy, microwave office, transport system and general for article conveying to be passed through to the microwave office At least part of microwave energy from microwave generator is directed to the microwave distribution system of the microwave office.Microwave distribution system System includes at least three microwave distributors for microwave energy to be divided at least three independent sectors.Microwave distribution system System further comprises for the independent sector of microwave energy being discharged at least three microwave emitters in the microwave office.Each Microwave distributor is configured to divide microwave energy according to scheduled power ratio, wherein in the microwave distributor at least The predetermined power ratio of one microwave distributor is not 1: 1.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to heating the process of multiple articles using microwave energy, including following step Suddenly：(a) primary quantity of microwave power is introduced into microwave distributing manifold；(b) using microwave distributing manifold by the initial of microwave power Amount is divided into the first transmitting microwave component and the first distribution microwave component, wherein the first transmitting microwave component and the first distribution microwave The power ratio of component is not 1: 1；(c) the first distribution microwave component is divided into the second transmitting microwave using microwave distributing manifold Component and the second distribution microwave component；(d) the first transmitting microwave component is introduced into microwave heating chamber via the first microwave emitter In；(e) the second transmitting microwave component is introduced into microwave heating chamber via the second microwave emitter.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the continuous process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the mistake Journey includes the following steps：(a) thermalization article in thermalization range, so as to provide multiple thermalization objects with generally uniform temperature Product；(b) the thermalization article is heated in microwave heating area, so as to make at least 50 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of each article, wherein adding At least part of heat is carried out at least 25 DEG C rates of heat addition per minute；(c) article of heating is cooled down in chilling area.Object Product transport through each in thermalization range, microwave heating area and chilling area, wherein microwave via one or more transport systems Heating system has the gross production rate of every strip transmission line road at least 20 packagings per minute.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system is included for by object Product thermalization to the thermalization room of substantially uniform temperature, be arranged on the thermalization room downstream for heat the article through thermalization microwave add Hot cell and the microwave heating chamber downstream is arranged on for heated article to be cooled to the quench chamber of lower temperature.This is micro- Wave heating room is configured at least 50 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of article at least 25 DEG C of rates of heat addition per minute.The system Including at least one transport system, it is configured to article being carried through thermalization room, microwave heating chamber and the quench chamber.This is micro- Wave system system is configured to realize total throughput rate of every strip transmission line road at least 20 packagings per minute.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process packet Include following steps：(a) article is transported through to the microwave office of pressurization via transport system, the wherein microwave office is at least partly filled out Filled with liquid medium；(b) microwave energy is generated via one or more microwave generators；(c) via one or more micro- At least part of microwave energy is introduced into the microwave office by wave launcher；(d) using the microwave energy being introduced in microwave office At least part of amount heats the article in the microwave office；(e) during at least part of heating stepses (d), agitation In the indoor at least part liquid medium of the microwave, the wherein agitation is included at the indoor multiple positions of the microwave towards object Product discharge multiple fluid jets.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process Include the following steps：(a) thermalization article in the thermalization room of at least part liquid filling body medium has substantially so as to generate The thermalization article of even temperature；(b) the thermalization article is heated in microwave office.It is indoor more that thermalization step (a) is included in thermalization Towards multiple jet streams of article discharging liquid medium at a position.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to locking brake gear, including：Show opposite sealing surfaces and described The fixing component that a pair of lock reception space is spaced apart is limited between sealing surfaces, wherein each fixing component is limited by described close The flow-through opening (flow-through opening) of the sealing surfaces limitation in surface is sealed, wherein the flow-through opening is big Cause is in alignment with each other；And gate assembly, the gate assembly is in the closed position of flow-through opening described in the gate assembly primary stricture and the lock Component moves between not blocking the open position of the flow-through opening substantially in lock reception space.The gate assembly includes a pair Sealing plate spaced apart and the drive member being arranged between the sealing plate, wherein when the gate assembly is in the closed position, it should Drive member is moveable relative to the sealing plate between retracted position and extended position.The gate assembly further comprises setting At least a pair of bearings between the sealing plate is put, wherein movement of the drive member from retracted position to extended position promotes The bearing oppresses the sealing plate away from each other and into sealing station, the sealing plate engages opposite sealing in the sealing station Surface, wherein movement of the drive member from extended position to retracted position allows the sealing plate to retract toward each other and enter Unsealed position, the sealing plate is detached from opposite sealing surfaces in the unsealed position.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the method for moving one or more articles in compression system, should Method includes the following steps：(a) one or more articles are transmitted to second from the first pressurized treatments area by flow-through opening Pressurized treatments area；(b) a pair of of movable panel is displaced in the opening；(c) the mobile plate makes it away from each other, thus against The opposite sealing surfaces of a pair at least partly limiting the opening seal the plate, wherein the pair of sealing plate is substantially by the One is isolated from each other with second processing area；(d) at least pressure differential of 15psig is generated at the pair of sealing plate both ends；(e) it depressurizes At least one of first and second treatment regions treatment region, with the pressure at balanced the pair of sealing plate both ends；(f) make the plate It moves towards each other, so as to make the plate from sealing surfaces depressurization；(g) the pair of plate is removed into the opening；(h) lead to The flow-through opening is crossed article is moved back to the first treatment region from second processing area and/or is inserted into new article by the flow-through opening In second processing area.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave heating system for heating multiple articles.The system is filled out including liquid The thermalization room filled is configured to operate in the microwave office of the liquid filling under pressure more higher than the pressure of thermalization room, Yi Jishe Put the pressure locking system between the thermalization room and microwave office.The pressure locking system includes pressure control chamber, the first locking Gate valve and the second locking gate valve, wherein the first locking gate valve is coupled between the thermalization room and pressure control chamber, Described in second locking gate valve be coupled between the pressure control chamber and microwave office.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process Including：(a) multiple articles are transported through to the thermalization range of liquid filling, so as to provide multiple thermalization articles；It (b) will at least one Point thermalization article introduces pressure adjustment area, wherein pressure adjustment area be at least partly limited at the first and second locking gate valves it Between, wherein the first locking gate valve is in the first open position during at least part of the introducing；(c) in thermalization article After being introduced into pressure adjustment area, the first locking gate valve is displaced to the first closed position from the first open position, so as to make this Pressure adjustment area is substantially isolated with thermalization range；(d) the second locking gate valve is displaced to the second open position from the second closed position, With allow article from the pressure adjustment area be transported to liquid filling microwave heating area；(e) in article from the pressure tune After main plot removes, the second locking gate valve is moved back into the second closed position from the second open position, so as to which the pressure tune be isolated again Main plot and microwave heating area.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the method for heating multiple articles, and this method includes the following steps：(a) exist When first test article is carried through the small microwave room that the water with total internal capacity less than 50 cubic feet is filled, The first test article is heated in small microwave heating system, wherein at least part of heating stepses (a) is complete using microwave energy Into；(b) based on heating stepses (a), the first regulation heating curves is determined, wherein the regulation heating curves includes one or more At least one value of microwave system parameter, one or more microwave system parameter is selected from the net work being discharged into the room Rate, the distribution of continuous microwave power, in microwave office in the mean temperature of water, microwave office the flow velocity of water and article in microwave office Residence time；(c) the first commercial good is being carried through to the water filling at least 250 cubic feet of total internal capacity Large-scale microwave office when, multiple first commercial goods are heated in large-scale microwave heating system.At least one of heating stepses (c) Point completed by using microwave energy, wherein, each first commercial good in terms of size and composition with the first test article Substantially similar, wherein heating stepses (c) are controlled according to the first regulation heating curves determined in step (b).

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 a are the process streams of the one embodiment for describing the microwave heating system for heating one or more articles Cheng Tu, especially show to include thermalization range, microwave heating area, optional holding area, chilling area and a pair of of pressure adjustment area is System；

Fig. 1 b show the schematic diagram of the microwave heating system being configured according to one embodiment of present invention 10, are particularly scheming The each area for the microwave heating system 10 summarized in the schematic diagram provided in 1a；

Fig. 2 a are the section view signal end views for the process container being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, specifically shown Including to be arranged side-by-side the transport system of a pair of of conveying circuit of arrangement；

Fig. 2 b are the schematic top sectional views of process container shown in fig. 2 a, especially show that conveying circuit is opposite In being arranged laterally at a spacing for the transport axis extended through the container；

Fig. 2 c are the section view signal end views for another process container being configured according to another embodiment of the invention, The specifically shown transport system of a pair of of conveying circuit including being arranged with stack arrangement；

Fig. 2 d are the schematic cross sectional side views of the process container shown in figure 2 c, especially show that conveying circuit is opposite It is arranged in the perpendicular separation of the transport axis extended through container；

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, which is configured to fixed and transports Send the article that process container heating is filled by liquid；

Fig. 4 a show the partial side cross-sectional view for including one embodiment of the microwave heating system in pressure adjustment area, the pressure Power adjustment area is configured to be transported to one or more articles from the thermalization range of heating system using carrier transportation system Microwave heating area；

Fig. 4 b are analogous to another embodiment of the microwave heating system for including pressure adjustment area shown by Fig. 4 a Partial side cross-sectional view, but the specifically shown carrier transportation system being disposed almost completely in pressure adjustment area；

Fig. 4 c are analogous to the partial schematic diagram in the pressure adjustment area shown in Fig. 4 a and 4b, but show for by article Another embodiment of the carrier transport system in microwave heating area is moved to from thermalization range；

Fig. 4 d are analogous to the partial schematic diagram in the pressure adjustment area shown in Fig. 4 a and 4b, but show for by article Another embodiment of the carrier transport system in microwave heating area is moved to from thermalization range；

Fig. 5 a are the partial side cross-sectional views of locking brake gear being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, are particularly shown Go out gate assembly in an open position；

Fig. 5 b are the partial side cross-sectional views of locking brake gear shown in fig 5 a, particularly show that sealing plate is in contracting Gate assembly in the closed position when return is put；

Fig. 5 c are in Fig. 5 a and the partial side cross-sectional view of locking brake gear shown in figure 5b, particularly show to seal Plate is in gate assembly in the closed position during extended position；

Fig. 5 d are the magnified partial views of the gate assembly shown in Fig. 5 a-c, particularly show to move the close of gate assembly One embodiment of the bearing of sealing plate；

Fig. 6 a are the schematic section side sectional views in the microwave heating area being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, special It is not that heating container and microwave distribution system are shown；

Fig. 6 b are the schematic top views in microwave heating area being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, are particularly shown Go out a kind of configuration of the microwave emitter in the heating system using multi-line transport system；

Fig. 6 c are the schematic side elevational views in microwave heating area shown in figure 6b, particularly show to be configured to heat One group of microwave emitter of the article transmitted along conveying circuit；

Fig. 7 a are the partial side cross-sectional views in microwave heating area being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, are particularly shown Go out the inclined microwave emitter represented by term " transmitting inclination angle " (β)；

Fig. 7 b are the partial side cross-sectional views of another embodiment in microwave heating area, particularly show to include multiple inclinations The microwave distribution system of transmitter；

Fig. 8 a show the part amplification side sectional view of the part in microwave heating area, particularly show positioned at heating zone One embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of at least one microwave emitter；

Fig. 8 b are the part amplification side sectional views of the part in microwave heating area, particularly show to be located at heating zone extremely Another embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of a few microwave emitter；

Fig. 8 c are the part amplification side sectional views of the part in microwave heating area, particularly show to be located at heating zone extremely Another embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of a few microwave emitter；

Fig. 9 a show the isometric view for the microwave emitter being configured according to one embodiment of present invention；

Fig. 9 b are the longitudinal side views of the microwave emitter shown in fig. 9 a；

Fig. 9 c are the end views of the microwave emitter shown in figures 9 a and 9b, are particularly shown with trumpet type outlet Transmitter；

Fig. 9 d are the end views of another embodiment of the microwave emitter substantially shown in figures 9 a and 9b, particularly Show that there is the transmitter of the entrance and exit of about the same size；

Fig. 9 e are the end views of another embodiment of the microwave emitter substantially shown in figures 9 a and 9b, particularly The transmitter for having conical outlet is shown；

Figure 10 a are the isometric views for another microwave emitter being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, particularly The transmitter for including single microwave entrance and the outlet of multiple microwaves is shown；

Figure 10 b are the vertical sectional views of the microwave emitter shown in figure loa, particularly show multiple microwave outlets；

Figure 10 c are the vertical sectional views of the microwave emitter shown in 10a and 10b, are particularly shown in microwave A pair of of separation membrane of independent microwave access is created between the entrance of transmitter and multiple outlets；

Figure 11 a are the isometric views for the microwave emitter being configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, are particularly shown The integrated induction formula diaphragm (inductive iris) being arranged between the entrance of transmitter and outlet；

Figure 11 b are the horizontal cross of the microwave emitter shown in fig. 11 a；

Figure 11 c are analogous to the horizontal cross of another microwave emitter of the transmitter shown in fig. 11 a, still Other than being arranged on the induction type diaphragm between the entrance of transmitter and outlet, a pair of of separation membrane is further included；

Figure 12 a are the side sectional views for the phase shifting equipment being configured according to one embodiment of present invention, particularly show to wrap Include the plunger type tuner of single single plunger；

Figure 12 b are the schematic cross sectional side views for the phase shifting equipment being configured according to another embodiment of the invention, especially It is to show to include by the plunger type tuner of common rotatable shaft-driven multiple plungers；

Figure 13 a are the side perspective views for the phase shifting equipment being configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, are particularly shown Rotatable phase shifting equipment；

Figure 13 b are the longitudinal sectional views of rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a；

Figure 13 c are the transverse sectional views of the rotatable portion of rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a and 13b, especially It is the width and spacing for showing to be arranged on the plate in outer cover；

Figure 13 d are the transverse sectional views of the fixed part of rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a and 13b, particularly The size of the fixed part is shown；

Figure 13 e are the side sectional views of rotatable phase shifting equipment being configured according to another embodiment of the invention, especially It is the drive system for showing to include rotating crankshaft component；

Figure 13 f are the side sectional views of rotatable phase shifting equipment being configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, especially It is the drive system for showing to include one group of compressed spring；

Figure 14 a are utilized for the schematic of the microwave distribution system of phase shift and/or impedance-tumed two phase shifting equipments Partial side cross-sectional view；

Figure 14 b are the schematic section side, sectionals for the microwave heating container being configured according to one embodiment of present invention Figure particularly shows the phase shifting equipment for being coupled to container as frequency tuner；

Figure 15 a are the schematic section side sectional views of a part for microwave heating system, particularly show to include multiple The thermalization range of fluid jet blender；

Figure 15 b are analogous to the thermalization range end view of the thermalization range shown in fig. 15 a, particularly show circumferentially to be pacified Put one embodiment of the fluid jet blender in thermalization range；

Figure 16 is the key step in the method for representing to be related to being included in one embodiment of the present of invention control microwave system Flow chart；

Figure 17 is to represent to be included in determine from least one directional coupler/coupler by using two pairs or more The flow chart of key step in the method for the net power of a microwave emitter discharge；And

Figure 18 be it is according to an embodiment of the invention be inserted into test bag with determine the packet minimum temperature with For determining the isometric view of the position of the thermocouple of the heating curves of article.

Specific embodiment

Each embodiment according to the present invention is used to heat the microwave process of multiple articles and system will be described below.It will Food, liquid and Medical treatment device are can include but is not limited in the system of the present invention and the example of the appropriate articles heated in the process Tool.In one embodiment, microwave system described herein can be used for the pasteurize and/or disinfection of heated. Under normal circumstances, pasteurize includes one or more articles being heated rapidly to minimum between 80 DEG C and 100 DEG C Temperature, while sterilize the minimum temperature for including one or more articles being heated between 100 DEG C and 140 DEG C.But, In one embodiment, pasteurize and disinfection can be carried out simultaneously or almost simultaneously, and many processes and system can be by It is configured to one or more articles not only pasteurize but also sterilizes.It is discussed in detail now with reference to attached drawing and is configured to heating one Kind or the microwave system of multiple types article and each embodiment of process.

Fig. 1 a and 1b are turned now to, the key step in microwave heating process according to an embodiment of the invention is shown Meaning property represents to describe in fig 1 a, and Fig. 1 b describe the microwave according to the operable multiple articles of heating of the process summarized in fig 1 a One embodiment of system 10.As seen in figure la and lb, one or more articles can be initially introduced thermalization range 12, at this Article can be by thermalization to substantially uniform temperature in thermalization range.After thermalization, article be introduced into microwave heating area 16 it Before, it optional can then be transmitted through pressure adjustment area 14a.In microwave heating area 16, article can be by one or more A microwave emitter (transmitter 18 usually as shown in Figure 1b) is micro- at least part heating zone using being discharged into Wave energy quickly heats.Then, the article after heating can optionally be transmitted through holding area 20, and article is in the holding area 20 Specified time amount can be kept with stationary temperature.Then, which is then transferred to chilling area 22, in this zone article Temperature can be quickly reduced suitable treatment temperature.Hereafter, article after cooling can go forward side by side one from the removal of system 10 Before step utilizes, it is optionally transmitted through second pressure adjustment area 14b.

Microwave system 10 may be configured to heat many different types of articles.In one embodiment, in microwave system The article heated in system 10 can include the meal or even drink of food, such as water fruits and vegetables, meat, wheaten food, well in advance Material.In other embodiments, the article heated in microwave system 10 can include packaged liquid or medical treatment and/or dentistry Instrument.The article handled in microwave heating system 10 can be any suitable size and shape.In one embodiment, often A article can have at least about 2 inches, at least about 4 inches, at least about 6 inches and/or no more than about 18 inches, be no more than about 12 inches or no more than about 10 inches of length (longest dimension)；At least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inches, at least about 4 inches and/ Or no more than about 12 inches, no more than about 10 inches or no more than about 8 inches of width (the second longest dimension)；And/or at least About 0.5 inch, at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inches and/or no more than about 8 inches, no more than about 6 inches or no more than about 4 The depth (shortest dimension) of inch.The article can include usually with rectangle or intend the independent commodity or packet of prism shape Dress can include connecting commodity or the continuous net of packaging by what microwave system 10 transmitted.Commodity or packaging can be by including Plastics, any material of cellulose and other permeation resistances are formed, and can be passed via one or more transport systems It send through microwave system 10, the embodiment of transport system will be described in detail below.

According to one embodiment of present invention, above-mentioned thermalization, 12,16,20 and of microwave heating, holding and/or chilling area 22 can be limited in single container usually as shown in Figure 1 b, and in another embodiment, in the above-mentioned stage at least One stage can be limited in one or more independent containers.According to one embodiment, at least one in above-mentioned steps A step can perform in the container of at least part filling fluid media (medium), and article being processed can be immersed at least partly Not in the fluid media (medium).The fluid media (medium) can be the gas or liquid that dielectric constant is more than dielectric constant of air, one In a embodiment, which can be that the liquid with the dielectric constant similar with the dielectric constant of article being processed is situated between Matter.Water (or liquid medium including water) can be particularly suitable for heating edible and/or the system of medical treatment device or article. In one embodiment, if necessary, during processing, such as additive of oil, ethyl alcohol, ethylene glycol and salt can Selection of land is added in the liquid medium, to change or strengthen its physical characteristic (for example, boiling point).

Microwave system 10 can include passing through at least one of above-mentioned one or more treatment regions for conveying articles Transport system (is not shown) in Fig. 1 a and 1b.The example of suitable transport system can include but is not limited to plastics or rubber strip is defeated Send machine, chain-linked conveyer, roller conveyer, bending/flexibility or more bendings/more flexible conveyers, silk screen conveyer, bucket type conveying Machine, air conveyer, screw conveyor, slot or jigging conveyer and combinations thereof.The transport system can include any amount of Independent conveying circuit, and can be disposed in process container in any suitable manner.It is utilized by microwave system 10 defeated Send at least part of substantially fixed position that system can be usually configured in container or the system can be lateral or vertical Nogata is to being adjustable.

Fig. 2 a-2d are turned now to, the embodiment of process container 120 is provided, wherein process container 120 includes what is be disposed therein Transport system 110.In the one embodiment being generally illustrated in Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b, transport system 110 is included with substantially simultaneously deploying Put a pair of of the lateral separation being positioned in container 120, substantially parallel conveying circuit 112,114.Such as container 120 in Fig. 2 b Shown in top cross-sectional view, conveying circuit 112 and 114 can distanced from one another cross and being positioned in conveying axis 122 two Side, conveying axis 122 are extended with transporting through the conveying direction of article along the length of container 120.Although conveying circuit 112,114 exists It is illustrated in Fig. 2 a in container 120 in identical vertical height, but it is to be understood that in one embodiment, pipeline Road 112,114 can also be positioned in different vertical heights.In addition, the transport system 110 shown in Fig. 2 a and 2b may be used also To include multipair laterally spaced conveying circuit (embodiment is not shown), so that multipair laterally spaced conveying circuit edge The vertical dimension of container 120 separates vertically.

Another embodiment of transport system 110 shows that the transport system 110 is included with heap laying up in Fig. 2 c and Fig. 2 d Put a pair of of the lateral separation being positioned in 120 inside of container, substantially parallel conveying circuit 116,118.116 He of conveying circuit 118 can be configured in above and below conveying axis 122, and conveying axis 122 can usually extend along the length of container 120, as Shown in the cross sectional side view of container 120 provided in figure 2d.In addition, with previously mentioned similar mode, in Fig. 2 c and 2d In the container 120 that shows can also include multipair conveying circuit distanced from one another cross in container.Further, circuit pair Each conveying circuit can with or another cannot be deviated from horizontal direction.(not shown) in a further embodiment, container 120 can include single conveying circuit, at the centre 1/3rd for the internal capacity that container 120 can be positioned in or by It is placed in or the center line close to container.The additional detail of the transport system of several embodiments according to the present invention will be detailed below It is thin to discuss.

When transport system be used for convey article by liquid fill process container when, one or more carriers or its His fixed mechanism can be used to control article by the position during liquid medium.One reality of suitable carrier 210 Example is applied to be shown in FIG. 3.As shown in figure 3, carrier 210 includes lower stationary plane 212a and upper stationary plane 212b, it is configured to Any appropriate number of article 216 is fixed between the lower stationary plane and upper stationary plane.In one embodiment, substantially such as Shown in Fig. 3, above and/or under stationary plane 212b, 212a can have the structure of netted, grid or grid, and in another implementation In example, the one or both in stationary plane 212a, 212b can be substantially continuous surface.Carrier 210 can by plastics, Glass fibre or any other dielectric material are formed, and in one embodiment, can be compatible with by one or more microwaves And/or permeation resistance is made.In certain embodiments, which can be lossy material.In certain embodiments, it carries Frame 210 can not include metal substantially.

Lower and upper stationary plane 212a, 212b can be attached to another by the fixing device of fastener 219 as shown in Figure 3 It is a, and in assembling, carrier 210 can be attached or affixed to transport system according to any suitable bindiny mechanism and (not exist It is shown in Fig. 3).In one embodiment, at least side (or edge) of carrier 210 can include one or more attached Mechanism, it is such as shown in Fig. 3 to be used to carrier 210 being fixed to a part for transport system (not shown) (for example, railing (bar), guide rail, belt or chain) lower hook 218a, 218b.According to the thickness and/or weight of article 216, carrier 210 can only include for carrier 210 to be fixed to a hook in hook 218a, 218b in transport system.For conveying The transport system of article 216 may be configured to convey multiple carriers, and the carrier along one or more conveying circuit Can as it is previously described with side by side, it is laterally spaced configuration and/or with perpendicular separation, stack deployment arrangements.When defeated When sending system including multiple conveying circuits, each conveying circuit can include multiple carriers for keeping multiple articles 216, Or each conveying circuit can keep overlieing one another or laterally spaced multiple carriers.

Referring back to Fig. 1 a and 1b, the article for being introduced into microwave system 10 is initially introduced thermalization range 12, and article is in the warm Change area by thermalization to realize substantially homogeneous temperature.In one embodiment, all items left from thermalization range 12 are at least About 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 97% or at least about 99% has about 5 each other Temperature in DEG C, in about 2 DEG C or in about 1 DEG C.As used herein, term " thermalization " is commonly referred to as equalized temperature Or balanced step.According to by the initial and preferred temperature of thermalization article, the thermalization as heat exchanger 13 as shown in 1a The temperature control system in area 12 can heat and/or cool system.In one embodiment, thermalization step can be in environment temperature Performed under degree and/or pressure, and in another embodiment, thermalization can no more than about 10psig, no more than about It is performed in 5psig or pressurization under pressure no more than about 2psig and/or liquid filling thermalization container.Carry out the object of thermalization Average residence time of the product in thermalization range 12 can have at least about 30 seconds, at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 points Clock, at least about 4 minutes and/or no more than about 20 minutes, no more than about 15 minutes or no more than about 10 minutes. In one embodiment, the article that is left from thermalization range 12 can have at least about 20 DEG C, at least about 25 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C, at least about 35 DEG C and/or no more than about 70 DEG C, no more than about 65 DEG C, no more than about 60 DEG C or no more than about 55 DEG C of temperature.

It is operated in one embodiment of substantially different pressure in thermalization range 12 and microwave heating area 16, is moved from thermalization range 12 The article opened can be transmitted through pressure adjustment area 14a first before microwave heating area 16 is entered, substantially such as Fig. 1 a and Shown in 1b.Pressure adjustment area 14a, which can be arranged to shift between lower pressure region and higher pressure area, to be heated Any region of article or system.In one embodiment, pressure adjustment area 14a may be configured to at least about 1psi, at least about 5psi, at least about 10psi and/or no more than about 50psi, no more than about 45psi, no more than big Article is shifted between about 40psi or two regions of the pressure differential no more than about 35psi.In one embodiment, microwave system System 10 can include at least two pressure and adjust area 14a, 14b, for by article back to before atmospheric pressure, by article from Atmospheric pressure thermalization range is transferred to the heating zone with operation with high pressure, this will be discussed in more detail below.

It is arranged on the pressure adjustment area 314a's between the thermalization range 312 of microwave heating system 310 and microwave heating area 316 One embodiment is shown in fig.4.Pressure adjustment area 314a is configured to be fixed on multiple at least one carrier Article 350 is transferred to the microwave heating area 316 of elevated pressures from the thermalization range of lower pressure 312.Although it shows in fig.4 It is single carrier 352a, but it is to be understood that pressure adjustment area 314a may be configured to receive more than one carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier can be received simultaneously along each beam direction, so that pressure adjusts area 314a in the same time comprising more A carrier.In another embodiment, multiple carriers can be arranged and are ready in such as thermalization range 312, for quilt Pressure adjustment area 314a is displaced through, details is discussed below.

It in operation, can be by being first turned on balanced valve 330 and allowing between thermalization range 312 and pressure adjustment area 314a Pressure it is balanced, one or more carrier 352a are transferred to microwave heating area 316 from thermalization range 312.Next, lock Device 332 can be opened, carrier 352a to be allowed to be moved to pressure from the conveying circuit 340a being arranged in thermalization range 312 It adjusts on the platform 334 in area 314a, as in fig.4 as being generally illustrated dotted line carrier 352b.

Hereafter, brake gear 332 and balanced valve 330 can be closed successively, so as to which pressure is adjusted area 314a and thermalization range 312 are isolated again.Then, another balanced valve 336 can be opened, to allow pressure adjustment area 314a and microwave heating area 316 Between pressure it is balanced.Once realizing balance, another brake gear 338 can be opened, carrier 352b to be allowed to be moved to It is arranged on another transport system 340b in microwave heating area 316, is such as substantially shown by dotted line carrier 352c in fig.4 Go out.Then, brake gear 338 and balanced valve 336 can be closed successively, so as to which microwave heating area 316 and pressure are adjusted area 314a is isolated again.Then, which can be repeated when needed, so as to which additional carrier be transported to from thermalization range 312 Microwave heating area 316.

According to one embodiment, can each be filled in microwave heating area 316 and thermalization range 312 is incompressible Fluid or liquid, such as, such as water or the solution including water.Hold as it is used herein, term " filling " represents wherein specified Long-pending at least 50% is filled with the configuration of filled media." filled media " can be liquid, typically incompressible liquid, And can be or including such as water.In a particular embodiment, " be filled " volume can be at least about 75%, it is at least big About 90%, at least about 95% or complete 100% filled media.When thermalization range 312 and/or microwave heating area 316 are filled When having incompressible fluid, brake gear 332,338 and/or pressure adjustment area 314a can also include valve as shown in fig. 4 a or Two or more unidirectional valves or valve of valve 342,344 are used to open in brake gear 332 and 338 and carrier 352 are passed Send by wherein when, a large amount of fluids between thermalization range 312 and microwave heating area 316 is prevented to leak.

Carrier 352 is carried through pressure adjustment area 314a from thermalization range 312 and enters microwave heating area 316 can be through It is realized by one or more goods conveying systems, several embodiments of the goods conveying system are shown in Fig. 4 b-4d. In some embodiments, automatic transmission system 380 can add including being arranged on thermalization range 312, pressure adjustment area 314a and/or microwave One or more transmitting devices in hot-zone 316 are used to move into and/or remove pressure adjustment area 314a by carrier 352. In one embodiment as shown in Figure 4b, Transmission system 380 includes two toothed wheel transmission equipments 381,382, is configured to Tooth 353 of the engagement along the lower edge setting of carrier 352 and the rotation as indicated by arrow 392a, 392b, will hold Carrier 352 pulls out from thermalization range 312 and/or carrier 352 is pushed into microwave heating area 316.As shown in Figure 4 b, first It is kept essentially stationary (in terms of transverse movement) during carrier 352 is transported with second gear transmitting device 381,382, and It is nearly completely or completely arranged in pressure adjustment area 314a.

In contrast, some embodiments of automatic transmission system 380 can include one or more transmitting devices, By carrier 352 be sent into and/or send out pressurization adjustment area 314a during can transverse shift (that is, being removable in carriage direction ).Described in one embodiment as illustrated in fig. 4 c, a part of of automatic transmission system 380 can be arranged on thermalization range 312 And/or in microwave heating area 316, and may be configured to stretch into and contract pressure adjustment area 314a.As illustrated in fig. 4 c In system 380, transmitting device includes push arm 381, is configured to carrier 352 being pushed into pressure adjustment area 314a；And it leads Draw arm 382, be used to pull in carrier 352 in microwave heating area 316.Either push arm 381 or draft arm 382 be not Be arranged in pressure adjustment area 314a, but it is each be configured to stretch into or the pressure adjustment area 314a that contracts, as in Fig. 4 c It is generally illustrated by arrow 394a, 394b.

According to another embodiment shown in figure 4d, automatic delivery system 380 is included with moveable part 384 Platform 334, is configured to stretch into and contract thermalization 312 and/or microwave heating area 316, so as to which carrier 352 to be sent into and send Go out thermalization and microwave heating area 312,316, as arrow 396a and 396b are generally illustrated.With the embodiment phase shown in Fig. 4 c Than the automatic transmission system 380 shown in figure 4d is mainly disposed in pressure adjustment area 314a, and is configured to stretch out and be contracted Back pressure adjusts area 314a.

Regardless of the specified configuration for the transmitting device that automatic article Transmission system 380 is utilized, which can be with System 390 is automatically controlled to automate or control, it is as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b.Although do not have in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 c and 4d Body is described, but it is to be understood that this kind of control system 390 can also be used in these embodiments.Automatic control system 390 can Be used to control the first balanced valve 330 and the second balanced valve 336 of automatic article Transmission system 380, the first gate valve 332 and the The movement of at least one of two gate valves 338 and the first transmitting device 381 and the second transmitting device 382 and/or sequential.One In a embodiment, control system 390 can adjust the position, speed and/or sequential of these devices or element, so as in the system Interior carrier by it is uninterrupted with it is consistent in a manner of move.

Fig. 5 a-5d are turned now to, one embodiment of locking brake gear 420 is provided, which is suitable as The brake gear 332 and/or 338 for the part for microwave system 310 described in Fig. 4 a and 4b.Gate-valve device 420 is locked in Fig. 5 a- It is shown in d, including a pair fixing component 410,412 spaced apart, which is presented opposite sealing surfaces 414a, 414b and the lock reception space 416 being limited between the sealing surfaces.It is every in spacing fixing member 410,412 A to limit flow-through opening 418a, 418b, which is limited by a sealing surfaces in sealing surfaces 414a, 414b System.Each flow-through opening 418a, 418b are generally aligned with each other, so that when gate-valve device 420 is opened, article can be to pass through The opening of accumulation.

Locking brake gear 420 further comprises gate assembly 422, which is configured to be received in lock reception space In 416, and in lock reception space between closed position (as illustrated in figures 5 b and 5 c) and open position (as shown in Figure 5 a) It is displaceable, wherein at the closed position, 422 primary stricture flow-through opening 418a, 418b of gate assembly and wherein described During open position, gate assembly 422 substantially not blocked flow opening 418a, 418b.In one embodiment, gate assembly 422 includes A pair sealing plate 424,426 spaced apart and the drive member 428 being arranged between sealing plate 424,426.When 422 quilt of gate assembly It is configured at closed position, drive member 428 is relative to sealing plate 424,426 in retracted position (as shown in Figure 5 b) and stretching, extension It can be shifted between position (as shown in Figure 5 c).In one embodiment as illustrated in figs. 5 a-5 c, gate assembly 422 includes being arranged on At least a pair of bearings 430 being limited in the space between opposite sealing plate 424,426 is closed when gate assembly 422 is in During position, described at least a pair of bearings 430 is positioned in lock reception space 416, as Fig. 5 b and 5c it is specifically shown.When When drive member 428 shifts between retracted position as shown in Figure 5 b and extended position as shown in Figure 5 c, a pair of bearings 430 At least one of bearing can outward exert oneself to sealing plate 424, at least one of 426 sealing plates, make sealing plate remote each other From and into sealing station, as shown in Figure 5 c.

In one embodiment, bearing can be by fixation, attached or at least part to one or more bearings in 430 It is contained at least one of sealing plate 424,426 and/or drive member 428.According to one embodiment, at least one bearing 430a can be fixedly attached to drive member 428, as the enlarged partial view of gate assembly 422 provided in figure 5d is retouched It paints.When drive member 428 is moved downwardly into lock reception space 416, a bearing 430a of the bearing centering can be contacted A sealing plate (as shown in the plate 426 in Fig. 5 d) in sealing plate 424,426 and can be along the slope in the sealing plate (or slot) 427 moves.When bearing is advanced through slot 427 (or along slope 427), outside pressure is applied in sealing plate 426 On, so as to which the sealing plate be made to be moved with the direction indicated by arrow 460.It, should although showing only to include a pair of bearings 430 Understand, any amount of bearing disposed along the vertical length of drive member 428 and/or containment member 424,426 can be by It uses.

When in sealing station as shown in Figure 5 c, at least part engagement or physics in sealing plate 424,426 connect Corresponding opposing seal surface 414a, 414b are touched, so as to basically form fluid-tight seal.In one embodiment, sealing plate 424th, each sealing plate in 426 includes elastic sealing element 423,425, is used to be in sealing station when sealing plate 424,426 When, engage sealing surfaces 414a, 414b.When drive member 428 is moved back into as shown in Figure 5 b from extended position as shown in Figure 5 c Retracted position when, sealing plate 424,426 each other to as shown in Figure 5 b unencapsulated position retract.At unsealing position, Sealing plate 424,426 is detached from from opposite sealing surfaces 414a, 414b, but can be remained set in lock reception space 416. In one embodiment, sealing plate 424,426 can be to unsealing location bias, and can include at least one bias unit 429 (for example, a spring or multiple springs), for by sealing plate 424,426 to unsealing location bias.

Referring again to Fig. 1 a and 1b, it is present in as described above in thermalization range 12 and optionally transports through pressure adjustment The article of area 14a can be introduced into microwave heating area 16.In microwave heating area 16, article can be used and use microwave energy The heating source of amount quickly heats.As used herein, term " microwave energy " refers to having between 300MHz and 30GHz The electromagnetic energy of frequency.In one embodiment, each configuration in microwave heating area 16 can be utilized with about 915MHz The microwave energy of the frequency of frequency or about 2.45GHz, described two frequencies are designated generally by making industrial microwave frequency.In addition to Other than microwave energy, microwave heating area 16 can also be optionally with the one or more of such as conduction or Convective Heating Heating source or other conventional heating methods or device.However, for heating the energy of the article in microwave heating area 16 at least About 90%, at least about 95% or can be all the microwave energy from microwave source.

According to one embodiment, microwave heating area 16 may be configured to the temperature of article increasing to minimum threshold temperature More than.It is configured in the one embodiment for sterilizing multiple articles in microwave system 10, minimum threshold temperature (and microwave heating The operation temperature in area 16) can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C and/or no more than about 130 DEG C, no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C.Microwave heating area 16 can operate under approximate environmental pressure, Or its can include one or more pressurization microwave office, the pressurization microwave office at least about 5psig, at least about 10psig, at least about 15psig and/or no more than about 80psig, no more than about 60psig or no more than about 40psig Pressure under operate.In one embodiment, the microwave office of pressurization can be the liquid filled chamber for having operating pressure, so as to make Heating object product can reach temperature on the normal boiling point of the liquid medium wherein used.

Desired temperature can be heated within the relatively short period by the article in microwave heating area 16, certain In the case of, this can be minimized the injury of article or degeneration.In one embodiment, it is transmitted through microwave heating area 16 Article can have at least about 5 seconds, at least about 20 seconds, at least about 60 seconds and/or no more than about 10 points Clock, the average residence time no more than about 8 minutes or no more than about 5 minutes.In identical or other embodiment, microwave adds Hot-zone 16 may be configured to at least about 15 DEG C/min (DEG C/min), at least about 25 DEG C/min, at least about 35 DEG C/ Minute and/or the heating speed no more than about 75 DEG C/min, no more than about 50 DEG C/min or no more than about 40 DEG C/min Rate is by least about 20 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C, at least about 40 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of heating object product, at least about 50 DEG C, at least about 75 DEG C and/or no more than about 150 DEG C, no more than about 125 DEG C or no more than about 100 DEG C.

Fig. 6 a are turned now to, the one embodiment in microwave heating area 516 is shown, which generallys include microwave and add Hot cell 520, at least one microwave generator 512 for generating microwave energy and for by the microwave energy of microwave generator 512 At least part of amount is directed to the microwave distribution system 514 in microwave office 520.Microwave distribution system 514 includes multiple waveguides Section 518 and one or more microwave emitters for being illustrated as transmitter 522a-f in Fig. 6 a, the microwave emitter are used In microwave energy is discharged into the inside of microwave office 520.As shown in Figure 6 a, microwave heating area 516 may further include defeated System 540 is sent, is used to heated 550 being carried through microwave office 520.The microwave of each embodiment according to the present invention Each component of heating zone 516 will be described in detail below.

Microwave generator 512 can be any suitable device for generating the microwave energy for it is expected wavelength (λ).Properly The example of the microwave generator of type can include but is not limited to magnetron, klystron, travelling-wave tubes and gyrotron.Although microwave Heating system 516 is shown to include single generator 512 in Fig. 6 a, but it is to be understood that microwave heating system 516 can wrap Include any amount of generator arranged with any suitable configurations.For example, in one embodiment, according to microwave distribution system 514 size and arrangement, microwave heating area 516 can include at least one, at least two, at least three and/or no more than 5, no More than 4 or no more than 3 microwave generator.The specific embodiment in the microwave heating area including multiple generators will be detailed below It is thin to discuss.

Microwave office 520 can be arranged to receive any room or the container of multiple articles.Microwave office 520 can be any Size and can have various varying cross-section shapes in one kind.For example, in one embodiment, room 520 can have The cross section of substantial circular or ellipse, and in other embodiments, there can be the horizontal stroke of substantially square, rectangle or polygon Cross sectional shape.In one embodiment, microwave office 520 can be compression chamber, and in identical or other embodiment, the microwave Room may be configured at least partly filled with liquid medium (liquid filled chamber).Microwave office 520 can be configured to receive At least part of the microwave energy discharged from one or more microwave emitters 522, and in one embodiment, can be with It is configured to permit the wave pattern for creating and stablizing (or lasting).In one embodiment, at least one size of microwave office 520 Can be at least about 0.30 λ, at least about 0.40 λ or at least about 0.50 λ, wherein λ be emitted on it is micro- in the microwave office The wavelength of wave energy.

Microwave distribution system 514 includes multiple waveguides or waveguide segment 518, is used for the microwave energy from generator 512 At least part of amount is directed in microwave office 520.Waveguide 518 can be designed or be configured to propagate with specific Main Patterns micro- Wave energy, the pattern of microwave energy which can generate with generator 512 are identical or different.As made herein , term " pattern " refers to the approximately fixed cross section figure of microwave energy.In one embodiment of the invention, wave 518 are led to may be configured to TE_xyMode propagation microwave energy, wherein x and y are the integers ranging from from 0 to 5.In the present invention Another embodiment in, waveguide 518 may be configured to TM_abMode propagation microwave energy, wherein a and b are ranging from from 0 To 5 integer.It should be appreciated that it is suitable for the present invention for describing the above-mentioned range of definition of a, b, x and y value of microwave propagation pattern The whole instruction.In one embodiment, the microwave energy propagated by waveguide 518 and/or discharged via transmitter 522a-f The Main Patterns of amount can be from by TE₁₀、TM₀₁And TE₁₁It is selected in the group of composition.

As shown in Figure 6 a, microwave distribution system 514 further comprises one or more microwave emitter 522a-f, each Microwave emitter limits at least one transmitting opening 524a-f for being discharged into microwave energy in microwave office 520.It is although micro- Wavelength-division match system 514 is shown to include 6 microwave emitter 522a-f in Fig. 6 a, but it is to be understood that microwave distribution system 514 can include with any appropriate number of transmitter of any desired deployment arrangements.For example, microwave distribution system 514 can be with Including at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four and/or no more than 50, no more than 30 or no more than 20 microwaves Transmitter.Transmitter 522a-f can be the transmitter of identical or different type, and in one embodiment, transmitter At least one of 522a-f transmitters can use reflecting surface (not shown) to substitute, which is used for will be from other transmittings At least part for the microwave energy that device 522 discharges is reflected into microwave heating chamber 520.

When microwave distribution system 514 includes two or more transmitters, at least some of transmitter can be arranged on The side being substantially the same of microwave office 520.As it is used herein, term " transmitter of same side " refer to being positioned in it is micro- Two or more transmitters for being substantially the same side of wave room.The transmitter of two or more same sides can also be axial each other Interval.As it is used herein, term " axially spaced-apart " represents the spacing on conveying direction of the article by microwave system (that is, spacing on transport axis extending direction).In addition, one or more transmitters 522 of the system can also be with one A or more other 522 lateral separations of transmitter.As it is used herein, term " lateral separation " should represent to lead to article Cross the spacing (that is, spacing perpendicular to the extending direction of transport axis) on the vertical direction of conveying direction of microwave system.Example Such as in Fig. 6 a, transmitter 522a-c and 522d-f be arranged on microwave office 520 corresponding first side and second side 521a, On 521b, and transmitter 522a and transmitter 522b and 522c axially spaced-apart, just as transmitter 522e and transmitter 522f and 522d axially spaced-aparts are the same.

In addition, as shown by the embodiment in Fig. 6 a, microwave distribution system 514 can include at least two to (example Such as, two pairs or multipair) be oppositely arranged or opposite transmitter.As it is used herein, what term " opposite transmitter " referred to Two or more transmitters being disposed between on microwave office substantially opposite side.In one embodiment, opposite transmitter Can be that opposite is facing.As used in herein in regard to opposite microwave emitter, term " opposite faces " should table Show the transmitter that center transmitting axis is generally aligned with each other.For simplicity, the center transmitting axis 523c of transmitter 522c Center transmitting axis 523d with transmitter 522d is the unique transmission axis shown in Fig. 6 a.It should be understood, however, that transmitting Each transmitter in device 522a-f includes similar transmitting axis.

Opposite transmitter can each other general alignment or can be arranged on the opposite flank of microwave office 520 one A or more other transmitter interlaced arrangements.In one embodiment, a pair of of relative transmission device can be a pair of of hair staggeredly Emitter, so that the floss hole 524 of transmitter 522 is misaligned substantially each other.Transmitter 522a and 522e form staggeredly to match Put the illustrative relative transmission device of a pair of arrangement.Relative transmission device staggeredly can axially or transversally interlock each other.As this For text about used in opposite microwave emitter, term " axially staggered " should represent that center transmitting axis is axially spaced apart from each other Transmitter.As used in herein in regard to opposite microwave emitter, term " laterally staggered " should represent that center emits axis Transmitter distanced from one another cross.In another embodiment, a pair of opposite transmitter can be directly opposite transmitter, So that the floss hole of transmitter pair is substantially aligned.For example, the transmitter 522c and 522d that are shown in Fig. 6 a are configured to A pair of opposite transmitter.

In certain embodiments, microwave heating area 516 can include two or more pipelines operated simultaneously with one another Road.Exemplary multi-line road transport system 540 is shown in Fig. 6 b and 6c.As shown in figs. 6b and 6c, transport system 540 can by with It is set on the conveying direction substantially represented by arrow 560 in figure 6b and transports multiple articles 550.In one embodiment, it conveys System 540 can include at least two lateral separations, substantially parallel conveying circuit, the such as shown in figure 6b First, second and third conveying circuit 542a-c.In one embodiment, conveying circuit 542a-c can include individual delivery system System, and in another embodiment, each circuit in conveying circuit 542a-c can be a part for entire transport system.It is defeated Send system 540 and/or conveying circuit 542a-c can be those transport systems for including previously being discussed in detail any suitable class The conveyer or transport system of type.

The microwave heating system 516 shown in Fig. 6 b and 6c include multiple microwave emitters 522, can be divided or It is organized at least two groups two or more microwave emitters.It is each in first, second, and third conveying circuit 542a-c Conveying circuit may be configured to receive the microwave energy of corresponding first, second, and third group of microwave emitter.In an implementation In example, transmitter " group " also refers to the transmitter (example of two or more axially spaced-aparts disposed substantially along conveying direction Such as, transmitter the group 522a-d, transmitter group 522e-h and/or transmitter group 522i-1 shown in figure 6b), and at another In embodiment, transmitter " group " can include the one or more pairs of relative transmission devices being positioned on the not ipsilateral of microwave office (for example, the group for including a pair of of transmitter 522a and 522m as fig. 6 c, include the group of a pair of of transmitter 522b and 522n, Group including a pair of of transmitter 522c and 522o and the group for including a pair of of transmitter 522d and 522p).When transmitter group includes During one or more pairs of relative transmission devices, which can be arranged with interconnected (not shown) or be straight each other as fig. 6 c It connects opposite (for example, opposite face to).According to one embodiment, at least one hair as shown in Fig. 6 b as generator 512a Raw device may be configured to provide microwave energy at least one set of microwave emitter.

As Fig. 6 b are specifically shown, each microwave emitter 522 of neighbouring conveying circuit 542 can be in conveying direction On relative to each other with interconnected arrangement.In one embodiment, the microwave emitter 522a- of one or more same sides 1 can be axially staggered each other.For example, in embodiment as shown in Figure 6 b, with the first associated transmitters of conveying circuit 542a 522a-d can be relative to each transmitter in respective transmitter 522e-h with interconnected arrangement, wherein transmitter 522e-h It is associated with the second conveying circuit 542b relative to and/or along conveying direction 560.Such as herein in relation to the Microwave emission of same side Used in device, term " axially staggered " should represent that distance axially spaced apart from each other is more than the maximum of the transmitting opening of transmitter 1/2 transmitter of axial dimension.As used in the microwave emitter herein in relation to same side, term " laterally staggered " It should represent that distance distanced from one another cross is more than 1/2 transmitter of the maximum transverse size of the transmitting opening of transmitter.

In addition, in identical or another embodiment, with non-adjacent conveying circuit (for example, first and third pipeline Road 542a, 542c) associated microwave emitter can be relative to each other with substantially aligned deployment arrangements, as shown in Fig. 6 b Transmitter 522a-d is relative to illustrated by the arrangement of transmitter 522i-1.Alternatively, it is associated with third conveying circuit 542c At least part of transmitter 522i-1 can be relative to the first conveying circuit 542a and/or the hair of the second conveying circuit 542b Emitter 522a-d interlaced arrangements (embodiment is not shown).Although Fig. 6 b include very between describing the transmitter of neighbouring conveying circuit It is small even without spacing, but it is to be understood that in one embodiment, there may be certain between the transmitter of adjacent lines Away from (for example, transmitter 522a and 522e, transmitter 522b and 522f etc.).Further, individual transmitter 522 can have Any suitable design or configuration, and in one embodiment, one or more embodiments of the present invention can be included At least one feature, the feature will be described in detail herein.

Fig. 7 a are turned now to, the partial view of the one embodiment in microwave heating area 616 is shown.Microwave heating area 616 is wrapped At least one microwave emitter 622 is included, which limits the transmitting opening for energy being discharged into microwave office 620 624.As shown in Figure 7a, microwave emitter 622 is configured to emit axis 660 to the discharge microwave energy of transport system 640 along center Amount, transport system 640 are configured to transport multiple articles 650 in microwave office 620 along transport axis 642.In one embodiment In, center transmitting axis 660 can be inclined by so that transmitting angle of inclination beta be limited at center transmitting axis 660 with perpendicular to Between the plane (plane 662 gone out as shown in Figure 7a) of transport axis 642.According to one embodiment, transmitting angle of inclination beta can be to Few about 2 °, at least about 4 °, at least about 5 ° and/or no more than about 15 °, no more than about 10 ° or no more than about 8 °.

Turn now to Fig. 7 b, another embodiment of microwave heating system 616 be shown, the microwave heating system include two or More transmitters 622a-c, each transmitter are configured to emit axis 660a-c by energy emission along corresponding inclination center Into microwave office 620.In the one embodiment for including two or more dipping reflectors in microwave heating system 616, transmitting The center transmitting axis of device especially same side transmitter can be substantially parallel to each other, transmitter 622a as shown in figure 7b, What center transmitting axis 660a, 660b of 622b was generally illustrated.As it is used herein, term " substantially parallel " is meant It is parallel in 5 °.In identical or another embodiment, two or more transmitters in microwave heating area 616 are especially opposite The center transmitting axis of transmitter can be substantially parallel or substantially aligned, such as the hair of microwave emitter 622a, 622c in Fig. 7 b It penetrates shown by axis 660a, 660c.When microwave heating area 616 is included with the n of center transmitting axis oriented as described above During a inclination microwave emitter, each transmitter can limit the transmitting angle of inclination beta in the range of previous discuss accordingly_n.One In a embodiment, each transmitting angle of inclination beta of each transmitter_nCan be essentially identical, and in another embodiment, transmitting Angle of inclination beta_nAt least one of transmitting inclination angle can be substantially different from it is one or more other transmitting inclination angles.

Referring back to Fig. 6 a, at least one of transmitting opening 524a-f of the transmitter 522a-f of microwave system 516 can At least partly to be covered by the window 526a-f of basic microwave thoroughly, shown window 526a-f is arranged on each transmitting opening 524a-f Between microwave office 520.Saturating microwave window 526a-f can operationally prevent fluid in microwave office 520 and microwave emitter Flowing between 522a-f, while a part of microwave energy from transmitter 522a-f is also allowed to pass through the saturating microwave window. Window 526a-f can be made of any suitable material, and the suitable material includes but not limited to one or more thermoplastics Property or glass material, it is the teflon of such as glass-filled, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (PTFE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly- Etherimide (PEI), aluminium oxide, glass and combinations thereof.In one embodiment, window 526a-f can have at least about 4mm, at least about 6mm, at least about 8mm and/or no more than about 20mm, no more than about 16mm or no more than about 12mm Average thickness, and at least about 40psi, at least about 50psi, at least about 75psi can be born and/or no more than big About 200psi, no more than about 150psi or the pressure differential no more than about 120psi, without being broken, cracking or other modes Failure.

Several embodiments of the suitable configurations of microwave emitter window are shown in Fig. 8 a-c.As shown in figures 8 a-c, each Microwave window 726 limits room side surface 725, optionally limits at least part of the side wall 721 of microwave office 720.According to The one embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the room side surface 725 of window 726 are configured such that the total surface of room side surface 725 At least about 50%, at least about 65%, at least about 75%, at least about the 85% of area or at least about 95% is directed For with horizontal plane into inclination alpha.Inclination alpha with horizontal plane can be at least about 2 °, at least about 4 °, at least about 8 °, at least About 10 ° and/or no more than about 45 °, no more than about 30 ° or no more than about 15 °, as shown in dotted line 762.At other In embodiment, when the extension axis 762 and/or transport axis of microwave office 720 are parallel to horizontal plane, inclination alpha can also be limited It is scheduled on the extension axis 762 of such as microwave office 720 and/or transport axis (not shown in Fig. 8 a-c).

The room side surface 725 of window 726 can be oriented from horizontal plane, be carried but regardless of whether transmitter 722 is oriented Transmitting inclination angle as described above.In one embodiment, window 726 can be substantially flat and be tilted (such as from horizontal plane Shown in Fig. 8 a), and in identical or another embodiment, the room side surface 725 of window 726 can include one or more convex Face (as shown in Figure 8 b) or concave surface (as shown in Figure 8 c).It is one or more when room side surface 725 is not substantially flat (or n) total inclination angle can be formed as described above.According to the accurate configuration of room side surface 725, the multiple inclination angles being consequently formed can With identical or different with other inclination angles formed by similar face 725.

As discussed previously, the microwave emitter 522a-f shown in Fig. 6 a can be any suitable configuration.Root It is provided in Fig. 9 a-f according to several views of the microwave emitter 822 of one embodiment of the present of invention configuration.With reference first to Fig. 9 a, Microwave emitter 822 is shown to include one group of opposite side wall 832a, 832b and one group of opposite end wall 834a, 834b, described Side wall and end wall limit the transmitting opening 838 of substantially rectangle jointly.It, can be with when transmitting opening 838 includes rectangular aperture With the width (W at least partly limited respectively by the terminal edge of side wall 832a, 832b and 834a, 834b₁) and depth (D₁)。 In one embodiment, side wall 832a, 832b can be more wider than end wall 834a, 834b, so that the W such as Fig. 9 a₁It is shown The length of lower edge of side wall 832a, 832b can be more than such as Fig. 9 a identifier D₁Shown end wall 834a, 834b Lower edge length.As illustrated in fig. 9, the elongated portion of side wall 832a, 832b and end wall 834a, 834b can also be common Access 837 is limited, is transmitted at least one transmitting opening 838 limited by transmitter 822 from microwave entrance 836 in microwave energy When, can microwave energy be propagated by the access 837.

When transmitting opening 838 is for microwave energy to be discharged into microwave office, transmitting opening 838 can be in microwave office Direction of extension (not shown) or the article in it conveying direction on be elongate.For example, in one embodiment, transmitting Side wall 832a, 832b and end wall 834a, 834b of device 822 may be configured so that the full-size of transmitting opening 838 (as schemed 9a is shown as W₁) substantially aligned, the extending direction and/or article for being parallel to microwave office pass through conveying direction therein.At this In embodiment, the terminal edge of side wall 832a, 832b, which can be directed, is parallel to extending direction (or conveying direction), and end wall The terminal edge of 834a, 834b can be substantially aligned, (do not show in fig.9 perpendicular to the indoor extension of microwave or conveying direction Go out).

Fig. 9 b and 9c are respectively provided in the side wall 832 of the microwave emitter 822 shown in Fig. 9 a and the view of end wall 834. It is understood that while one during side wall or end wall 832,834 are only shown in Fig. 9 b and 9c, but this is in side wall or end wall Another can have similar configuration.In one embodiment, at least one of side wall 832 and end wall 834 can be Tubaeform, so that entrance opening dimension (width W₀Or depth D₀) less than outlet size (width W₁Or depth D₁), respectively as schemed Shown in 9b and 9c.When being tubaeform, the corresponding width of each restriction and depth subtended angle θ in side wall and end wall 832,834_WWith θ_d, as shown in figs. 9 b and 9 c.In one embodiment, width and/or depth subtended angle θ_WAnd/or θ_dIt can be at least about 2 °, extremely Few about 5 °, at least about 10 ° or at least about 15 ° and/or no more than about 45 °, no more than about 30 ° or no more than big About 15 °.In one embodiment, width and depth subtended angle θ_WAnd θ_dCan be identical, and in another embodiment, θ_wWith θ_dValue can be different.

According to one embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_dWidth subtended angle θ can be less than_W.In a particular embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_d About 0 ° can be no more than, so that the entry depth D of microwave emitter 822₀With outlet size D₁Be it is essentially identical, such as Shown in embodiment in Fig. 9 d.In another embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_d0 ° can be less than, so that D₁Less than D₀, such as scheme Shown in 9e.When microwave emitter 822 includes the depth D of the depth subtended angle and/or transmitting opening 838 less than 0 °₁Enter less than microwave The depth D of mouth 836₀When, microwave emitter 822 can be the taper launch device with substantially anti-section.In microwave emitter 822 In one embodiment including n transmitting opening, the opening between 1 and n can have less than or equal to transmitter The depth of entrance and/or the depth of width and/or width.The further embodiment of more opening transmitters will beg in detail below By.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the depth D of transmitting opening 838₁About 0.625 λ can be no more than, be no more than About 0.5 λ, no more than about 0.4 λ, no more than about 0.35 λ or no more than about 0.25 λ, wherein λ be from transmitting opening 838 The wavelength of the Main Patterns of the microwave energy of discharge.While not wishing to it is bound by theory, it is believed that by the way that opening 838 will be emitted Depth D₁It is minimized, microwave field by the transmitter with bigger depth than being produced caused by immediate transmitting opening 838 Raw microwave field is more stable and uniform.It is each to emit in the one embodiment for including n transmitting opening in microwave emitter 822 The depth d of opening_nCan be no more than about 0.625 λ, no more than about 0.5 λ, no more than about 0.4 λ, no more than about 0.35 λ or no more than about 0.25 λ.When microwave emitter 822 has multiple openings, each opening can have and same transmitter Other one or more transmittings be open identical or different depth.

Referring now to Figure 10 a-c, the another of the microwave emitter 922 described herein for being suitable for microwave heating system is shown A embodiment, the microwave emitter include single microwave entrance 936 and for from wherein discharges two of microwave energy or more Multiple transmitting openings, two or more transmitting openings are illustrated as transmitting or exhaust openings 938a-c.It is shown in Figure 10 a-c Microwave emitter 922 include first, second, and third transmitting opening 938a-c spaced apart, the opening spaced apart is that This is laterally spaced.Although described herein define three transmitting openings, but it is to be understood that transmitter 922 can include appointing What appropriate number of transmitting opening, any suitable quantity include at least two, at least three, at least four and/or no more than 10 It is a, no more than 8 or no more than 6.First, second and third transmitting opening 938a-c in it is each between spacing can be At least about 0.05 λ/at least about 0.075 λ or at least about 0.10 λ and/or no more than about 0.25 λ/be no more than about 0.15 λ or no more than about 0.1 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the Main Patterns of the microwave energy discharged from transmitter 922.

In one embodiment, each opening in first, second, and third transmitting opening is by one or more separations Diaphragm (or demarcation strip) 940a, 940b points are opened, which is arranged in 922 inside of transmitter, as shown in Figure 10 a-c.Diaphragm 940a, 940b usually have equal to the thickness that spacing it is expected between exhaust openings 938a-c.When microwave emitter includes n diaphragm When, microwave emitter 922 limits (n+1) a separated transmitting opening and is limited at microwave entrance 836 and is open with each transmitting (n+1) a individual microwave access 937a-c between 938a-c, as Figure 10 c are specifically shown.As shown in figure l0c, each Microwave access 937a-c has length L₁-L₃, which extends to and the accordingly vertical points of transmitting opening 938a-c from entrance 936. L₁-L₃In can be each essentially identical or L₁、L₂And L₃At least one of can be substantially different.According to an implementation Example, embodiment especially as shown in figure l0c, one or more access 937a-c can be than other one or more accesses 937a-c is longer.

When the length difference of one or more access 937a-c and other one or more accesses, access 937a-c Size (L₁、L₂And/or L₃) can be adjusted so that the phase velocity of the microwave energy propagated by the access compared with Long microwave access is (for example, the L in Figure 10 c₁And L₃) internal ratio by shorter access (for example, the L in Figure 10 c₂) with faster Leg speed is accumulated.While not wishing to it is bound by theory, it is assumed that can perform and this kind of be adjusted to ensure that the uniform of each waveform portion It is synchronous, so as to when microwave energy is discharged into room 520, generate uniform wave surface.When microwave emitter 922 is including single During diaphragm, the same length of two microwave accesses (embodiment is not shown) and each access is only generated.It therefore, can be with The phase velocity of the microwave energy across equal length access is not needed to or seldom needs to control.

In identical or another embodiment, each opening in transmitting opening 938a-c can be with limited depth d_1-3, such as scheme What 10b was generally illustrated.In one embodiment, depth d₁To d₃In each depth can be essentially identical, and in another reality It applies in example, depth d₁-d₃At least one of depth can be different.As discussed previously, d₁-d₃In it is one or more Depth can be no more than about 0.625 λ, no more than about 0.5 λ, no more than about 0.4 λ, no more than about 0.35 λ or do not surpass About 0.25 λ is crossed, wherein λ is the wavelength from the Main Patterns of the microwave energy of transmitting opening 938a-c discharges.In addition, at one In embodiment, as previously discussed in detail, d₁-d₃At least one of can be less than or equal to entrance 936 depth d₀.Such as Shown in Figure 10 b, in the presence of diaphragm 940a, 940b, the depth d of each transmitting opening 938a-c_1-3Do not include the diaphragm The thickness of 940a, 940b.

Referring again to Fig. 6 a, in one embodiment, the microwave distribution system 514 in microwave heating area 516 can be included extremely Few microwave distributing manifold 525a, a 525b, are used to assign microwave energy via multiple transmitter 522a-c and 522d-f Or it is assigned in room 520.In one embodiment, microwave distributing manifold 525a, 525b can include the assignment of at least three microwaves Device, being configured to will be from generator 512 before at least some of microwave emitter 522a-f discharges in microwave energy Microwave energy is divided into two or more independent parts.As it is used herein, term " microwave assignment device " refers to According to estimated rate, microwave energy is operationally divided into any device or commodity of two or more independent sectors.Such as Used herein, term " scheduled power ratio " refers to independent from obtaining every time of discharging of specific microwave assignment device The ratio of partial quantity of power.For example, be configured to by by the microwave assignment device that is divided with 1: 1 power ratio of power will be by It is configured to introduce power divider therein as two of substantially equal parts.

But, in one embodiment of the invention, at least one microwave assignment device of microwave distribution system 514, such as Fig. 6 a are shown as induction type diaphragm 570a-h and " T shapes " or two-way separator 572 may be configured to the predetermined work(for not being 1: 1 Rate ratio.For example, one or more in microwave assignment device 570a-h or 572 may be configured to according to predetermined power ratio The microwave energy that rate division passes through, wherein predetermined power ratio are at least about 1: 1.5, at least about 1: 2, at least about 1: 3 And/or no more than about 1: 10, no more than about 1: 8 or no more than about 1: 6.

Each in the assignment device 570a2-h used by microwave distribution system 514 and/or 5 may be configured to root It may be configured to according to identical ratio discharge energy or one or more assignment device 570a-h with different power ratios Discharge.Assignment device 570a-h and 572 may be configured so that basic from each transmitter discharge in transmitter 522a-f Identical quantity of power, and in another embodiment, assignment device 570a-h and 572 can be by Joint Designing, so that more More power is discharged from one or more transmitter 522a-f, and less power passes through remaining hair in transmitter 522a-f Emitter is discharged.Specified power ratio that each assignment device in microwave assignment device 570a-h and 572 is utilized and this be The pattern or configured in one piece that microwave energy in system is assigned can depend on various factors, the various factors include for example, by Heat the type of article, the desired operation condition and other similar factors in microwave heating area 516.

In operation, initial microwave amount is introduced into microwave distribution system 514 and passes through separator in microwave energy Two parts are divided into when 572.In one embodiment, the two parts for the microwave energy discharged from separator 572 can be several Identical power, and in another embodiment, one in described two parts can be than another with more power. As shown in Figure 6 a, each part can be transmitted to corresponding manifold 525a, 525b before manifold 525a, 525b is entered, optional Ground transports through phase shifting equipment 530.Microwave distributing manifold 525a will now be described, it should be understood that similar operation is equally applicable to The lower manifold 525b shown in Fig. 6 a.

The microwave work(of drain separator 572 and optional phase shifting equipment 530 (embodiment will be described in detail below) Rate is subsequently passed through being illustrated as the microwave assignment device of diaphragm 570a, and power can be divided into the first transmitting microwave on the diaphragm Component (fraction) and the first distribution microwave component.First transmitting microwave component can be led to transmitter 522a and can be with Via outlet 524a discharges.First distribution microwave component can along waveguide 518 downwardly additional microwave emitter 522b, 522c is propagated.According to one embodiment, the first transmitting microwave component and first discharged from diaphragm 570a distributes microwave component Power ratio can be no more than about 1: 1, no more than about 0.95: 1, no more than about 0.90: 1, no more than about 0.80: 1, No more than about 0.70: 1 or no more than about 0.60: 1.In one embodiment, the first transmitting microwave component and the first distribution The power ratio of microwave component is not 1: 1.

When the first distribution microwave component is propagated towards transmitter 522b, 522c, can then be divided into will be through By the second transmitting microwave component being oriented to towards transmitter 522b of transmitting outlet 524b discharges and along waveguide 518 towards hair The second distribution microwave component that emitter 522c is propagated downwards.In one embodiment, the second transmitting microwave component and the second distribution The ratio of microwave component can be at least about 0.80: 1, at least about 0.90: 1, at least about 0.95: 1 and/or no more than big About 1.2: 1, no more than about 1.1: 1, no more than about 1.05: 1 or can be close to 1: 1.Then, remaining microwave energy (for example, all second distributing microwave component) can be next directed to final microwave emitter 522c and be exported from transmitting 524c is discharged.

According to another embodiment (not shown in Fig. 6 a), microwave distribution system 514 can include having more than three Microwave distributing manifold 525a, 525b of transmitter.For example, when microwave distributing manifold 525 includes n transmitter, except (n-1) All partiting steps other than a step are performed, so that transmitting microwave component is not 1 with the ratio for distributing microwave component: 1.For each step in addition to (n-1) a step, power ratio can be no more than about 1: 1, no more than about 0.95: 1, no more than about 0.90: 1, no more than about 0.80: 1, no more than about 0.70: 1 or no more than about 0.60: 1, And (n-1) a partiting step can be performed, so that the ratio of transmitting microwave component and the second distribution microwave component can Be at least about 0.80: 1, at least about 0.90: 1, at least about 0.95: 1 and/or no more than about 1.2: 1, no more than big About 1.1: 1, no more than about 1.05: 1 or can be close to 1: 1.Then emitting microwave component at n-th will be via n-th When microwave emitter is discharged into microwave office, (n-1) a distribution microwave component can be sent with most of its or all.

It is one or more other than being positioned in one or more diaphragm 570a-h in microwave distribution system 514 A transmitter 522 can also include at least one induction type diaphragm being arranged in transmitter, such as one in Figure 11 a and 11b Shown in embodiment.Alternatively, one or more diaphragm 570b and/or 570d can be separately positioned on transmitter 522a And/or it in 522b rather than is arranged in waveguide as shown in Figure 6 a.

One embodiment of microwave emitter 1022 including the induction type diaphragm being disposed therein is shown in fig. 11 a. Transmitter 1022 can include at least one between its microwave entrance 1036 and one or more transmitting openings 1038 Induction type diaphragm 1070, as Figure 11 a and 11b are generally illustrated.As shown in figures 11a and 11b, diaphragm 1070 can be by being arranged on A pair of of induction type diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b on the opposite side of transmitter 1022 are limited.Although the first and second diaphragm faces Plate 1072a, 1072b are shown to be coupled to relatively narrow opposite end walls 1034a, 1034b of transmitter 1022 it should be appreciated that first Wider opposing sidewalls 1032a, 1032b of transmitter 1022 can also be coupled to secondary diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b.Such as Shown in Figure 11 a and 11b, first and second diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b are to be across the microwave propagation side by access 1037 To direction extend inwardly into be limited at microwave entrance 1036 and transmitting opening 1038 between microwave access 1037 in.One In a embodiment, diaphragm panel block at the position that it is set 1037 gross area of microwave access at least about 25%, at least About 40% or at least about 50% and/or no more than about 75%, no more than about 60% or no more than about 55%.When micro- When wave launcher 1022 includes two or more transmitting openings, as shown in fig. 11c, the first and second diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b may be configured at least part of each transmitting opening 1038a-c of obstruction transmitter 1022.

As shown in fig. 11a, first and second diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can be substantially coplanar, and can be with base This emits axis orientation perpendicular to the center of microwave emitter 1022.In some embodiments, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can It is spaced apart with the microwave entrance 1036 with microwave emitter 1022 and transmitting opening 1038.For example, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b It can be spaced a distance with the microwave entrance 1036 of transmitter 1022, which is the microwave entrance 1036 of transmitter 1022 At least about 10%, at least about 25% or at least about 35% emitting the minimum range between opening 1038.Further Ground, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can be spaced apart with the transmitting of transmitter 1022 opening 1038, which is transmitting Measured between the microwave entrance 1036 of device 1022 and transmitting opening 1038 at least about the 10% of maximum distance (L), 25% or 35%.

Fig. 6 a are turned now to, microwave distribution system 514 is shown to further comprise producing in microwave heating chamber 520 for increasing The uniformity of raw microwave field and/or one or more devices of intensity.For example, in one embodiment, microwave distribution system System 514 can include being designed to change and/or control the structure of the microwave field generated in each heating zone 580a-c to interfere The position of band and one or more devices of intensity, the interference fringe be respectively defined in transmitter to 522a and 522f, Between 522b and 522e and 522c and 522d.In one embodiment, this kind of device can be used to make through this The phase shifting equipment of the phase loop displacement of the microwave energy of device, the device 530 schematically shown such as Fig. 6 a.

When article 550 is moved along the transport system 540 in microwave office 520, in each individual heating zone 580a-c Each article 550 can have at least about 2 seconds, at least about 10 seconds, at least about 15 seconds and/or no more than big About 1 minute, the average residence time (τ) no more than about 45 seconds or no more than about 30 seconds.In one embodiment, object The average residence time (τ) of product 550 can be more than the phase shift rate (t) that phase shifting equipment 530 is configured.For example, article is by respectively adding The ratio (τ: t) of the average residence time of a heating zone in the 580a-c of hot-zone and the phase shift rate of device 530 can be to Lack about 2: 1, at least about 3: 1, at least about 4: 1, at least about 5: 1 and/or no more than about 12: 1, no more than about 10 : 1 or no more than about 8: 1.

Phase shifting equipment 530 can be for making quick by the phase of the microwave energy of microwave distribution system 514 and recycling Any appropriate device of displacement.According to one embodiment, phase shifting equipment 530 may be configured to at least about 1.5 per second Period, at least about 1.75 periods per second or at least about 2.0 periods per second and/or it is per second be no more than about 10 week Phase, about 8 periods and/or the phase shift rate (t) per second no more than about 6 periods per second of being no more than make across phase shift dress The microwave energy displacement put.As it is used herein, term " phase shift rate " refers to the complete phase shift period of completion per second Quantity." complete phase shift period " refers to from 0 ° to 180 ° and back to 0 ° of phase shift.Although microwave distribution system 514 is shown Including single phase shifting equipment 530, but it is to be understood that any appropriate number of phase shifting equipment can be used for the microwave distribution system In 514.

In one embodiment, phase shifting equipment 530 can include can be used to move (example in cylinder with generally linear Such as, move up and down) plunger type tuner, so as to be forced through the phase loop of the microwave energy of the device displacement.Figure 12 a Two embodiments of plunger type tuner 1130a, 1130b for being suitable in microwave distribution system 514 are shown with 12b.Figure 12a shows the phase shifting equipment 1130a of single plunger, including can be used to via automated drive 1136 in single cylinder 1134 One plunger 1132 of interior movement.Figure 12 b show another embodiment of phase shifting equipment, which includes multi-plunger phase shift Device, including being arranged in several correspondence cylinders 1134a-d and can be used to what is moved in several described cylinders Multiple plunger 1132a-d.Plunger 1132a-d can be driven by single automated drive 1136, and the automated drive 1136 can To be connected to each plunger in plunger 1132a-d via rotation cam axis 1138.Plunger type tuner 1130a, 1130b In any one may be connected to the hookup of such as short slot mixing hookup (not shown in 12a and 12b), and It can be used in microwave distribution system 514 as phase shifting equipment 530 as described above.

Another embodiment of suitable phase shifting equipment is shown in Figure 13 a-e.With the phase shift shown in Figure 12 a and 12b Or tuner is compared, the phase shifting equipment shown in 13a-e is rotatable phase shifting equipment.For example, as shown in Figure 13 a-c, Also referred to as one embodiment of the rotatable phase shifting equipment 1230 of variable phase short circuit can include limiting the first general rectangular The fixed part 1210 of opening 1212 and the rotatable portion 1240 close to 1212 placement of the described first opening.As depicted in fig. 13 a, gap 1213 can be limited between rotatable portion 1240 and fixed part 1210, and in one embodiment, and microwave choke is (not Show) it can be at least partially disposed in gap 1213, for preventing microwave energy from fixed part 1210 and rotatable portion 1240 leakages.

Rotatable portion 1240 includes outer cover 1242 and is contained in multiple spaced apart substantially parallel in outer cover 1242 Plate 1244a-d.As depicted in fig. 13 a, outer cover 1242 includes first end 1243a and the second end 1243b, and first end 1243a restrictions are adjacent to the second opening 1246 of the first rectangular aperture 1212 of fixed part 1210.Such as the arrow in Figure 13 a 1290th, indicated by 1292, rotatable portion 1240, which may be configured to be trapped among, extends through the first opening 1212 and the second opening It is rotated on 1246 rotation axis 1211 relative to fixed part 1210.

As Figure 13 b and 13c are specifically shown, outer cover 1242 has length (L_H), width (W_H) and depth (D_H). In one embodiment, L_H、W_HAnd D_HAt least one of be at least about 0.5 λ, at least about 0.65 λ, at least about 0.75 λ And/or no more than about 1 λ, no more than about 0.9 λ or no more than about 0.75 λ, wherein λ be variable phase short circuit 1230 by with It is set to the wavelength of microwave energy transmitted between the first opening 1212 and the second opening 1246.In one embodiment, W_HAnd D_H At least one of be at least about 0.5 λ and both without departing from about λ.As Figure 13 a-c are generally illustrated, outer cover 1242 cross-sectional shape is substantially square, so that W_H∶D_HRatio without departing from about 1.5: 1, no more than about 1.25: 1 or no more than about 1.1: 1.

Fixed part 1210 can be any suitable shape or size, and can include round or rectangle waveguide. In one embodiment as shown in figure 13d, the first generally rectangular opening 1212 can have width (W_R) and depth (D_R), so as to Cause W_R∶D_RRatio be at least about 1.1: 1, at least about 1.25: 1 or at least about 1.5: 1.The first of fixed part 1210 The width of opening 1212 and the width of the second opening 1246 of rotatable portion 1240 are essentially identical, so that ratio W_H∶W_RBe to Few about 0.85: 1, at least about 0.95: 1 or at least about 0.98: 1 and/or no more than about 1.15: 1, no more than about 1.05: 1 or no more than about 1.01: 1.

As Figure 13 a are generally illustrated, each plate 1244a-d can be coupled to the second end 1243b of outer cover 1242, It and can be with the first end 1243a towards the direction of the first opening 1212 and the second opening 1244 generally towards outer cover 1242 Extension.Each plate 1244a-d can have the L such as Figure 13 b_eShown extended distance or length, the extended distance or length can Be at least about 0.1 λ, at least about 0.2 λ, at least about 0.25 λ and/or no more than about 0.5 λ, no more than about 0.35 λ or no more than about 0.30 λ.In addition, as Figure 13 c are specifically shown, one or more plates in plate 1244a-d can have It is at least about 0.01 λ, at least about 0.05 λ and/or no more than about 0.10 λ or no more than about to have thickness k, thickness k 0.075 λ, wherein λ are the wavelength that the microwave energy in outer cover 1242 is introduced into via the first opening 1212.Neighbouring plate 1244a- D can be spaced apart certain intervals distance j, which can be more than, be no better than or the thickness less than each plate.One In a embodiment, j can be at least about 0.01 λ, at least about 0.05 λ and/or without departing from about 0.10 λ or without departing from big About 0.075 λ.Therefore, in one embodiment, the cumulative table for the distal end of plate 1244a-d being generally illustrated such as the shadow region of Figure 13 c Total inside exposed surface face of the second end 1243b of outer cover 1242 that face area is generally illustrated with the nonshaded area such as Figure 13 c Long-pending ratio can be at least about 0.85: 1, at least about 0.95: 1 or at least about 0.98: 1 and/or no more than about 1.15: 1, no more than about 1.10: 1 or no more than about 1.05: 1.

Variable phase short circuit 1230 may be configured to around rotation axis 1211 at least about 50 turns per minute (rpm), at least about 100rpm, at least about 150rpm and/or no more than about 1000rpm, no more than about 900rpm or Speed rotation no more than about 800rpm, as depicted in fig. 13 a.In one embodiment, rotatable variable phase short circuit 1230 At least part of movement can be via the actuator for being coupled to automated drive and/or automatic control system (not shown) 1270 perform.In another embodiment, at least part of movement can be by manually performing, and optionally includes one section Time it is non-rotating.

It is suitable for the additional implementation of other rotatable phase shifting equipments 1233 and 1235 of the microwave distribution system 514 of Fig. 6 a Example is shown respectively in Figure 13 e and 13f.As shown in the embodiment in Figure 13 e, rotation phase shifting equipment 1233 can be included via solid Fixed pole 1239 is coupled to the rotation crankshaft component 1237 for the plunger 1241 being arranged in waveguide 1243.In crankshaft component 1237 such as arrow During rotation indicated by first 1261, bar 1239 is convenient for the substantially up and down motion of piston or plunger 1241 in waveguide 1243, such as schemes Indicated by arrow 1263 in 13e.Another embodiment of rotation phase shifting equipment 1235 is shown in Figure 13 f, including coupling The cam 1245 of tappet 1247 is connected to, can integrate or be coupled to the plunger 1241 being arranged in waveguide 1243 The plunger 1241.When cam 1245 rotates, tappet 1247 makes plunger or piston substantially to move up and down in cylinder 1243 It is mobile, as arrow 1263 is generally indicated that.In addition, according to one embodiment, rotation phase shifting equipment 1235 can be wrapped further It includes convenient for plunger 1241 in the interior one or more bias units 1249 moved with upwardly direction of waveguide 1243 (for example, one A or more spring).

Other than being used as rotatable phase shifting equipment, variable phase short circuit 1230 (or optionally, rotates phase shifting equipment 1233rd, 1235) can be configured to be used as tuner, such as detune or cancel be not intended to reflect resistance Anti- tuner and/or as the frequency of generator to be matched to the frequency tuner of cavity frequency.

Figure 14 a are turned now to, one embodiment of microwave distribution system 1314 is shown, wherein microwave distribution system 1314 utilizes Two variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b are as the impedance tuner for cancelling or minimizing reflection power.Such as Figure 14 a It is shown, each neighbouring outlet that may be connected to hookup 1340 in variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b, hookup 1340 can be short slot mixing hookup.In operation, each can individually be adjusted in variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b It is whole to arrive desired position, so that impedance tuner detunes the energy being reflected back from microwave emitter 1322 to generator 1312 Amount.According to one embodiment, during microwave process, the one or both in variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b can root According to needing to be further adjusted, to adapt to the variation of the emission ratio of heating object product.In one embodiment, it is described into one Successive step can be at least partially by using automatic control system (not shown) to perform.

Variable phase short circuit as described herein is also used as frequency tuner, is used for the frequency of cavity and generation Device frequency matches.According to this embodiment, one or more variable phases are short-circuit, and the variable phase as shown in Figure 14 b is short Road 1330c can be directly coupled to each port being spaced along resonant microwave room 1320.In this embodiment, variable phase Short-circuit 1330c can continuously or contingently rotate, and its position can be according to the variation in microwave office 1320 and/or microwave office The variation of treated object product (not shown) manually or automatically adjusts in 1320.This adjustment as variable phase short circuit 1330c As a result, the frequency of microwave energy can closer be matched with the frequency of generator (not shown) in cavity.

Referring again to the microwave heating system 510 shown in Fig. 6 a, for example, by increasing article and surrounding fluid medium Between heat transfer coefficient, can realize the article 550 that is transmitted through microwave office 520 more thoroughly and/or more effective heating.It is micro- One embodiment of wave room 1420 is shown in fig. 15 a, is configured to through the heat transfer coefficient in microwave heating chamber 1420 Variation promotes faster and more effectively heating for article 1450.In one embodiment, one or more agitations can be used to fill It puts, at least partially by the gases/gaseous medium or liquid/liquid medium in agitation room 1420, and increases in microwave office 1420 Heat transfer coefficient, such as one or more liquid jet blender 1430a-d of one or more agitating devices, Be configured to by one or more fluid jets it is rapid be discharged into the inside of microwave office 1420.In one embodiment, The fluid jet being discharged into microwave office 1420 can be liquid or steam jet, and can have at least about 4500, extremely Few about 8000 or at least about 10000 Reynolds number.

In structure, fluid jet blender 1430a-d can be arranged to multiple positions in microwave office 1420 Any device of multiple jet streams is discharged towards article 1450 in place.In one embodiment, fluid jet blender 1430 can edge 1417 axially spaced-apart of center elongated axis of microwave office 1420, so that at least part of jet stream is configured to substantially hang down Directly discharged in the direction of center elongated axis 1417.It is one or more in another specifically shown embodiment of such as Figure 15 b A fluid jet blender 1430a-d can be with annular arrangements in microwave office 1420, so that at least part court of jet stream It is radially inwardly directed to the center elongated axis 1417 of room 1420.Although the circumference of microwave office 1420 is shown along in 15b A part is generally continuous, but it is to be understood that fluid jet blender 1430a can also be included along the circumference of room 1420 Multiple and different jet streams radially spaced from each at least partially, each different jet streams out of the ordinary are arranged to towards room 1420 1417 exhaust fluid jet stream of center elongated axis.

As shown in fig. 15 a, fluid jet blender 1430a-d can pacify along one or more sides of microwave office 1420 It puts, and can (alternatively) be arranged between one or more microwave emitters 1422.It is identical in other conditions In the case of, compared with the heat transfer coefficient of static room, it can be made in microwave office 1420 using one or more blender 1430a-d Heat transfer coefficient increase at least about 1%, at least about 5%, at least about 10% between fluid media (medium) and article 1450 or extremely Few about 15%.In identical or another embodiment, one or more jet streams for being configured and/or operating in a similar manner can To be included in other one or more regions of microwave system 10, the microwave system 10 it is one or more other Region includes the thermalization range previously shown in Fig. 1 a and 1b and/or holding area 12 and/or 20.

Referring again to Fig. 1 a and 1b, after being left from microwave heating area 16, then, the article of heating is optionally sent to Temperature hold zone 20, the article temperature in the temperature hold zone may remain at some minimum threshold temperature or the preceding paragraph Specific residence time.As this holding step as a result, the article removed from holding area 20 can have more consistent heating Curve and less cold spot.In one embodiment, the minimum threshold temperature in holding area 20 can be with microwave heating area 16 The minimum temperature of interior needs is identical, and can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C and/or No more than about 130 DEG C, no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C.Article transports through being averaged for holding area 20 and stays Stay the time can be at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 minutes or at least about 4 minutes and/or no more than about 20 minutes, No more than about 16 minutes or no more than about 10 minutes.Holding area 20 may operate in the pressure identical with microwave heating area 16 Place, and in one embodiment, can at least partly be limited in pressurization and/or liquid filled chamber or container.

After being left from holding area 20, the heating article of microwave system 10 can be introduced sequentially into chilling area 22, at this Article is heated in chilling area to be cooled rapidly via one or more cooling fluids are contacted.In one embodiment, Chilling area 22 may be configured at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes and/or no more than big About 10 minutes, in the period no more than about 8 minutes or no more than about 6 minutes by article cool down at least about 30 DEG C, extremely Few about 40 DEG C, at least about 50 DEG C and/or no more than about 100 DEG C, no more than about 75 DEG C or no more than about 50 DEG C.Appoint What suitable fluid type is used as the cooling fluid in chilling area 22, including for example previously with respect to 16 institute of microwave heating area Those liquid mediums and/or gas medium of description.

According to the one embodiment being generally described in Fig. 1 a and 1b, microwave heating system 10 can also include being arranged on micro- The second pressure adjustment area 14b in 20 downstream of Wave heating area 16 and/or holding area, if present.Second pressure adjusts area 14b Can by with previously with respect to first pressure adjustment area 14a it is described in a manner of similar mode configuration and operation.Work as second pressure In the presence of adjusting area 14b, the downstream in chilling area 22 can be located at, so that big a part of or intimate whole in chilling area 22 It operates under the high pressure (super-atmospheric pressure) similar with the pressure in microwave heating area 16 and/or the operation of holding area 20.In another reality It applies in example, second pressure adjustment area 14b can be arranged in chilling area 22, so that a part of of chilling area 22 can grasp Make under the pressure of the super-atmospheric pressure similar with the pressure in microwave heating area 16 and/or holding area 20, and chilling area 22 is another Part may operate under intimate atmospheric pressure.When being removed from chilling area 22, the article of cooling can have at least about 20 DEG C, at least about 25 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C and/or no more than about 70 DEG C, no more than about 60 DEG C or no more than about 50 DEG C temperature.Once removed from chilling area 22, the article through cooling treatment can then be removed from microwave heating area 10, be used for Subsequent storage or use.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the operation for controlling microwave heating system 10 is provided, such as to ensure Transport through microwave heating system 10 each article or packaging constantly be exposed to it is one or more in microwave energy Method.It is suitable for controlling the key step of one embodiment of the method 1500 of the operation of microwave system 10 by each in Figure 16 A box 1510-1530 describes.

As shown in figure 16, the first step of control method 1500 is as determined and microwave heating area represented by box 1510 The value of 16 relevant one or more microwave system parameters.The example of microwave system parameter can include but is not limited to be discharged Net power, the temperature and/or flow velocity of the speed of transport system and the water in microwave heating room.Then, as in Figure 16 Shown in box 1520, the determining value that obtains for special parameter can then compared with the corresponding target value of identical parameters, so as to Determine difference.Based on the difference, one or more action can be taken, to adjust the operation of microwave system 10, in Figure 16 Block 1530 represented by.In one embodiment, such as when the size of the difference is the desired value of specific microwave system parameter And/or when determining at least about 5%, at least about 10% or at least about the 20% of value, microwave heating system 10 can be carried out Adjustment.In one embodiment, at least part of the above method can be performed using automatic control system.

In one embodiment, the basic step of above-mentioned control method 1500 can be used by microwave heating system 10, with Ensure the safety and/or specification compliance of the article (for example, food and/or liquid or instrument) that are heated in the heating system. According to this embodiment, one or more microwave system parameters can be from by combustion with minimal net power, maximum delivery system speed It is selected in the group of the minimum temperature and/or minimum flow velocity composition of degree and water in microwave heating room.In one embodiment, water exists The indoor minimum temperature of microwave can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 123 DEG C and/or be no more than About 130 DEG C, no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C, and minimum flow velocity can be per minute at least about 1 plus Logical sequence (gpm), at least about 5gpm or at least about 25gpm.In one embodiment, the maximum speed of transport system can be every Second be no more than about 15 feet (fps), no more than about 12fps or no more than about 10fps and combustion with minimal net power Can be at least about 50kW, at least about 75kW or at least about 100kW.When control method 1500 is used to ensure product safety Or during compliance, adjust one or more action that microwave heating system 10 operates and can include but is not limited to, stop transporting System closes one or more generators, remove, be isolated and rerun or set be exposed to it is undesirable under the conditions of one Or more article and combinations of the above.

In identical or another embodiment, the basic step of control method 1500 can also be made by microwave heating system 10 With to ensure the quality and stability of heating object product (for example, food and/or liquid or instrument).It is micro- according to this embodiment Wave parameter can include the temperature and/or flow velocity of discharge net power, the speed of transport system and water in microwave heating room. In one embodiment, water the indoor temperature of microwave can be at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C, at least about 123 DEG C and/or no more than about 130 DEG C, no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C, and flow velocity can be it is per minute extremely Few about 15 gallons (gpm), at least about 30gpm or at least about 50gpm.In one embodiment, the speed of transport system S or at least about speed of 10fps can be controlled in each second at least about 5 feet (fps), at least about 7, and is discharged Net power can be at least about 75kW, at least about 100kW or at least about 150kW.When control method 1500 is used to ensure When product quality or stability, adjusting one or more action of the operation of microwave heating system 10 can include but unlimited In, stop delivery system, close one or more generators, remove, be isolated and rerun or set be exposed to it is undesirable Under the conditions of one or more articles and combinations of the above.

In order to perform the comparison step 1520 for the method 1500 being shown in FIG. 16, join for microwave system discussed above One or more desired values of at least one of number parameter can be determined before the article in heating microwave system 10. The size of these desired values determines to produce by being directed to the certain types of article that small microwave system is used to heat first Heating curves as defined in life is realized.For example, in one embodiment, one or more specific type articles are (for example, especially It is food, medical treatment device or medical fluid) it is loaded first into the microwave office of small microwave heating system.In one embodiment In, the article for being loaded onto small-sized heating room can be single type, so that determining obtained regulation heating is bent Line can be applied particularly to the article of the type in relatively large heating system.In one embodiment, article can be packaging The specified type and/or size (for example, 8 ounces of MRE pork pies dress) of food can be the medical fluids of packaging (for example, salt Water) or specified type and/or packaging medical treatment or dental equipment.

Once being loaded onto in the microwave office of small microwave heating system, which can be by via one or more Microwave energy is introduced into room and is heated by microwave emitter.Can include heating for multiple times operation this heating period, Regulation heating curves can be determined for heating object product.As it is used herein, term " regulation heating curves " refers to When the specified type of items of heating, the desired value of various parameters that is proposed or recommending combines.Other than including desired value, rule The function of position of time and/or article can also be expressed as at least partly by determining heating curves.In one embodiment, it advises At least one desired value of one or more microwave system parameters, the microwave system parameter packet can be included by determining heating curves It includes but is not limited to discharge net power, the order-assigned of microwave power is (that is, the related sequential specified of discharge microwave energy, position And amount), temperature and/or flow velocity and/or article of the fluid (for example, water) in microwave office be in the indoor residence time of microwave.This It is outer, it is specified that heating curves can also include it is related to the thermalization range 16 of microwave heating system 10, holding area 20 and/or chilling area 22 One or more parameters (for example, the flow velocity of temperature, fluid, pressure and article residence time) desired value or minimum Value.

Once defined heating curves is determined, multiple the type articles can be loaded into relatively large microwave heating system In, and provide curve then according to determined by small microwave system, optionally heated using automatic control system. In one embodiment, small microwave heating system can be interval (batch) or semi-batch (semi-batch) system and/or can It is filled out with including the liquid with total internal capacity less than 100 cubic feet, less than 50 cubic feet or less than 30 cubic feet Fill microwave office.In identical or another embodiment, large-scale microwave system can be micro- at least partially in pressurization or liquid filling The continuously or semi-continuously process performed in wave room, the wherein pressurization or liquid filling microwave office have at least about 100 cubic feet pers Ruler, at least about 250 cubic feet or at least about 500 cubic feet of total internal capacity.If it is desired, above-mentioned steps can be with It is then repeated many times, to generate the particular specification heating curves of any different number of articles.Then, above-mentioned one or It is determined and uses in the comparison step 1520 for the method 1500 that the desired value of more parameters can be shown in FIG. 16.This Afterwards, based on the difference, one or more action listed above can be taken, to ensure the consistent heating of final products.

The one side for ensuring unanimously to heat is to ensure that constant and measurable power is discharged into heating zone.At one In embodiment, provide to control the method for being discharged into the net power in microwave heating system 10.As it is used herein, term " discharge net power " refers to the difference between forward power and reflection power in waveguide or transmitter.As it is used herein, Term " forward power " refers to the power propagated with anticipated orientation from generator to load, and term " reflection power " refers to With the power that unexpected direction is propagated, which, which is typically power, returns in waveguide or transmitter from load and towards hair The direction that raw device is propagated.

Use the method for the net power that two pairs or multipair directional coupler determine to discharge from least one microwave emitter It is summarized in the flow chart of 1600 key step in fig. 17.As represented by block 1610 and 1620, the first and second discharges are net Performance number can be determined by using two pairs of independent directional couplers.Each pair of directional coupler can include measuring One hookup of forward power and for another hookup for measuring reflection power and for calculating difference so as to provide One or more devices or system of corresponding first and second discharges net power value.It is at least one according to one embodiment Net power value can be used for adjusting or control the output of microwave generator, and other net power values are used as other values Backup or verification.

Once obtaining described value from each pair of hookup, first and second net power value can be compared, to determine difference, As shown in box 1630, and based on the difference, the operation for the adjustment microwave heating system that can take action to, such as box 1640 It is shown.In one embodiment, it when difference exceeds predetermined value, can take action, such as the predetermined value can be first At least about 1%, at least about 2% or at least about 5% value of preceding the first and/or second determining net power value.One In a embodiment, when difference be the minimum value in the first and second net power values at least about 1%, at least about 2% or extremely When few about 3%, it can take action.In another embodiment, if first or second net power value drop below it is pre- Determine minimum value and/or during beyond predetermined maximum, can take action.It is at least partially dependent on pending article and identified Difference, the action can include but is not limited to, and when difference exceeds predetermined value, shut down generator or transport system, increase or Reduce generator output and/or remove, isolation and setting or rerun be arranged on it is one or more in microwave heating room A article.

The microwave heating system of the present invention can be the commercial size that bulky items can be handled in relative short time Heating system.It is described herein compared to the conventional boiling vessel and other mini-systems that multiple articles are heated using microwave energy Microwave heating system may be configured to realize every strip transmission line road at least about 15 packagings per minute, per strip transmission line road At least about 20 packagings, often strip transmission line road at least about 25 packagings per minute or per minute per strip transmission line road per minute The gross production rate of at least about 30 packagings, this is far beyond the achievable rate of other microwave systems.

As it is used herein, term " number of package per minute " is referred to according to following procedure, it can be by giving microwave The total quantity of 8 ounces of MRE (diet that preparation is eaten) packagings of the whey gel filling of heating system processing：It can be from Ameriqual The commercially available 8 ounces of MRE filled with whey gel pudding of group company (the Evans Wei Er cities of Indiana, USA) Packaging is connected to multiple temperature probes, which originates from the geometric center of packaging, along x-axis, y-axis and z-axis It is positioned in pudding at five equidistant positions at each axis interval, as shown in figure 18.Then, which, which is placed on, treats In the microwave heating system of assessment and it is heated until each probe instruction temperature on specified minimum temperature (for example, being used for 120 DEG C of decontamination system).Realize this kind of temperature curve required time and physics and dimension information about heating system The gross production rate for calculating number of package per minute can be then used in.

The preferred form of the above-mentioned present invention is only used as example, therefore, is not applied to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can significantly change exemplary embodiments mentioned above, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The present inventor states its purpose according to doctrine of equivalents, to determine and assess the reasonable fair scope of the present invention, this hair Bright range includes the literal scope of the present invention that essence does not illustrate in appended claims but appointing beyond the literal scope What device.

Claims

1. it is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises：

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

For the transport system for passing through the microwave office along the transport axis transport article；

First microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis,

Wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis；And

Second microwave emitter, second microwave emitter are configured to propagate microwave energy along the second center transmitting axis Into the microwave office,

Wherein at least 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at second center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis,

And wherein described first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned in the opposite side of the microwave office On.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein first center transmitting axis and second center transmitting axis It is parallel to each other.

3. system according to claim 1, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are phases To what is faced.

4. system according to claim 1 further comprises generating the microwave energy with main wavelength X extremely A few microwave generator, wherein first microwave emitter limits microwave energy being discharged into the microwave office At least one transmitting opening, wherein the transmitting opening has width W₁With depth D₁, wherein W₁More than D₁, wherein D₁It is no more than 0.625λ。

5. system according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting opening is thin on the extending direction of the transport axis Long.

6. system according to claim 4, wherein first microwave emitter includes entrance and for by microwave energy Two or more transmitting openings being discharged into the microwave office, wherein each in the two or more transmitting openings Opening is with the depth less than 0.625 λ.

7. system according to claim 4 further comprises being arranged between the microwave office and the transmitting opening At least one microwave window.

8. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave office is compression chamber, the compression chamber is configured to operate in At least under the pressure of 15psig.

9. system according to claim 1 further comprises positioned at the thermalization range of the upstream of the microwave office, the heat Change area to be configured to before the article introduces the microwave office, the temperature for adjusting the article causes the article to have Temperature in mutual 5 DEG C.

10. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave system be configured for food, medical fluid and/or The disinfection of medical instrument, and wherein described microwave office is liquid filling.

11. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave system is configured to realize at least 150 packets per minute The gross production rate of dress.

12. system according to claim 1, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured It is being filled into water and be pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is configured to at least 150 per minute packets The rate of dress sterilizes the packaged food.

13. system according to claim 4, wherein D₁No more than 0.50 λ.

14. system according to claim 4, wherein first microwave emitter include one group of wider opposing sidewalls and One group of relatively narrow opposite end walls, wherein terminal edge is presented in each in the side wall and the end wall, wherein the side wall and The terminal edge of the end wall limits the transmitting opening jointly, wherein the width W of the transmitting opening₁By the end wall The restriction of the distance between terminal edge, and the depth D of the transmitting opening₁Between terminal edge by the side wall Distance limit.

15. system according to claim 14, wherein the terminal edge of the side wall is parallel to the transport axis extension.

16. system according to claim 14, wherein the transmitting opening is rectangle.

17. system according to claim 14, wherein the side wall has at least 5 ° of width subtended angle θ_W。

18. system according to claim 14, wherein the end wall has the depth subtended angle θ no more than 0 °_d。

19. system according to claim 18, wherein θ_dLess than 0 °.

20. system according to claim 4, wherein first microwave emitter limits microwave entrance and at least first Transmitting opening and the second transmitting are open, wherein the first transmitting opening has the width W₁With the depth D₁, wherein described Second transmitting opening has width W₂With depth D₂, wherein W₂More than D₂, wherein D₂No more than 0.625 λ.

21. system according to claim 20, wherein first microwave emitter includes being arranged on the Microwave emission At least one separation membrane between the microwave entrance and the transmitting opening in device interior zone, wherein the diaphragm It at least partly limits the first transmitting opening and the described second transmitting is open.

22. system according to claim 20, wherein the first transmitting opening and the described second transmitting opening are adjacent each other It is near and be transverse to the transport axis alignment.

23. system according to claim 20, wherein the microwave entrance has depth D₀, wherein D₁And D₂It is less than or waits In D₀。

24. system according to claim 20, wherein first microwave emitter further comprises third transmitting opening, The third transmitting opening has width W₃With depth D₃, wherein W₃More than D₃, wherein D₁、D₂And D₃No more than 0.50 λ.

25. system according to claim 24, wherein first microwave emitter further comprise being arranged on it is described micro- At least two separation membranes between wave entrance and the transmitting opening, the diaphragm are collectively defined as microwave energy from institute That states that microwave entrance travels in the first transmitting opening, the second transmitting opening and third transmitting opening each opening At least three independent microwave accesses of mouth, wherein at least one of described independent microwave access microwave access is more only than described At least another microwave access of vertical microwave access is longer.

26. system according to claim 1, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured It is being filled into liquid and be pressurized at least 10psig, wherein the microwave system be configured to it is per minute with every conveying circuit The rate of at least 20 packagings carries out disinfection to the packaged food.

27. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave system be configured for food, medical fluid and/or The pasteurize of medical instrument, and wherein described microwave office is liquid filling.

28. system according to claim 1, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured It is being filled into liquid and be pressurized at least 10psig, wherein the microwave system be configured to it is per minute with every conveying circuit The rate of at least 20 packagings carries out pasteurize to the packaged food.

29. it is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises：

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

First microwave emitter is limited for microwave energy to be discharged at least one of described microwave office transmitting opening, Wherein described first microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis, And wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis；

Second microwave emitter, second microwave emitter are configured to propagate microwave energy along the second center transmitting axis Into the microwave office, wherein at least 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° are limited at second center transmitting Axis and between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter It is positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office；And

The window of the saturating microwave between the microwave office and the transmitting opening is arranged on,

Wherein described window shows the room side surface for the part for limiting the microwave office, wherein the room side of the window At least the 50% of the total surface area on surface is oriented with horizontal plane at least 2 ° of angle.

30. system according to claim 29, wherein the microwave office is liquid filled chamber, the liquid filled chamber by with Operation is set under at least pressure of 10psig.

31. system according to claim 29, wherein at least 95% quilt of the total surface area of the room side surface It is orientated with the transport axis at least 2 ° of angle.

32. system according to claim 29, wherein the room side surface of the window include at least one convex surface and/ Or at least one concave surface.

33. system according to claim 29, wherein the window has at least average thickness of 10mm, and by being selected from The teflon of glass-filled, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polymethyl methacrylate, polyetherimide, that is, PEI, aluminium oxide, glass or its At least one of the group of composition material is combined to form.

34. system according to claim 29, wherein the window is elongated on the extending direction of the transport axis 's.

35. system according to claim 29, wherein the window is formed by the teflon of glass-filled.

36. system according to claim 29 further comprises positioned at the thermalization range of the microwave office upstream, the heat Change area and for adjusting the temperature of the article before the article is introduced into the microwave office article is had at that Temperature in this 5 DEG C.

37. system according to claim 29, wherein the microwave system be configured for food, medical fluid and/ Or the disinfection of medical instrument.

38. system according to claim 29, wherein the microwave system is configured to realize at least 150 packets per minute The gross production rate of dress.

39. the system according to claim 38, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured It is filled into water, and is pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is configured to at least 150 per minute packets The rate of dress carries out disinfection to the packaged food.

40. system according to claim 29, wherein the microwave system be configured for food, medical fluid and/ Or the pasteurize of medical instrument.

41. a kind of method for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) multiple articles are transmitted by microwave heating chamber along transport axis via transport system, wherein the microwave heating chamber is extremely Small part is filled with liquid medium；

(b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is at least introduced into institute via the first microwave emitter and the second microwave emitter State in microwave office, wherein a part for the microwave energy being introduced into the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis so that Lack 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° is discharged, and be introduced into the microwave office from first microwave emitter In the microwave energy a part along the second center transmitting axis so that few 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° It is discharged from second microwave emitter, wherein the first transmitting inclination angle is limited at the first center transmitting axis with hanging down Directly between the plane of the transport axis, and the second transmitting inclination angle be limited at second center transmitting axis with Between the plane of the transport axis；And

(d) microwave heating chamber is heated using at least part for the microwave energy being discharged into the microwave heating chamber In the article.

42. according to the method for claim 41, wherein step (c) the introducing using be arranged on the microwave office with Third microwave emitter on the opposite side of first microwave emitter performs, wherein the third microwave emitter is along third Third transmitting inclination angle discharge microwave energy of the center transmitting axis down to few 2 ° and no more than 15 °, wherein third transmitting Inclination angle is limited at the third center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis.

43. according to the method for claim 41, wherein the article includes packaged food or packaging medical fluid, wherein institute It is the water filled chamber for being pressurized at least pressure of 10psig to state microwave office, and wherein the method is at least 150 per minute packets The rate of dress carries out disinfection to the packaged food or the packaging medical fluid.

44. a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the microwave system includes：

For generating the microwave generator of the microwave energy with main wavelength X；

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

Microwave distribution system is used at least part of the microwave energy from the microwave generator being directed to institute Microwave office is stated, wherein the microwave distribution system includes the first microwave emitter and the second microwave emitter；And

Transport system is used to transport the article by the microwave office along transport axis,

Wherein described first microwave emitter is configured to that microwave energy is traveled to the microwave along the first center transmitting axis In room, wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with it is vertical Between the plane of the transport axis,

Wherein described second microwave emitter is configured to that microwave energy is traveled to the microwave along the second center transmitting axis In room, wherein at least 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at second center transmitting axis with it is vertical Between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned in institute It states on the opposite side of microwave office,

Wherein described first microwave emitter limits at least part of microwave entrance and use for receiving the microwave energy In the microwave energy is discharged at least one of described microwave office transmitting opening, wherein the microwave entrance has depth D₀And the transmitting opening has depth D₁, wherein the D₀More than D₁。

45. system according to claim 44, wherein the D₁Less than 0.625 λ.

46. system according to claim 44, wherein first microwave emitter includes one group of opposite side wall and one The opposite end wall of group, each in the side wall and end wall extend to the transmitting opening from the microwave entrance, wherein described Side wall is more wider than the end wall, wherein each side wall in the side wall limits at least 2 ° of width subtended angle and the end wall In each end wall limit less than 0 ° of depth subtended angle.

47. system according to claim 44, wherein first microwave emitter, which limits, has depth D₂Second transmitting Opening, wherein the D₀More than D₂, wherein D₁And D₂Respectively less than 0.625 λ.

48. system according to claim 47, wherein first microwave emitter further comprises third transmitting opening, The third transmitting opening has depth D₃, wherein D₀More than D₃, wherein D₁、D₂And D₃Respectively less than 0.50 λ.

49. system according to claim 44 further comprises in the thermalization range of the microwave office upstream, the thermalization Area is used to before the article is introduced into the microwave office heat the article so that the article has at mutual 5 DEG C Interior temperature.

50. system according to claim 44 wherein the microwave office is configured to liquid filling, and is pressurized To at least 10psig.

51. a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the microwave system includes：

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

For the transport system for passing through the microwave office along the transport axis transport article；And

First microwave emitter limits microwave entrance and two or more transmitting openings, the two or more hairs It penetrates opening to be configured to microwave energy being discharged into the microwave office, wherein first microwave emitter is configured to along One center transmitting axis travels to microwave energy in the microwave office,

Second microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the second center transmitting axis,

Wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis, and at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° second transmitting inclination angle be limited at described second Center emits axis and between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and described second micro- Wave launcher is positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office,

The central point of the neighbouring transmitting opening of wherein described first microwave emitter relative to the transport axis laterally Interval.

52. system according to claim 51, wherein first microwave emitter includes being arranged on first microwave At least part in transmitter limits at least one diaphragm of at least two accesses, and the microwave energy passes through institute from the entrance State each opening that at least two accesses are traveled in the transmitting opening.

53. system according to claim 51, wherein first microwave emitter is opened including three or more transmittings Mouth and at least two diaphragms at least limiting the first access, alternate path and third path, microwave energy can be by described First access, the alternate path and the third path travel to the transmitting opening from the microwave entrance, wherein described The first access, described second are led to described at least one of first access, the alternate path and described third path access ratio At least another access in road and the third path is longer.

54. system according to claim 51, wherein first microwave emitter limits one group of opposite side wall and one The opposite end wall of group, each in the side wall and end wall extend to the transmitting opening from the microwave entrance, wherein described Side wall is more wider than the end wall, wherein each side wall in the side wall limits at least 2 ° of width subtended angle and the end wall In each end wall define no more than 0 ° of depth subtended angle.

55. system according to claim 54, wherein the depth subtended angle of the end wall is less than 0 °.

56. system according to claim 51, wherein second microwave emitter limit the second microwave entrance and by with Be set at least two or more transmitting openings microwave energy being discharged into the microwave office.

57. system according to claim 51, wherein the microwave office is the microwave office of pressurization.

58. system according to claim 51, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured It is filled into water, and is pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is configured to every every point of strip transmission line road The rate of at least 20 packagings of clock sterilizes the packaged food.

59. it is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises：

For generating the microwave generator of the microwave energy with wavelength X；

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

For the transport system for passing through the microwave office along the transport axis conveying article；And

For at least part of the microwave energy from the microwave generator to be directed to the microwave of the microwave office Distribution system,

Wherein described microwave distribution system includes at least part of the microwave energy being divided into two or more First microwave separator of independent sector and at least a pair of of microwave comprising the first microwave emitter and the second microwave emitter Transmitter, each microwave emitter limit microwave entrance and for microwave energy to be discharged at least one in the microwave office A transmitting opening, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprises being arranged on first microwave separator and described first micro- The first induction type diaphragm between the transmitting opening of wave launcher,

Wherein described first microwave emitter is configured to measure along the first center transmitting axis and travel in the microwave office, Wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to described Between the plane of transport axis, and

Wherein described second microwave emitter is configured to that microwave energy is traveled to the microwave along the second center transmitting axis In room, wherein at least 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at second center transmitting axis with it is vertical Between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned in institute It states on the opposite side of microwave office.

60. system according to claim 59, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprises being arranged on described first The second induction type diaphragm between the transmitting opening of microwave separator and second microwave emitter.

61. system according to claim 59, wherein the first induction type diaphragm be arranged on the microwave entrance and Between the transmitting opening of first microwave emitter.

62. system according to claim 61, wherein in first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter Each microwave emitter include have respective depth D₁And D₂At least two transmitting opening, wherein D₁And D₂Respectively less than 0.625 λ。

63. system according to claim 59, wherein the first induction type diaphragm is arranged on first microwave point From between the microwave entrance of device and first microwave emitter.

64. system according to claim 63, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprises being arranged on described first The second induction type diaphragm between the microwave entrance of microwave separator and second microwave emitter.

65. system according to claim 59, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprises for by the microwave At least part of energy is divided into the second separator of two or more extentions, a pair of of additional microwave transmitter and Second induction type diaphragm, wherein each microwave emitter in the pair of additional microwave transmitter limit additional microwave entrance and For microwave energy to be discharged at least one of described microwave office transmitting opening, and the second induction type diaphragm is set Put the additional emission opening of a transmitter in second microwave separator and the pair of additional microwave transmitter Between.

66. system according to claim 59, wherein the microwave office is the microwave office of pressurization.

67. system according to claim 59, further comprises thermalization range, the thermalization range is used for the article in thermalization It is introduced into before the microwave office, the temperature for adjusting the article causes the article to have the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C.

68. system according to claim 59, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured Filled into liquid, and be pressurized at least 10psig, wherein the microwave system be configured to it is every with every strip transmission line road The minute rates of at least 20 packagings sterilize the packaged food.

69. system according to claim 59, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is configured Filled into liquid, and be pressurized at least 10psig, wherein the microwave system be configured to it is every with every strip transmission line road The rates of at least 20 packagings of minute are to the packaged food pasteurize.

70. a kind of method for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) multiple articles are transported through into microwave heating chamber along transport axis via transport system；

(b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is divided into two or more independent sectors；

(d) via two or more microwave emitters by the partial discharge to the microwave heating chamber of microwave energy, The second center for wherein emitting axis and the second microwave emitter along the first center of the first microwave emitter emits axis by institute At least part for stating microwave energy is discharged into the microwave heating chamber, wherein first microwave emitter at least 2 ° simultaneously And the first transmitting inclination angle orientation no more than 15 °, and second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° the Two transmitting inclination angles orientations, wherein the first transmitting inclination angle be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to described defeated Between sending the plane of axis, and wherein described second transmitting inclination angle be limited at second center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter be positioned in it is described On the opposite side of microwave heating chamber；

(e) after the division of step (c) and before the discharge of step (d), by least the one of the microwave energy A part transports through the first induction type diaphragm；And

(f) it is heated using at least part for the microwave energy being discharged into the microwave heating chamber in the microwave heating The article in room.

71. method according to claim 70, further comprise after the division of step (c) and step (d) The discharge before, another part of the microwave energy is transported through into the second induction type diaphragm.

72. method according to claim 70, wherein the first induction type diaphragm is arranged on the first microwave hair In the inside of one in emitter and second microwave emitter and be positioned in the microwave emitter microwave entrance and Between transmitting opening.

73. method according to claim 70, wherein the microwave office is at least partially filled with liquid medium, and It is pressurized at least 10psig.

74. the method according to claim 73, wherein the article is selected from by packaged food, packaging medical fluid and medical treatment The group of instrument composition, and the method is sterilization method.

75. the method according to claim 73, wherein the article is selected from by packaged food, packaging medical fluid and medical treatment The group of instrument composition, and the method is pasteurization methods.

76. a kind of method for controlling microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；

(b) multiple articles are transported through to the microwave office of water filling via transport system along transport axis；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is directed in the microwave office via at least a pair of of microwave emitter, from And at least part of the article is heated, wherein emitting axis by the microwave energy along the first center of the first microwave emitter A part for amount is discharged into the microwave office, and emits axis by the microwave along the second center of the second microwave emitter Another part of energy is discharged into the microwave office, wherein first microwave emitter be oriented such that at least 2 ° and The part of the microwave energy is discharged into the microwave office, and wherein by the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° Second microwave emitter is oriented such that second at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° emits inclination angle by the microwave energy Described another part be discharged into the microwave office, wherein the first transmitting inclination angle is limited at first center transmitting Axis and between the plane of the transport axis, and wherein described second transmitting inclination angle is limited in described second The heart emits axis and between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave Transmitter is positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office；

(d) during at least part of step (a) to (c), the value of one or more microwave system parameters is determined, so as to carry For at least one determining parameter value；

(e) the determining parameter value and corresponding targeted parameter value, to determine difference；And

(f) it based on the difference, takes action to the microwave heating system, wherein one or more microwave system ginseng Flow velocity and the transport system speed that the temperature of water of the number in net microwave power, the microwave office, water pass through the microwave office Spend the group of composition.

77. the method according to claim 76, wherein when the difference determined in step (e) is the desired value When at least 5%, step (f) is performed.

78. the described of the method according to claim 76, wherein step (d) determines to include determining the water in the microwave office Temperature value, wherein during the comparison of step (e) the used desired value be no more than 130 DEG C.

79. the described of the method according to claim 76, wherein step (d) determines to include determining that water passes through the microwave office Flow speed value, wherein during the comparison of step (e) the used desired value be at least 15 gallons per minutes i.e. 15gpm。

80. the value for determining to include determining net microwave power of the method according to claim 76, wherein step (d), Wherein the used desired value is at least 75kW during the comparison of step (e).

81. the method according to claim 80, wherein by using first microwave emitter and described is arranged on A pair of of directional coupler in the waveguide of the upstream of at least one of two microwave emitters measures the net microwave power.

82. the described of the method according to claim 76, wherein step (d) determines to include determining transport system velocity amplitude, The used desired value is no more than 10 feet per seconds, that is, 10fps wherein during the comparison of step (e).

83. the method according to claim 76, wherein one or more microwave system parameter is selected from by minimum net Minimum flow velocity and the delivery system of the minimum temperature, water of microwave power, water in the microwave office by the microwave office The group of the maximum speed composition of system, wherein the action taken during step (f) is included at least the one of the article Part removes and/or is isolated from the microwave office.

84. the described of the method according to claim 83, wherein step (d) determines to include determining water in the microwave office Minimum temperature value, wherein the used desired value is at least 120 DEG C during the comparison of step (e).

85. the described of the method according to claim 83, wherein step (d) determines to include determining that water passes through the microwave office Minimum flow velocity value, wherein the used desired value is at least 5gpm during the comparison of step (e).

86. the described of the method according to claim 83, wherein step (d) determines to include determining the net microwave of minimum of discharge The value of power, wherein the used desired value is at least 50kW during the comparison of step (e).

87. the described of the method according to claim 83, wherein step (d) determines to include determining the transport system most Big velocity amplitude, wherein the used desired value is no more than 15fps during the comparison of step (e).

88. the method according to claim 76, wherein at least part of step (a) to (f) is via automatic control system It performs.

89. the method according to claim 76, further comprises, before step (b), the article is transported through Thermalization range, so as to which article described in thermalization causes the article to have the outlet temperature in mutual 5 DEG C.

90. the method according to claim 76, wherein the article includes including food, medical fluid or medical instrument Packaging.

91. the method according to claim 76, wherein the microwave office be at least partially filled liquid medium and by At least 10psig is pressurized to, wherein the microwave heating system is decontamination system.

92. the method according to claim 91, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office is to be added The water filled chamber of at least 15psig is pressed onto, wherein the microwave heating system has every strip transmission line road at least 20 packets per minute The productivity of dress.

93. the method according to claim 76, wherein the microwave office be at least partially filled liquid medium and by At least 10psig is pressurized to, wherein the microwave heating system is pasteurization system.

94. a kind of method for controlling microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) microwave energy is generated using at least one microwave generator；

(b) multiple articles are transported through into microwave office along transport axis via transport system；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is transported through into first wave guide section；

(d) at least part of the microwave energy is discharged into from the first wave guide section via a pair of of microwave emitter described In microwave office, so as to heat the multiple article, wherein the first center transmitting axis along the first microwave emitter will be described micro- A part for wave energy is discharged into the first microwave emitter described in the microwave heating chamber at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° First transmitting inclination angle orientation, and emit axis by another portion of the microwave energy along the second center of the second microwave emitter Divide and be discharged into the microwave heating chamber, transmitting inclination angle of second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° is determined To wherein the first transmitting inclination angle is limited at the first center transmitting axis and the plane perpendicular to the transport axis Between, and wherein described second transmitting inclination angle is limited at the second center transmitting axis and perpendicular to the transport axis Plane between, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned in the opposite of the microwave office On side；

(e) determine what is discharged from first microwave emitter or second microwave emitter using first pair of directional coupler First value of net power；

(f) it is determined using second pair of directional coupler from same in first microwave emitter or the microwave emitter The second value of the net power of microwave emitter discharge, wherein first pair of directional coupler and second pair of directional coupler It is independent of each other；

(g) first value and the second value, to determine the first difference；And

(h) it when the difference is more than predetermined amount, takes action to the microwave heating system.

95. the method according to claim 94, wherein predetermined amount of value is the institute determined in step (e) or (f) State at least the 1% of the first value or the second value.

96. the described of the method according to claim 94, wherein step (e) and/or (f) determines to respectively include using described One in first pair of directional coupler measures corresponding forward power value with one in second pair of directional coupler, with And it is measured using another in another and the second pair of directional coupler in first pair of directional coupler corresponding Reflection power value, wherein for each orientation connection in first pair of directional coupler and second pair of directional coupler Difference between forward power value and transmission power level determined by knot device be respectively the net power of the discharge the first value and The second value of the net power of the discharge.

97. the method according to claim 94 further comprises the first value and target of the net power of the discharge Value compares, and to determine the second difference, and based on second difference, adjusts the power output of the microwave generator.

98. the method according to claim 94, wherein when the net power of the discharge the first value and the discharge it is net When lower value in the second value of power drops below minimum power level, the action of step (h) is performed.

99. the action of the method according to claim 94, wherein step (h) is selected from the group of following action composition：(i) The microwave generator is shut down, (ii) removes one or more articles from the heating room, and is isolated or sets what is removed Article and (iii) increase or decrease the power output of the generator.

100. the method according to claim 94, at least part of wherein step (e) to (h) is held by automatic control system Row.

101. the transmission of the method according to claim 94, wherein step (c) includes will be in step with microwave separator Suddenly at least part of the microwave energy generated in (a) is divided into the row of two independent parts, wherein step (d) Put including via first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter by described two independent portions of microwave energy Each part in point is discharged into respectively in the microwave office.

102. the method according to claim 101, wherein first pair of directional coupler and second pair of orientation connection Knot device is arranged between the separator and first microwave emitter or is arranged on the separator and institute It states between the second microwave emitter.

103. the method according to claim 94, wherein the microwave office is for the pressurization microwave to the sterilisation of objects Room.

104. the method according to claim 103, wherein the article is selected from food, packaging medical fluid and medical instrument The group of composition.

105. the method according to claim 104, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office be by The water filled chamber of at least 15psig is pressurized to, wherein the microwave heating system has per at least 20 per minute of strip transmission line road The productivity of packaging.

106. the method according to claim 94, wherein the microwave office is for the pressurization to the article pasteurize Microwave office.

107. a kind of method for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) article is transported through to the heating zone of microwave office via transport system along transport axis, wherein each object Product are kept article residence time τ in the heating zone；

(b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is transported through into phase shifting equipment, the phase shifting equipment is configured to phase shift The phase of microwave energy described in rate t cyclic shifts；

(d) at least part for the microwave energy discharged from the phase shifting equipment is arranged using at least a pair of of microwave emitter It is put into the microwave office, wherein emitting axis by a part for the microwave energy along the first center of the first microwave emitter It is discharged into the microwave office, and emits axis by the another of the microwave energy along the second center of the second microwave emitter In partial discharge to the microwave office, wherein first transmitting of first microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° Inclination angle orients, and second transmitting inclination angle orientation of second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 °, wherein institute It states the first transmitting inclination angle and is limited at the first center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis, and The second transmitting inclination angle is limited at the second center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis, Described in the first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter be positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office；And

(e) it is heated using at least part for being discharged into the microwave energy in the heating zone described in the heating zone Article,

The ratio τ of wherein described article residence time and the phase shift rate:T is at least 4:1.

108. the method according to claim 107, wherein the phase shift rate is that at least 1.5 periods are per second.

109. the method according to claim 107, wherein the article residence time and the ratio τ of the phase shift rate:T is not More than 10:1.

110. the method according to claim 107, wherein the article residence time is at least 2 seconds and no more than 30 Second.

111. the method according to claim 107, wherein the phase shifting equipment is rotatable phase shifting equipment.

112. the transmission of the method according to claim 111, wherein step (c) include make the phase shifting equipment so that The speed rotation of few 120 rpms i.e. 120rpm.

113. the method according to claim 111, wherein the rotatable phase shifting equipment includes fixed part and rotatable portion, The rotatable portion includes outer cover and multiple plates for being arranged in the outer cover, wherein the rotatable portion be configured to relative to The fixed part rotation.

114. the method according to claim 107, further comprises, will simultaneously be given birth in step (b) with step (d) Into the part of the microwave energy be discharged into the heating zone, wherein the part is transmitted through phase shift not yet Device.

115. the method according to claim 107, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter Along transport axis arrangement interlaced with each other.

116. the method according to claim 107, wherein the microwave office is the microwave office of pressurization.

117. the method according to claim 107, wherein microwave heating system are to one or more in the article It carries out disinfection.

118. the method according to claim 117, wherein the microwave office is liquid filled chamber, and wherein described article Selected from the group being made of packaged food, medical fluid and medical instrument.

119. the method according to claim 107, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein in the institute of step (e) During stating heating, the microwave office is filled by water and is pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is defeated with every The total output of line sending road at least 20 packagings per minute carries out disinfection to food.

120. the method according to claim 107, wherein microwave heating system are to one or more in the article Carry out pasteurize.

121. the method according to claim 107, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein in the institute of step (e) During stating heating, the microwave office is filled by water and is pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is defeated with every The total output of line sending road at least 20 packagings per minute carries out pasteurize to food.

122. it is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises：

For generating at least one microwave generator of microwave energy；

Microwave office；

For the article to be conveyed to the transport system by the microwave office along transport axis；And

Microwave at least part of the microwave energy to be directed to the microwave office from the microwave generator distributes System, wherein the microwave distribution system includes the microwave energy being divided at least the three of at least three independent sectors A microwave assignment device, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprises for by the independent sector of the microwave energy Indoor at least three microwave emitter of the microwave is discharged into, wherein being each configured to root in the microwave assignment device The microwave energy is divided according to predetermined power ratio, wherein the institute of at least one microwave assignment device of the microwave assignment device It is not 1 to state predetermined power ratio:1,

Wherein described microwave emitter is arranged on the first side of the microwave office, and along transport axis axis each other To interval,

Wherein described microwave distribution system further comprises being arranged at least one additional micro- in the second side of the microwave office Wave launcher,

It is provided at least one microwave emitter on first side and described in being arranged in the second side Additional microwave transmitter is each each configured to emit axis and the second center transmitting axis by microwave along corresponding first center In energy transmission to the microwave office, and wherein at least 2 ° and the corresponding first transmitting inclination angle and second no more than 15 ° Transmitting inclination angle is limited at first center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis and described the Two centers emit axis and between the planes of the transport axis.

123. the system according to claim 122, wherein two or more microwaves point in the microwave assignment device The predetermined power ratio for sending device is not 1:1.

124. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave assignment device is configured so that from the microwave The quantity of power of each transmitter discharge in transmitter is almost the same.

125. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave assignment device is configured so that from described first The quantity of power of a discharge in microwave emitter and second microwave emitter is different from from first microwave emitter With the microwave power of another discharge in second microwave emitter.

126. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave system includes n microwave emitter and is arranged on institute N-1 microwave assignment device between microwave generator and the n microwave emitter is stated, wherein n is at least 4.

127. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave assignment device be selected from separator, induction type diaphragm or The group of a combination thereof composition.

128. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave distribution system further comprise being arranged on it is described micro- At least three additional microwave transmitters in the second side of wave room and will be by for the microwave energy to be divided into The microwave separator of the independent sector of the microwave emitter and the additional microwave transmitter is directed to, wherein described additional micro- Wave launcher is axially spaced apart from each other along the transport axis.

129. the system according to claim 128, further comprise at least three microwave assignment devices, described at least three A microwave assignment device is arranged between the separator and the additional transmitters, and for microwave energy to be divided into At least three extentions, wherein the additional transmitters are configured to the extention being discharged into the microwave office.

130. the system according to claim 129, wherein at least one of described at least three microwaves assignment device is micro- It is not 1 that wave assignment device, which is configured to basis,:1 another predetermined power ratio division transports through the microwave assignment device The microwave energy.

131. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave office is the microwave office of pressurization.

132. the system according to claim 122 further comprises being introduced into the microwave in the article of thermalization Before room, heat the article and cause the article that there is the thermalization range of the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C.

133. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave system is configured for food, medical fluid And/or the disinfection of medical instrument.

134. the system according to claim 122, wherein the article includes packaged food, wherein the microwave office by with Be set to liquid filling and be pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system be configured to it is every with every strip transmission line road The minute rates of at least 20 packagings sterilize the packaged food.

135. the system according to claim 122, wherein the microwave system is configured for food, medical fluid And/or the pasteurize of medical instrument.

136. it is a kind of for heating the continuous method of multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) in article described in thermalization range thermalization, so as to provide multiple thermalization articles with the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C；

(b) article through thermalization is heated in microwave heating area, thus by least 50 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of each article, wherein At least part of the heating is carried out at least 25 DEG C per minute of the rate of heat addition, wherein at least part packet of the heating It includes and the article is transported through into microwave office and along the first of the first microwave emitter along transport axis via transport system The heart transmitting axis by and along the second microwave emitter the second center transmitting axis the microwave energy is discharged into it is described micro- In wave room, wherein first transmitting inclination angle orientation of first microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 °, and wherein Second transmitting inclination angle orientation of second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 °, wherein first transmitting is inclined Angle is limited at the first center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis, and wherein described second Transmitting inclination angle is limited at the second center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis；And

(c) heated article is cooled down in chilling area,

Wherein described article via one or more transport systems be transmitted through the thermalization range, the microwave heating area and It is each in the chilling area, wherein the microwave heating system has the total of every strip transmission line road at least 20 packagings per minute Yield.

137. the method according to claim 136, wherein the thermalization range is at least partly filled liquid medium.

138. the method according to claim 136, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter Along transport axis interlaced arrangement relative to each other.

139. the method according to claim 136, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter It is the transmitter of opposite face pair.

140. at least part of the heating of the method according to claim 136, wherein step (b) is at least It is carried out under the pressure of 10psig.

141. method according to claim 136, wherein the microwave heating area includes at least partly filled with liquid being situated between At least part of the heating of the microwave office of matter, wherein step (b) is with the temperature on the normal boiling point of the liquid medium Degree carries out.

The thermalization of 142. method according to claim 136, wherein step (a) and/or the cooling of step (c) At least part carried out, and the method is further wrapped under the different pressure of the pressure of the heating from step (b) It includes, after at least part of the cooling of the thermalization and/or step (c) of step (a), the article is transmitted logical Cross at least one pressure adjustment area, so as at least partly balanced thermalization range and the microwave office and/or the microwave office with Pressure between the chilling area.

143. method according to claim 136, wherein the temperature for leaving the article of the thermalization range be to Lack 20 DEG C and no more than 70 DEG C.

144. method according to claim 136, wherein the article has at least 2 minutes and not in the thermalization range Average residence time more than 20 minutes.

145. method according to claim 136, wherein residence time of the article in the microwave office is at least 30 seconds and no more than 10 minutes.

146. method according to claim 136 further comprises before the cooling of step (c), by described in Heated article transports through holding area, wherein the temperature of the article in the holding area with specified minimum temperature or At least 2 minutes and period no more than 15 minutes are kept with the temperature on specified minimum temperature.

147. method according to claim 146, wherein the minimum temperature specified is at least 120 DEG C, and wherein The holding area is included with the liquid filled chamber of at least pressure operation of 10psig.

148. method according to claim 136, wherein the microwave heating system is the microwave system and use of pressurization It carries out disinfection in the article.

149. method according to claim 148, wherein the article includes containing food, medical fluid or medical instrument Packaging.

150. method according to claim 136, wherein the microwave heating system is the microwave system and use of pressurization In to article progress pasteurize.

151. is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises：

For causing the article that there is the thermalization room of the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C the article thermalization；

Microwave heating chamber is arranged on the downstream of the thermalization room and for heating the article through thermalization, wherein described micro- Wave heating room is configured at least 50 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of the article at least 25 DEG C per minute of the rate of heat addition；

Quench chamber is arranged on the downstream of the microwave heating chamber and for being cooled to heated article compared with low temperature Degree；

At least one transport system is configured to that the article is carried through the thermalization room, described micro- along transport axis Wave heating room and the quench chamber, wherein the microwave system is configured to realize every strip transmission line road at least 20 packets per minute The gross production rate of dress and

At least the first microwave emitter and the second microwave emitter are used to microwave energy being discharged into the microwave office, Described in the first microwave emitter be configured to along the first center transmitting axis microwave energy is traveled in the microwave office, Described in the second microwave emitter be configured to along the second center transmitting axis microwave energy is traveled in the microwave office, In at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to described defeated Between sending the plane of axis, and wherein at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° second transmitting inclination angle be limited in described second The heart emits axis and between the plane of the transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave Transmitter is positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office.

152. system according to claim 151, wherein the microwave heating chamber is at least partly limited at the micro- of pressurization In wave room.

153. system according to claim 152, wherein the microwave office is liquid filling microwave office.

154. system according to claim 151, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter Along transport axis interlaced arrangement relative to each other.

155. system according to claim 151, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter It is the transmitter of opposite face pair.

156. system according to claim 151, further comprises holding room, and the holding room is arranged on described micro- Between Wave heating room and the quench chamber and for by the heated article with the temperature on minimum temperature keep to It is 2 minutes few.

157. system according to claim 156, wherein the holding room is at least partly filled with liquid medium.

158. system according to claim 151 further comprises being correspondingly disposed in the thermalization room and described micro- First pressure between Wave heating room adjusts room and is arranged on the second pressure adjustment room in the downstream of the quench chamber, wherein institute First pressure adjustment room is stated to be configured to article being transferred to the microwave heating chamber, and second pressure from the thermalization room Power adjustment room be configured to the item transfer going out the quench chamber, wherein the thermalization room be configured to with the microwave The different pressure operation of the pressure of heating room and/or the quench chamber.

159. system according to claim 151, wherein the microwave system is configured for food, medical fluid And/or the disinfection of medical instrument.

160. system according to claim 151, wherein the article include packaged food, wherein the microwave office by with It is set to that water is filled and is pressurized at least 15psig, wherein the microwave system is configured to every every point of strip transmission line road The rate of at least 25 packagings of clock sterilizes the packaged food.

161. system according to claim 151, wherein the microwave system is configured for food, medical fluid And/or the pasteurize of medical instrument.

A kind of 162. methods for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) article is transported through to the microwave office of pressurization via transport system along transport axis, wherein the microwave office is extremely Small part is filled with liquid medium；

(b) microwave energy is generated via one or more microwave generators；

(c) at least part of the microwave energy is introduced into the microwave office via two or more microwave emitters, The microwave energy being wherein introduced in along the first center of the first microwave emitter transmitting axis drain in the microwave office A part, and along the second microwave emitter the second center transmitting axis drain be introduced in the microwave office described in Another part of microwave energy, wherein first transmitting inclination angle of first microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° Orientation, and second transmitting inclination angle orientation of wherein described second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 °, wherein institute It states the first transmitting inclination angle and is limited at the first center transmitting axis and between the plane of the transport axis, and Wherein described second transmitting inclination angle be limited at second center transmitting axis and the plane perpendicular to the transport axis it Between, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned on the opposite side of the microwave office；

(d) institute in the microwave office is heated using at least part for being introduced in the microwave energy in the microwave office State article；With

(e) it during at least part of the heating of step (d), stirs in the indoor liquid medium of the microwave At least partially, wherein the agitation includes discharging multiple fluids towards the article in the microwave office at multiple positions Jet stream.

163. method according to claim 162, wherein the multiple position is along the transport axis axially spaced-apart, wherein At least part of the jet stream generally perpendicular to the direction of the transport axis to be directed to.

164. method according to claim 162, wherein internal cross section week of the multiple position along the microwave office To interval, wherein at least part of the jet stream is radially inwardly directed towards the transport axis.

165. method according to claim 162, wherein the heating stepses (d) can increase the temperature of the article At least 50 DEG C.

166. method according to claim 162, wherein the heating stepses (d) are at least 25 DEG C per minute of heating speed Rate carries out.

The introducing of 167. method according to claim 162, wherein step (c) is included via being arranged on the microwave Microwave energy is discharged into the microwave office by the microwave emitter of at least a pair of of axially spaced-apart on the same side of room, wherein described Agitation includes penetrating from one or more jet stream manifolds discharge fluid being arranged between axially proximate microwave emitter Stream.

168. method according to claim 162, wherein being introduced into each of the indoor fluid jet of the microwave The Reynolds number of jet stream is at least 4500.

169. method according to claim 162 further comprises after the heating of step (d), will be through adding Heat article transport through holding area, wherein the temperature of the article in the holding area with specified minimum temperature or with Temperature on the minimum temperature specified is kept at least 2 minutes and the period no more than 15 minutes.

170. method according to claim 169, wherein the minimum temperature specified is at least 120 DEG C, and wherein The holding area has at least pressure of 10psig.

171. method according to claim 162 further comprises before the transmission of step (a), in thermalization Article described in area's thermalization causes the article to have the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C so as to adjust the temperature of the article, wherein Article through thermalization is transmitted through the microwave office in step (a).

172. method according to claim 162, wherein the microwave office is at least partly filled out by the liquid medium including water It fills and is pressurized at least 10psig, wherein the microwave system is with the speed of every strip transmission line road at least 20 packagings per minute Rate is to the sterilisation of objects.

173. method according to claim 172, wherein the article includes packaged food, medical instrument and/or medical Fluid.

A kind of 174. methods for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the method includes：

(a) article described in thermalization in thermalization room of at least part filled with liquid medium, has so as to generate at mutual 5 DEG C The thermalization article of interior temperature；And

(b) the thermalization article is heated in microwave office,

Wherein the thermalization of step (a) includes the article is transported through the thermalization along transport axis via transport system Room, and towards multiple jet streams of the article discharge liquid medium at the indoor multiple positions of the thermalization, and And

Wherein the heating of step (b) includes transporting through the article along the second transport axis via another transport system The microwave office, and at least part of the microwave energy is introduced into the microwave via at least a pair of of microwave emitter In room, wherein being introduced in the microwave in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis drain of the first microwave emitter A part for energy, and be introduced in the microwave office along the second center transmitting axis drain of the second microwave emitter Another part of the microwave energy, wherein first transmitting of first microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° Inclination angle orients, and second transmitting inclination angle of wherein described second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and no more than 15 ° is determined To wherein the first transmitting inclination angle is limited at the first center transmitting axis and perpendicular to second transport axis Between plane, and wherein described second transmitting inclination angle is limited at the second center transmitting axis and perpendicular to described second Between the plane of transport axis, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are positioned in the microwave On the opposite side of room.

175. method according to claim 174, wherein the multiple position is along the transport axis axially spaced-apart, wherein At least part of the jet stream generally perpendicular to the direction of the transport axis to be directed to.

176. method according to claim 174, wherein internal cross section week of the multiple position along the thermalization room To interval, wherein at least part of the jet stream is radially inwardly directed towards the transport axis.

177. method according to claim 174, wherein the temperature for leaving the article of the thermalization range be to Lack 20 DEG C and no more than 70 DEG C.

178. method according to claim 174, wherein the article has at least 2 minutes and not in the thermalization range Average residence time more than 20 minutes.

179. method according to claim 174, wherein each jet stream for the jet stream being introduced into the thermalization room Reynolds number be at least 4500.

180. method according to claim 174 further comprises after the heating of step (b), will be through adding The article of heat transports through holding area, wherein the temperature of the article with specified minimum temperature or is specified in the holding area Minimum temperature on temperature keep at least 2 minutes and the period no more than 15 minutes.

181. method according to claim 174, wherein the liquid medium in the thermalization room includes water.

182. method according to claim 174, wherein the microwave office has been at least partially filled the liquid medium.

The heating of 183. method according to claim 182, wherein step (b) includes agitation in the microwave office The liquid medium at least part, wherein the agitation includes institute of the direction at the indoor multiple positions of the microwave It states article and discharges multiple fluid jets.

The heating of 184. method according to claim 174, wherein step (b) is performed, by each article At least 50 DEG C of mean temperature increase, wherein at least part of the heating is carried out at least 25 DEG C per minute of the rate of heat addition.

185. method according to claim 174, wherein the article includes food, medical fluid and/or medical instrument.

186. method according to claim 174, wherein the microwave office be step (b) the heating at least one The liquid filled chamber of at least 10psig is pressurized to during part, wherein the microwave system is per minute extremely with every strip transmission line road The rate of few 20 packagings carries out disinfection to the article.

187. method according to claim 174, wherein the microwave office be step (b) the heating at least one The liquid filled chamber of at least 10psig is pressurized to during part, wherein the microwave system is per minute extremely with every strip transmission line road The rate of few 20 packagings carries out pasteurize to the article.

A kind of 188. methods for heating multiple articles, the method includes：

(a) conveying of the first test article is being passed through to the small-sized micro- of the water filling with total internal capacity less than 50 cubic feet During wave room, first test article in small microwave heating system, the wherein heating of step (a) are heated at least A part is completed using microwave energy；

(b) the first regulation heating curves is determined based on the heating of step (a), wherein the regulation heating curves includes one Or more microwave system parameter at least one value, one or more a microwave system parameter is selected from described by being discharged into Mean temperature in the microwave office of net power in room, the distribution of subsequent microwave power, water, water are in the microwave office The group of the residence time composition of flow velocity and the article in the microwave office；And

(c) conveying of multiple first commercial goods is being passed through at least 250 cubic feet of total internal capacity along transport axis Filling water large-scale microwave office when, heat first commercial good in large-scale microwave heating system, wherein step (c) At least part of the heating completed using microwave energy, wherein will be used for via at least a pair of opposite microwave emitter At least part for completing the microwave energy of the heating of step (c) is introduced into the microwave office,

Wherein emit axis along the first center of the first microwave emitter to be introduced into during being emitted on the heating of step (c) It is arranged to a part for the microwave energy of the microwave office, and along the second center transmitting axis of the second microwave emitter The another part for being introduced in the microwave energy in the microwave office is put, wherein first microwave emitter is at least 2 ° And first no more than 15 ° emits inclination angle to orient, and wherein described second microwave emitter at least 2 ° and does not surpass 15 ° of the second transmitting inclination angle is crossed to orient, wherein the first transmitting inclination angle be limited at first center transmitting axis with Between the plane of the transport axis, and wherein described second transmitting inclination angle is limited at the second center transmitting Axis and between the plane of the transport axis, wherein each commercial good in first commercial good have with The identical type of first test article, the wherein heating of step (c) are according to described first determined in step (b) Regulation heating curves is controlled.

189. method according to claim 188, wherein the first regulation heating curves specifies first microwave to send out The amount of the microwave energy of each microwave emitter discharge in emitter and second microwave emitter.

190. method according to claim 188, wherein the first regulation heating curves specifies water in the microwave office In mean temperature value, wherein the value of the mean temperature of the water is at least 120 DEG C.

191. method according to claim 188, wherein the first regulation heating curves specifies the article described The value of residence time in microwave office, wherein the value of the residence time is at least 30 seconds and is no more than 20 minutes.

192. method according to claim 188 further comprises before step (c), the thermalization institute in thermalization range At least part for stating the first commercial good causes the article to have the temperature in mutual 5 DEG C, wherein the thermalization At least part is carried out according to the first regulation heating curves determined in step (b).

193. method according to claim 192 further comprises after step (c), by the first business object Product are transmitted in holding area, wherein the temperature of first commercial good in the holding area with minimum temperature or the minimum Temperature on temperature is kept the period specified.

194. method according to claim 193 wherein the minimum temperature is at least 120 DEG C, and described is specified Period is at least 2 minutes and is no more than 20 minutes.

195. method according to claim 188 further comprises repeating step (a) and (b) with the second test article, So that it is determined that the second regulation heating curves, with multiple second quotient for being each respectively provided with the type identical with second test article Industry article repeats step (c), wherein the heating of second commercial good is carried out according to the described second regulation heating curves.

196. method according to claim 188, wherein the small microwave heating system is interval sexual system, and it is described Large-scale microwave heating system is continuous system.

197. method according to claim 188, wherein step (a) and at least part of (c) utilize one or more A automatic control system performs.

198. method according to claim 188, wherein first test article and first commercial good include Packaging containing food, medical fluid or medical instrument.

199. method according to claim 188, wherein the large size microwave heating system is decontamination system.

200. method according to claim 188, wherein the large size microwave heating system has on every strip transmission line road The gross production rate of at least 20 packagings per minute.

201. method according to claim 188, wherein first commercial good include packaged food, medical fluid or Medical instrument, wherein the large size microwave office is pressurized at least during at least part of the heating of step (c) 10psig。

202. method according to claim 188, wherein first commercial good includes packaged food, wherein described big Type microwave office is pressurized at least 15psig during at least part of the heating stepses (c), wherein the large size microwave Heating system is configured to sterilize the packaged food with the rate of every strip transmission line road at least 20 packagings per minute.