EP2443287A2 - Systemes de traitement hyperfrequence de sol, route, eau et dechets - Google Patents

Systemes de traitement hyperfrequence de sol, route, eau et dechets

Info

Publication number
EP2443287A2
EP2443287A2 EP10790175A EP10790175A EP2443287A2 EP 2443287 A2 EP2443287 A2 EP 2443287A2 EP 10790175 A EP10790175 A EP 10790175A EP 10790175 A EP10790175 A EP 10790175A EP 2443287 A2 EP2443287 A2 EP 2443287A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microwave
heating system
ground
horn
sealing shroud
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10790175A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2443287A4 (fr
Inventor
Vernon R. Hegg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Microwave Utilities Inc
Original Assignee
Microwave Utilities Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Microwave Utilities Inc filed Critical Microwave Utilities Inc
Publication of EP2443287A2 publication Critical patent/EP2443287A2/fr
Publication of EP2443287A4 publication Critical patent/EP2443287A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C23/00—Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces
    • E01C23/14—Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces for heating or drying foundation, paving, or materials thereon, e.g. paint
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
    • E01H5/10—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice by application of heat for melting snow or ice, whether cleared or not, combined or not with clearing or removing mud or water, e.g. burners for melting in situ, heated clearing instruments; Cleaning snow by blowing or suction only
    • E01H5/106—Clearing snow or ice exclusively by means of rays or streams of gas or steam, or by suction with or without melting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/70—Feed lines
    • H05B6/701—Feed lines using microwave applicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/80—Apparatus for specific applications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the use of microwaves for heating and treating ground and road surfaces. Other applications include pest control or extermination as well as water, waterwater, and waste treatment via microwave radiation. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a microwave generator in combination with a waveguide, sealing shroud, and control system.
  • Previous microwave ground thawing systems were either low frequency 2.45 MHz or very large 915 MHz units with probes placed in predrilled holes to minimize radiation leakage. Predrilling holes for ground thawing took as much or more time and energy then thawing with gas, steam, or other means.
  • An example of a prior microwave ground thawing system is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,571,473 to Wyslouzil et al., incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,092,706 to Bowen, et al also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a microwave system for repairing voids in asphalt pavement, but utilizes a more mobile system for introducing microwave energy to the ground surface. This system suffers from a lack of control in directing the microwave radiation to the ground. This not only results in inefficiency and increased operating costs, but is also unsafe for workers in the area when the system is operational.
  • microwave generation unit of the present invention addresses the deficiencies of prior art ground thawing systems by eliminating the need to prepare the ground by drilling holes for placement of probes that conduct the microwave radiation into the ground.
  • the microwave generation unit of the present invention comprises a waveguide and sealing shroud that directs microwave energy into the ground from the surface, thus eliminating time-intensive ground preparation.
  • the sealing shroud ensures that microwave radiation leakage is minimized and kept within occupational safety standards.
  • the present invention provides a system that utilizes microwaves to penetrate into the frozen ground to provide heating and thawing.
  • the microwaves are controlled and monitored using microprocessors and a unique feedback system.
  • Microwave leakage is eliminated by using a liquid filled bladder between the frozen ground and the microwave generator.
  • Microwaves are generated at 915 MHz ranging from 1 to 100kw and directed through a special waveguide into the frozen ground. Sensors in and around the wave guide monitor the microwave power level, microwave bounce back, ground temperature, and any radiation leakage and the information is fed to a microprocessor.
  • the invention consists of 915MHz generator, wave bounce back water load, a wave guide, a wave guide horn, wave guide venting blower, ground sealing bladder, wave leak detectors, wave bounce back sensors, temperature sensors, and microprocessor controller.
  • the complete unit is very portable and can be moved quickly from area to area as it generally takes less than 30 minutes to thaw a nine square foot area.
  • a microwave generation, delivery, and control system is utilized for asphalt road repair.
  • the system described above is used for heating and treating asphalt road surfaces to repair voids (i.e., potholes).
  • the ability to isolate and contain heating of asphalt allows for precision in making repairs.
  • the ability to quickly heat a specific surface also allows for year-round road repair, even in the coldest climates.
  • the microwave generation, delivery and control system is utilized for pest control of insects (e.g., red ants) or rodents (e.g., gophers) by safely directing radiation at known areas of infestation to kill the pests.
  • insects e.g., red ants
  • rodents e.g., gophers
  • a further aspect of the present invention includes the use of microwave energy to sterilize water, wastewater, and waste materials.
  • Figure 1 is a rear perspective of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side perspective of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a side elevation of a curved portion for the waveguide of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a front elevation of a rotary joint for the waveguide of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a close-up view of the sealing shroud of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of the sealing shroud of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder portion of the sealing shroud of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic of the cooling system of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG 10 is a side elevation of a third alternative embodiment of the present invention. While the present invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • a microwave ground heating system 100 of the present invention comprises a microwave generator 102, waveguide 104, horn 106, sealing shroud 108, and control system 110.
  • the microwave generator 102 includes a magnetron 112 capable of producing microwaves preferably at 915 MHz ranging from 1-lOOkw. This embodiment allows for mounting on a vehicle 114 for system mobility.
  • the microwave generator 102 will typically require a 3-phase, 460 volt ac power supply 116 that can be mounted on the vehicle 114 or provided from an outside source.
  • a waveguide 104 will be required to direct the microwave radiation from the microwave generator 102 to the horn 106 for application to the ground or road surface 118.
  • the waveguide 104 consists of non-ferris metals of a thickness of at least 1/4 inch.
  • the waveguide 104 of the present invention is preferably comprised of rectangular channels 120, 122 of varying lengths and configurations, such as the curved channel 123 of Figure 3.
  • the waveguide 104 is not limited to rectangular shape and the present invention contemplates any shape known in the art of microwave energy guidance.
  • one or more rotary joints 124 may be used between channels 120, 122, 123. Rotary joints for waveguides are well known in the art.
  • connections between rectangular channels 120, 122, 123 as well as with rotary joints 124, are preferably made with bolts 126 to allow for relatively easy assembly and disassembly of the waveguide 104.
  • the connections between the various parts of the waveguide 104 can be accomplished by other means such as welding or clamping.
  • steel or other stronger metals may be used on the exterior of the waveguide.
  • One embodiment can be a frame 128 as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • a wave guide venting blower 130 may be used to eliminate any heat or moisture buildup in the waveguide 1 04.
  • the waveguide 104 may be moved and placed in a fashion similar to that of a backhoe.
  • hydraulic systems can be used to move the various parts as with a backhoe boom.
  • the rotary joints 124 of the waveguide 104 as depicted in Figure 4, will allow the horn 106 to be tilted for non-horizontal application of microwave energy such as to sloped ground.
  • the waveguide 104 directs microwave energy through the horn 106 for application to the ground or road surface 118.
  • the horn includes several ventilation ports 132 to allow steam produced during the heating of the ground or road surface 118 to dissipate.
  • a sealing shroud 108 is fitted to the bottom edge of the horn 106 as shown in Figure 5.
  • the sealing shroud 108 is comprised of a canvas cover 200 for durability and an inflatable rubber bladder 202.
  • the canvas cover 200 is preferably 3/8 inch in thickness and the rubber bladder 202 is preferably 1/8" in thickness.
  • the horn can be sized for various applications, from a post hole sized horn to a 6-foot by 4-foot sized horn for trenches.
  • the sealing shroud 108 will vary in size and construction accordingly.
  • the sealing shroud 108 also includes inlet and outlet ports 204, 206 for circulation of coolant 208.
  • Coolant 208 is preferably a 50-50 mixture of water and glycol, but can be any form of coolant known to those skilled in the art of liquid cooling.
  • the horn 106 includes several RF sensors 210 located preferably in close proximity to the sealing shroud 108 and spaced around the horn 106 to monitor leakage of microwave radiation.
  • a liquid cooling system 300 as illustrated in Figure 8 is provided to cool the sealing shroud 108 during operation of the microwave ground heating system 100.
  • the liquid cooling system 300 comprises an inlet pump 302, an outlet pump 304, a coolant storage tank 306, a temperature monitor 308, and a pressure regulator 310 to circulate the coolant through the sealing shroud 108.
  • the inlet and outlet pumps 302, 304 run on 110 volt ac and capable of pumping 30 gallons per minute at 30 psi.
  • a 1/2 inch coolant line 316 circulates coolant 208 at a rate of 3-7 gallons per minute at a pressure of 1-3 psi.
  • the present invention also includes a control system 110 with a microprocessor 400 to monitor and control the operation of the microwave generator 102.
  • the control system 110 is programmed to allow inputs such as type of surface to be heated (e.g., clay, sand, asphalt), types of buried utilities, and time to thaw, which will then allow control system 110 to regulate and monitor the operation of the microwave generation unit 102.
  • the control system 110 includes temperature sensors (not shown) and microwave bounce back sensors (not shown) to collect data for control and operation of the microwave generator 102.
  • the control system 110 also receives feedback from the several RF sensors 210 to moderate the microwave energy produced and, if necessary, completely shut down the microwave generation unit 102.
  • the control system 110 also manages the liquid cooling system 300.
  • the horn 106 with attached sealing shroud 108 is placed on the ground or road surface 118 to be heated or thawed. Sealing shroud 108 placement is confirmed to ensure that there are no large gaps between it and the ground or road surface 118 that could result in microwave leakage.
  • the control system 110 is then energized and runs a self check to ensure that it has proper communication with other elements of the microwave ground heating system 100.
  • the liquid cooling system 300 is then energized via the control system 110 to circulate coolant 208 prior to energizing the microwave generator 102. As the liquid cooling system 300 pumps coolant 208 into the rubber bladder 202, the sealing shroud 108 expands to fill any gaps between the horn 106 and ground or road surface 118.
  • the control system 110 then performs a check of all functions of the microwave generation unit 102. This entails warming up the microwave generation unit 102 and supplying it with low power, approximately 3.0 kW, to check parameters such as microwave leakage at key junctions: microwave generation unit 102 to waveguide 104; between rectangular channels 120, 122, 123; between rectangular channels 120, 122, 123 and rotary joints 124; between rectangular channels 120, 122, 123 and the horn 106; and between the horn 106 and the ground or road surface 118. If any parameter exceeds specifications, the control system 110 shuts down the microwave generation unit 102 and the control system 110 indicates via visual and or audio signals where the microwave ground heating system 100 exceeds specifications. Corrections can be made by the system operator and the procedure can be started from the beginning. Another embodiment of the microwave ground heating system 100 is illustrated in
  • FIG. 9 In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9, all of the elements of the microwave ground heating system 100 except for the power supply are provided in a stand-alone unit 500.
  • the stand-alone unit 500 comprises the control system 110, microwave generation unit 102, liquid cooling system 300, horn 106, and sealing shroud 108 of the previously disclosed embodiment.
  • the stand-alone unit 500 eliminates the need for the waveguide 104 of the previously disclosed embodiment.
  • the power supply 116 of the embodiment shown in Figure 10 can be truck mounted with a boom to assist in placement of the stand-alone unit 500.
  • a third embodiment of the microwave ground heating system 100 is illustrated in Figure 10.
  • the elements of the microwave ground heating system 100 are provided in a split configuration with some of the elements provided on a base unit 600 and others elements provided on a transport vehicle 610.
  • the base unit 600 comprises at least the horn 106 and sealing shroud 108 of the first disclosed embodiment.
  • the power supply is provided on the transport vehicle 610.
  • the control system 110, microwave generation unit 102, and liquid cooling system 300 of the first disclosed embodiment can be constructed with the base unit 600 or provided on the transport vehicle 610.
  • Another application contemplated by the present invention is the use of the microwave ground heating system 100 for road repair.
  • the ability to repair roads, especially asphalt roads, during late fall through winter and early spring is limited in many parts of the world due to cold temperatures.
  • the compacted base cools the asphalt too quickly before it is packed to the optimal air content. Therefore, repair of roads during this time frame is usually limited to repairs with cold-mix asphalt. Such repairs are temporary and will usually require replacement with a hot-mix asphalt when temperatures moderate.
  • a portable heating system that can quickly and efficiently heat the area of an asphalt void (i.e., pothole) during cold temperatures that will allow hot-mix asphalt repair.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,092,706 to Bowen, et al discloses a microwave system for repairing voids in asphalt pavement, but utilizes a more mobile system for introducing microwave energy to the ground surface. This system suffers from a lack of control in directing the microwave radiation to the ground. This not only results in inefficiency and increased operating costs, but is also unsafe for workers in the area when the system is operational.
  • microwave ground heating system 100 for pest control. Insect and rodent infestations can be problematic to rectify because these pests are typically found below the ground surface. Typical treatment for red ants or gophers is to soak a known area of infestation with poison. This remedy has the shortcomings of potential health risks, especially for young children, and environmental damage.
  • the current invention kills the insects or rodents below grade while leaving no waste products behind.
  • Other applications of the invention disclosed herein include utilization of microwaves as a disinfectant in the treatment of water and wastewater. In the same vein, it is contemplated that the invention herein described may be used in the treatment of waste materials to disinfect and decontaminate the waste prior to disposal or other dispensation. The material to be treated would be conveyed under the horn of the microwave ground heating system 100 via any of the means known in the art.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Constitution Of High-Frequency Heating (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système de chauffage hyperfréquence de surface de sol ou de route qui élimine le besoin pour une préparation de la surface devant être chauffée, tout en empêchant une fuite de rayonnement hyperfréquence. Le système de chauffage hyperfréquence hautement portable empêche une fuite de rayonnement hyperfréquence par l'intermédiaire d'un cornet à hyperfréquence et d'une configuration de plaque d'étanchéité qui rend étanche l'unité vis-à-vis de la surface chauffée.
EP10790175.3A 2009-06-18 2010-06-17 Systemes de traitement hyperfrequence de sol, route, eau et dechets Withdrawn EP2443287A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21815209P 2009-06-18 2009-06-18
PCT/US2010/038957 WO2010148173A2 (fr) 2009-06-18 2010-06-17 Systèmes de traitement hyperfréquence de sol, route, eau et déchets

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2443287A2 true EP2443287A2 (fr) 2012-04-25
EP2443287A4 EP2443287A4 (fr) 2014-12-03

Family

ID=43357042

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10790175.3A Withdrawn EP2443287A4 (fr) 2009-06-18 2010-06-17 Systemes de traitement hyperfrequence de sol, route, eau et dechets

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2443287A4 (fr)
CA (1) CA2766556A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010148173A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102926316B (zh) * 2012-11-29 2014-12-24 鞍山森远路桥股份有限公司 井圈路面热风式加热器
RU189265U1 (ru) * 2019-02-25 2019-05-17 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Казанский национальный исследовательский технический университет им. А.Н. Туполева-КАИ" (КНИТУ-КАИ) Устройство СВЧ плавления и трамбования снега

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3604324A (en) * 1969-02-06 1971-09-14 William F Middlestadt Curing blanket and machine
DE3402439A1 (de) * 1984-01-25 1985-07-25 Bantle, Hermann, 7215 Bösingen Verfahren und vorrichtung zum abtauen von schnee und eis
JPH11158809A (ja) * 1997-11-27 1999-06-15 Toho Denko Kk アスファルトのマイクロ波加熱装置
CN2844210Y (zh) * 2005-12-06 2006-12-06 东南大学 修补沥青路面微波加热设备的防微波泄漏装置

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5092706A (en) * 1990-10-24 1992-03-03 Raytheon Company Tack compounds and microwave method for repairing voids in asphalt pavement
JPH08120617A (ja) * 1994-10-26 1996-05-14 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd アスファルト路面の切削方法及びその切削装置
JPH09189008A (ja) * 1996-01-09 1997-07-22 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd アスファルト路面切削装置及びその方法
US6401637B1 (en) * 2001-01-08 2002-06-11 Harold Earl Haller Microwave energy applicator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3604324A (en) * 1969-02-06 1971-09-14 William F Middlestadt Curing blanket and machine
DE3402439A1 (de) * 1984-01-25 1985-07-25 Bantle, Hermann, 7215 Bösingen Verfahren und vorrichtung zum abtauen von schnee und eis
JPH11158809A (ja) * 1997-11-27 1999-06-15 Toho Denko Kk アスファルトのマイクロ波加熱装置
CN2844210Y (zh) * 2005-12-06 2006-12-06 东南大学 修补沥青路面微波加热设备的防微波泄漏装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2010148173A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2010148173A3 (fr) 2011-03-03
EP2443287A4 (fr) 2014-12-03
CA2766556A1 (fr) 2010-12-23
WO2010148173A2 (fr) 2010-12-23

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