EP3005833B1 - Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device - Google Patents

Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3005833B1
EP3005833B1 EP14734862.7A EP14734862A EP3005833B1 EP 3005833 B1 EP3005833 B1 EP 3005833B1 EP 14734862 A EP14734862 A EP 14734862A EP 3005833 B1 EP3005833 B1 EP 3005833B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
enclosure
microwaves
heat treating
products
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Application number
EP14734862.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3005833A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Boulard
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to PL14734862T priority Critical patent/PL3005833T3/en
Publication of EP3005833A1 publication Critical patent/EP3005833A1/en
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    • 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
    • H05B6/78—Arrangements for continuous movement of material
    • 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
    • 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
    • H05B6/6402—Aspects relating to the microwave cavity
    • 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
    • H05B6/70—Feed lines
    • H05B6/707—Feed lines using waveguides
    • 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
    • H05B6/78—Arrangements for continuous movement of material
    • H05B6/788—Arrangements for continuous movement of material wherein an elongated material is moved by applying a mechanical tension to it

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for heat treatment of microwave products and to a heat treatment process using such a device.
  • This invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.
  • This device comprises a chamber adopting the shape of a cylinder portion and a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within this chamber.
  • the flexible material to be treated circulates on the cylindrical drum, this between this cylindrical drum and the enclosure.
  • This device comprises, again, microwave application modules to the flexible material to be treated. These modules are positioned near the drum and each comprise a microwave source (more particularly in the form of a magnetron) oriented and orientable towards the drum.
  • This device has many disadvantages.
  • the waves that penetrate inside this chamber lose their progressiveness resulting in the creation of standing waves.
  • the creation of such standing waves prevents the electromagnetic energy of the waves from becoming heat, which significantly reduces the efficiency of such a device.
  • the cylindrical shape of the drum does not allow the mixing of the waves which generates wall effects. These wall effects cause the appearance of areas with little or no heating which generates a heterogeneity of the temperature and, consequently, a heterogeneity of the heating and, therefore, of the treatment, of the material.
  • the present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.
  • This invention also relates to a method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves, this method being implemented by the device described above.
  • This method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by a flat surface of the enclosure and by a side drum, parallel at such a flat surface, this when the drum is stationary relative to the enclosure.
  • this method can also consist, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum about its axis and relative to the enclosure and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the modules application of microwaves, microwaves within the spacing defined between this chamber and this drum.
  • the invention relates to a heat treatment device comprising, on the one hand, a drum with a plurality of sides, on the other hand, an enclosure with flat surfaces parallel to these sides and, secondly, microwave application modules that introduce microwaves within the spacing defined between this drum and this enclosure.
  • Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible for the microwaves introduced into the spacing to maintain their progressivity and thus to avoid the formation of standing waves which would prevent the electromagnetic energy of these waves from turning into heat.
  • Preserving the progressivity of the microwaves makes it possible, advantageously, for the electromagnetic energy of these microwaves to be converted into heat so that the efficiency of the device according to the invention is considerably greater than that of the devices of the invention. state of the art.
  • This configuration also makes it possible to ensure operation of the device in monomode, without resorting to mechanical means for stirring the waves.
  • the drum adopts the shape of a prism having a plurality of sides and that the enclosure has a plurality of planar surfaces each extending parallel to such a side of the drum.
  • the sides of the drum and the flat surfaces of the enclosure then form an angle between them.
  • the presence of these angles, these sides and these flat surfaces advantageously allows the microwaves to be better reflected and more efficient than in a Cylinder of the state of the art where microwaves have no angle and experience a sliding effect.
  • the drum of the device can be fixed in the configuration described above (sides of the drum and flat faces of the parallel enclosure) and with the advantages mentioned above.
  • this drum can also be rotatable about its axis.
  • this drum is rotating, it is advantageously a wave stirrer for operation of the multimode device.
  • drum and carrier are disassociated and movable independently of one another and / or at a different speed from each other.
  • the characteristics of the device according to the invention advantageously make it possible to diversify the products that can be treated thermally but also to diversify the fields of application of the microwave treatment, this with respect to the devices of the state of the art. .
  • this new device allows drying, debacterization, disinsectisation, extraction of active products, sterilization, pasteurization (including liquids), dehydration, lyophilization, shaping (especially bending, by example of wood), gluing, coating, pre-vulcanization, sintering, demineralization, welding, polymerization, forming, molding (vacuum or pressure), the processing of foodstuffs (cereals, fruits, tea ).
  • the present invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.
  • microwaves also known as microwaves
  • this frequency is usually 2450 MHz and, on the other hand, and in the United States, this frequency is usually 915 MHz.
  • the invention relates to a device 1 for heat treatment of products by microwaves.
  • Such a device 1 comprises, on the one hand, an enclosure 2, substantially constituting a heating body, and, on the other hand, a drum 3, extending along an axis 30, and at least a portion of which is mounted to inside said enclosure 2.
  • This device 1 comprises, again, a spacing 4 defined between the enclosure 2 and the drum 3.
  • Said device 1 also comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated.
  • this device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6 for the products to be treated, such module 6 being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing 4.
  • the drum 3 adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis 30 of the drum 3, and comprising a plurality of sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • said drum 3 comprises at least six sides (drum in the form of a hexagonal prism).
  • this drum 3 comprises at least eight sides (drum in the form of an octagonal prism), or even ten sides (drum in the form of a decagonal prism).
  • this drum 3 is rotatable about its axis 30. This characteristic advantageously allows the waves to be stirred inside the spacing 4.
  • the device 1 then comprises means for controlling the rotation of this drum 3.
  • these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said drum 3 a determined rotational speed, more particularly adapted to the need for heat treatment of the products.
  • drum 3 is made of a microwave reflective material and / or non-transparent to microwaves.
  • such a drum 3 may be made of stainless steel or of a metal reflecting microwaves and / or non-transparent to microwaves.
  • this drum 3 can also be made of glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrex") loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite) because of possible flashes with metal particles that may be in the products to be treated.
  • glass in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrexā€ loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite
  • such a material glass, quartz, composite
  • metal may be supplemented by a glass layer to prevent oxidation.
  • the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2.
  • this chamber 2 has, internally, a plurality of flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented towards one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.
  • the plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 are each oriented towards one side (31; 31'; 31") distinct from the drum 3 and are parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ").
  • Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to define a volume of parallelepipedal shape between a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.
  • microwaves are likely to move while maintaining their progressiveness and avoiding the formation of standing waves.
  • a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and such a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 advantageously and in combination constitute an oversized waveguide .
  • the device 1 according to the invention may also comprise a positioning means which advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the parallelism between the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3 and the flat surfaces. (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2.
  • said enclosure 2 comprises a plurality of elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") juxtaposed each having one of the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") as aforesaid and oriented towards one (31; 31';31") of the sides of the drum 3.
  • These elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum 3, more particularly arranged to surround at least a portion of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.
  • these elements are arranged in an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the axis 30 of the drum 3. Said enclosure 2 then adopts a shape in "Cā€ or in "Uā€.
  • a preferred embodiment is that such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") is constituted by a flat plate.
  • At least one such element 21 is movable relative to at least one other element 21 ', especially juxtaposed.
  • such an element 21 can then be articulated with respect to another element 21 'juxtaposed, more particularly articulated at a transverse end of this other juxtaposed element 21'.
  • Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to tilt this element 21, on the one hand, in a direction opposite to that of the drum 3, so as to allow the exit of this drum 3 from said enclosure 2 (in particular for maintenance or replacement of the drum 3) and, secondly, in the direction of the drum 3 (especially after its introduction inside the chamber 2) so that the flat surface 20 of this element 21 is parallel to a side 31 of the drum 3.
  • the enclosure 2 can be made in two parts movable relative to each other, in particular by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3 as will be described below.
  • Each part of this chamber 2 comprises, then, a part of these elements 21 while the other part of this chamber 2 comprises the other part of these elements 21 '.
  • the elements 21 (which this part of enclosure 2 comprises) move relative to the other elements 21 '(that includes other part of this enclosure 2).
  • said enclosure 2 can then advantageously surround all the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3.
  • Such a chamber 2 is, more particularly, suitable for the treatment of fluid products , especially liquids.
  • the enclosure 2 has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented toward one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.
  • the drum 3 can be immobilized relative to said chamber 2 in such a position. This position can be guaranteed by the aforementioned positioning means.
  • this drum 3 is rotatably mounted inside this chamber 2 so that, during such a rotation, the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3 form then an angle with the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2. This results in a stirring of the waves within the spacing 4 between the sides (31; 31'; ") of this drum 3 and the flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20") of the enclosure 2.
  • the device 1 comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated at least within this spacing 4.
  • such a support 5 is made of a material that is transparent to microwaves, more particularly a glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex) or a polymer, more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).
  • a glass in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex
  • a polymer more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).
  • such a support 5 comprises, on the one hand, a cylinder 50 inside which is positioned the drum 3 (more particularly coaxially) and, on the other hand, a belt 51 positioned at the periphery of said cylinder 50, this so as to define with this cylinder 50 a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.
  • Such a belt 51 can be configured in a circular arc coaxial with said cylinder 50.
  • the device 1 has means for adjusting the distance of the belt 51 from the cylinder 50.
  • such a support 5 may comprise a coil (in particular made of a fluoropolymer as mentioned above) wound around the drum 3 and within which a fluid may circulate.
  • this support 5 may also comprise straight tubes (in particular glass) fitted to said drum 3.
  • this support 5 comprises a completely closed circular reactor (capable of working under vacuum or in pressure), again equipping said drum 3.
  • a reactor may, advantageously, be completed by a cooling system.
  • Another feature of the invention is that at least a portion of the support 5 is movable around the drum 3 or with this drum 3, more particularly around the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • the device 1 then comprises means for controlling the movement of this support 5.
  • these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said support 5 a determined speed, more particularly adapted to the duration of the treatment of the products to be treated.
  • the device 1 comprises a drum 3 mounted to rotate about its axis 30.
  • this drum 3 and the support 5 are dissociated and are movable (more particularly in rotation), this independently of one another and / or with a speed (more particularly of rotation) different from each other.
  • Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to set the support 5 in motion and, depending on the products to be treated, either to keep the drum 3 stationary (more particularly in a configuration as described above), or to set this drum in motion. 3 (in particular at a speed different from that of said support 5).
  • At least the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to at least a part of the enclosure 2.
  • Such sliding takes place, preferably, in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to the chamber 2 which comprises at least articulated element 21 (tilting) as mentioned above, this to allow the opening of the chamber 2 and the extraction of the drum 3 and the support 3 from this enclosure 2.
  • the drum 5, the support 5 and a part of the enclosure 2 are slidable relative to another part of this enclosure 2.
  • the device 1 comprises, on the one hand, a fixed frame part on which is mounted at least a portion of said enclosure 2 and, secondly, a moving frame portion (more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3) relative to the fixed part of this frame and on which are mounted at least said drum 3 and said support 5 (or even another part of the enclosure 2).
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible, advantageously, to move the assembly constituted by the drum 3 and the support 5 (or even by a part of the enclosure 2), this with respect to at least a part of said enclosure 2.
  • such displacement can be provided in order to perform a maintenance operation on this set and / or a replacement of this set and / or a modification of this set.
  • the device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6.
  • this or these microwave application modules 6 each comprise a waveguide 60, on the one hand, extending in the direction of the spacing 4 defined between the drum 3 and the enclosure 2 and, on the other hand, designed to introduce, within this spacing 4, microwaves in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the products to be treated (this within this spacing 4 ) and / or in a direction parallel to one (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the flat surfaces of the enclosure 2.
  • such a waveguide 60 has a section in the shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangle.
  • microwave application module 6 (more particularly the waveguide 60 that includes such a module 6) is mounted on the enclosure 2, more particularly on an element (21 21 ', 21 ") which comprises the chamber 2, this on the opposite side to that oriented in the direction of the drum 3.
  • Such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") then comprises an opening 22 for the passage of the waves and at the right of which is mounted the microwave application module 6, more particularly the waveguide 60 that comprises it.
  • such a module 6 is mounted on an element (21 '; 21 "; 21) which is juxtaposed with an element (21; 21'; 21") of the enclosure 2 delimiting (with a side 31 of the drum 3 parallel to the plane surface 20 of this element 21) a volume inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves and / or having the plane surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") parallel to the direction in which the module 6 introduces the microwaves into the spacing 4.
  • Such a module 6 comprises at least one microwave source 61, more particularly in the form of a magnetron or the like.
  • the device 1 (more particularly the enclosure 2) comprises, upstream and / or downstream of the microwave application module or modules 6, at least one means 7. to trap the waves.
  • such a means 7 for trapping the waves is constituted by a cavity extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3, opening towards the inside of the chamber 2, and having an omega-shaped section.
  • the device 1 may comprise, upstream of a microwave application module 6, such means 7 for trapping the waves emitted in particular by another microwave application module.
  • each flat surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the enclosure 2 delimits, with one side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 which is parallel to this flat surface (20 20 ', 20 "), a volume within which a microwave application module 6 introduces the microwaves.
  • the means 7 for trapping the waves introduced into such a volume by a microwave application module 6 is positioned downstream of this module 6 and on the side of this volume opposite the volume by which the waves are introduced into this volume by this module 6.
  • Such a means 7 for trapping the waves is interposed between two plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") that comprises the enclosure 2, more particularly two plane surfaces (20; 20'; ") juxtaposed.
  • such a means 7 is more particularly interposed between two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") mentioned above, which the enclosure 2 comprises, and which comprise such a flat surface ( 20, 20 ', 20 ").
  • the device 1 comprises, then, at least one piece for connecting two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") that the enclosure 2 comprises, such a part comprising the cavity constituting the means 7 for trap the waves.
  • Such a means 7 for trapping the waves makes it possible to allocate to each microwave application module 6 a volume (as described above) inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves. .
  • a module 6 comprises, thus, its own operating chamber.
  • the device 1 comprises means for managing its operation.
  • these means for managing enable control of the power of the modules 6, the movement of the support 5, the holding at a standstill (for use in monomode of the device 1) or the movement (for multimode use of the device 1 ) of the drum 3.
  • the invention also relates to a method of heat treatment of products by microwaves.
  • this method is implemented by the device 1 described above.
  • this method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules 6, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by one of the plane surfaces (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the chamber 2 and one of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3, parallel to such a flat surface (20; 20 '; 20 "), when the drum is motionless in relation to the enclosure.
  • Such a method advantageously allows operation of said device 1 in monomode.
  • the support 5 is set in motion in order to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1, more particularly inside said spacing 4.
  • the invention also relates to another method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves implemented by the device described above.
  • This other method consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum 3 around its axis 30 and with respect to the chamber 2 and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the application modules 6 microwaves, microwaves within the spacing 4 defined between the chamber 2 and the drum 3.
  • Such a method advantageously allows an operation of said device 1 in multimodes and to ensure the mixing of waves within said spacing 4.
  • the support 5 is set in motion to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1.
  • the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with different speeds.
  • This method advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, to adapt the processing time of the products (by acting on the speed of the support 5) according to the characteristics of these products and, on the other hand, to adapt as necessary heat treatment of the products (by acting on the speed of the drum 3 and, therefore, the mixing of the waves).
  • the presence of the management means advantageously makes it possible to operate the device 1 only in single mode, only in multimode, but also in multimode as well as in monomode (in particular in an alternative manner) and to switch from to each other during a treatment period.

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Description

La prƩsente invention a trait Ơ un dispositif de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes ainsi qu'Ơ un procƩdƩ de traitement thermique mettant en oeuvre un tel dispositif.The present invention relates to a device for heat treatment of microwave products and to a heat treatment process using such a device.

Cette invention concerne le domaine du traitement thermique de produits mettant en oeuvre des micro-ondes.This invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.

L'on connait, d'ores et dƩjƠ, des dispositifs et des procƩdƩs permettant d'assurer un tel traitement.There are already known devices and methods for providing such treatment.

En particulier, par le document FR-2.874.473 il est dƩcrit un procƩdƩ et un dispositif pour le traitement thermique d'un matƩriau souple.In particular, by the document FR-2874473 there is described a method and a device for heat treatment of a flexible material.

Ce dispositif comporte une enceinte adoptant la forme d'une portion de cylindre ainsi qu'un tambour cylindrique montĆ© en rotation Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de cette enceinte. Le matĆ©riau souple Ć  traiter circule sur le tambour cylindrique, ceci entre ce tambour cylindrique et l'enceinte. Ce dispositif comporte, encore, des modules d'application de micro-ondes au matĆ©riau souple Ć  traiter. Ces modules sont positionnĆ©s Ć  proximitĆ© du tambour et comportent, chacun, une source de micro-ondes (plus particuliĆØrement sous forme d'un magnĆ©tron) orientĆ©e et orientable en direction de ce tambour.This device comprises a chamber adopting the shape of a cylinder portion and a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within this chamber. The flexible material to be treated circulates on the cylindrical drum, this between this cylindrical drum and the enclosure. This device comprises, again, microwave application modules to the flexible material to be treated. These modules are positioned near the drum and each comprise a microwave source (more particularly in the form of a magnetron) oriented and orientable towards the drum.

Ce dispositif prƩsente de nombreux inconvƩnients.This device has many disadvantages.

En particulier, en raison de la forme de l'enceinte, les ondes qui pĆ©nĆØtrent Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de cette enceinte perdent leur progressivitĆ© ce qui entraĆ®ne la crĆ©ation d'ondes stationnaires. La crĆ©ation de telles ondes stationnaires empĆŖche l'Ć©nergie Ć©lectromagnĆ©tique des ondes de se transformer en chaleur ce qui rĆ©duit notablement le rendement d'un tel dispositif.In particular, because of the shape of the speaker, the waves that penetrate inside this chamber lose their progressiveness resulting in the creation of standing waves. The creation of such standing waves prevents the electromagnetic energy of the waves from becoming heat, which significantly reduces the efficiency of such a device.

De plus et selon un autre inconvĆ©nient, la forme cylindrique du tambour ne permet aucunement le brassage des ondes ce qui gĆ©nĆØre des effets de paroi. Ces effets de paroi provoquent l'apparition de zones peu ou pas chauffĆ©es ce qui engendre une hĆ©tĆ©rogĆ©nĆ©itĆ© de la tempĆ©rature et, par consĆ©quent, une hĆ©tĆ©rogĆ©nĆ©itĆ© du chauffage et, donc, du traitement, du matĆ©riau.In addition and according to another disadvantage, the cylindrical shape of the drum does not allow the mixing of the waves which generates wall effects. These wall effects cause the appearance of areas with little or no heating which generates a heterogeneity of the temperature and, consequently, a heterogeneity of the heating and, therefore, of the treatment, of the material.

Finalement, dans le cadre d'une exploitation industrielle, les inconvƩnients mentionnƩs ci-dessus sont amplifiƩs et sont encore plus difficiles Ơ maƮtriser du fait du nombre et de la puissance des sources de micro-ondes (magnƩtrons).Finally, in the context of an industrial exploitation, the disadvantages mentioned above are amplified and are even more difficult to control because of the number and power of microwave sources (magnetrons).

La prƩsente invention se veut de remƩdier aux inconvƩnients de dispositifs de l'Ʃtat de la technique.The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes, ce dispositif comportant :

  • une enceinte ;
  • un tambour s'Ć©tendant selon un axe et dont au moins une partie est montĆ©e Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de l'enceinte ;
  • un espacement dĆ©fini entre l'enceinte et le tambour ;
  • un support, au moins en partie positionnĆ© dans ledit espacement, et conƧu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits Ć  traiter ;
  • au moins un module d'application de micro-ondes aux produits Ć  traiter, un tel module Ć©tant conƧu pour introduire des micro-ondes Ć  l'intĆ©rieur dudit espacement.
For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for heat treatment of products by microwaves, this device comprising:
  • a speaker ;
  • a drum extending along an axis and at least a portion of which is mounted inside the enclosure;
  • a spacing defined between the enclosure and the drum;
  • a support, at least partially positioned in said spacing, and adapted to receive and transport the products to be treated;
  • at least one microwave application module to the products to be treated, such a module being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing.

Ce dispositif est caractƩrisƩ par le fait que :

  • le tambour adopte la forme d'un prisme, s'Ć©tendant selon l'axe du tambour, et comportant une pluralitĆ© de cĆ“tĆ©s s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  l'axe du tambour ;
  • l'enceinte comporte, intĆ©rieurement, une pluralitĆ© de surfaces planes chacune orientĆ©e en direction de l'un des cĆ“tĆ©s du tambour et s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  un tel cĆ“tĆ© de ce tambour.
This device is characterized by the fact that:
  • the drum adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis of the drum, and having a plurality of sides extending parallel to the axis of the drum;
  • the enclosure has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces each oriented towards one side of the drum and extending parallel to such a side of the drum.

Cette invention concerne, Ʃgalement, un procƩdƩ de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes, ce procƩdƩ Ʃtant mis en oeuvre par le dispositif dƩcrit ci-dessus.This invention also relates to a method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves, this method being implemented by the device described above.

Ce procĆ©dĆ© comporte une Ć©tape consistant Ć  introduire, par au moins un des modules d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes Ć  l'intĆ©rieur d'au moins un volume dĆ©limitĆ© par une surface plane de l'enceinte et par un cĆ“tĆ© du tambour, parallĆØle Ć  une telle surface plane, ceci lorsque le tambour est immobile par rapport Ć  l'enceinte.This method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by a flat surface of the enclosure and by a side drum, parallel at such a flat surface, this when the drum is stationary relative to the enclosure.

De maniĆØre alternative, ce procĆ©dĆ© peut, aussi, consister, d'une part, Ć  assurer la rotation du tambour autour de son axe et par rapport Ć  l'enceinte et, d'autre part, Ć  introduire, par au moins un des modules d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de l'espacement dĆ©fini entre cette enceinte et ce tambour.Alternatively, this method can also consist, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum about its axis and relative to the enclosure and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the modules application of microwaves, microwaves within the spacing defined between this chamber and this drum.

Ainsi, l'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement thermique comportant, d'une part, un tambour avec une pluralitĆ© de cĆ“tĆ©s, d'autre part, une enceinte avec des surfaces planes parallĆØles Ć  ces cĆ“tĆ©s et, d'autre part encore, des modules d'application de micro-ondes qui introduisent des micro-ondes Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de l'espacement dĆ©fini entre ce tambour et cette enceinte.Thus, the invention relates to a heat treatment device comprising, on the one hand, a drum with a plurality of sides, on the other hand, an enclosure with flat surfaces parallel to these sides and, secondly, microwave application modules that introduce microwaves within the spacing defined between this drum and this enclosure.

Une telle configuration permet, avantageusement, aux micro-ondes introduites dans l'espacement de conserver leur progressivitĆ© et, ainsi, d'Ć©viter la formation d'ondes stationnaires qui empĆŖcherait l'Ć©nergie Ć©lectromagnĆ©tique de ces ondes de se transformer en chaleur. La conservation de la progressivitĆ© des micro-ondes permet, alors avantageusement, Ć  l'Ć©nergie Ć©lectromagnĆ©tique de ces micro-ondes de se transformer en chaleur de sorte que le rendement du dispositif selon l'invention est considĆ©rablement supĆ©rieur Ć  celui des dispositifs de l'Ć©tat de la technique.Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible for the microwaves introduced into the spacing to maintain their progressivity and thus to avoid the formation of standing waves which would prevent the electromagnetic energy of these waves from turning into heat. Preserving the progressivity of the microwaves makes it possible, advantageously, for the electromagnetic energy of these microwaves to be converted into heat so that the efficiency of the device according to the invention is considerably greater than that of the devices of the invention. state of the art.

Cette configuration permet, Ʃgalement, d'assurer un fonctionnement du dispositif en monomode, ceci sans avoir recours Ơ des moyens mƩcaniques pour brasser les ondes.This configuration also makes it possible to ensure operation of the device in monomode, without resorting to mechanical means for stirring the waves.

Une autre caractĆ©ristique consiste en ce que le tambour adopte la forme d'un prisme comportant une pluralitĆ© de cĆ“tĆ©s et que l'enceinte comporte une pluralitĆ© de surfaces planes chacune s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  un tel cĆ“tĆ© du tambour. Les cĆ“tĆ©s du tambour et les surfaces planes de l'enceinte forment, alors, entre eux un angle. La prĆ©sence de ces angles, de ces cĆ“tĆ©s et de ces surfaces planes permet, avantageusement, aux micro-ondes d'ĆŖtre mieux rĆ©flĆ©chies et plus performantes que dans un cylindre de l'Ć©tat de la technique oĆ¹ les micro-ondes n'ont pas de prise d'angle et subissent un effet de glissement.Another feature is that the drum adopts the shape of a prism having a plurality of sides and that the enclosure has a plurality of planar surfaces each extending parallel to such a side of the drum. The sides of the drum and the flat surfaces of the enclosure then form an angle between them. The presence of these angles, these sides and these flat surfaces advantageously allows the microwaves to be better reflected and more efficient than in a Cylinder of the state of the art where microwaves have no angle and experience a sliding effect.

Le tambour du dispositif peut ĆŖtre fixe dans la configuration dĆ©crite ci-dessus (cĆ“tĆ©s du tambour et faces planes de l'enceinte parallĆØles) et avec les avantages mentionnĆ©s ci-dessus.The drum of the device can be fixed in the configuration described above (sides of the drum and flat faces of the parallel enclosure) and with the advantages mentioned above.

Cependant, ce tambour peut, Ć©galement, ĆŖtre mobile en rotation autour de son axe. Lorsque ce tambour est en rotation, celui-ci constitue, avantageusement, un brasseur d'ondes permettant un fonctionnement du dispositif en multimode.However, this drum can also be rotatable about its axis. When this drum is rotating, it is advantageously a wave stirrer for operation of the multimode device.

Une autre caractĆ©ristique consiste en ce que le tambour et le support sont dissociĆ©s et sont mobiles, ceci de maniĆØre indĆ©pendante l'un de l'autre et/ou avec une vitesse diffĆ©rente l'un de l'autre.Another feature is that the drum and carrier are disassociated and movable independently of one another and / or at a different speed from each other.

Ceci permet, avantageusement, d'adapter la vitesse du support (indƩpendamment de celle du tambour) et, par consƩquent, la durƩe du traitement des produits que reƧoit ce support au sein du dispositif en fonction des caractƩristiques de ces produits (uniformitƩ dans leur volume, hƩtƩrogƩnƩitƩ, composition, densitƩ, contenance en eau...).This advantageously makes it possible to adapt the speed of the support (independently of that of the drum) and, consequently, the duration of the treatment of the products that this support receives within the device according to the characteristics of these products (uniformity in their volume , heterogeneity, composition, density, water capacity ...).

Ceci permet, Ʃgalement, d'adapter la vitesse du tambour (indƩpendamment de celle du support) qui brasse les ondes en fonction du besoin de traitement thermique des produits.This also makes it possible to adapt the speed of the drum (independently of that of the support) which mixes the waves according to the need for heat treatment of the products.

Les caractĆ©ristiques du dispositif selon l'invention permettent, avantageusement, de diversifier les produits susceptibles d'ĆŖtre traitĆ©s thermiquement mais Ć©galement de diversifier les domaines d'application du traitement par micro-ondes, ceci par rapport aux dispositifs de l'Ć©tat de la technique.The characteristics of the device according to the invention advantageously make it possible to diversify the products that can be treated thermally but also to diversify the fields of application of the microwave treatment, this with respect to the devices of the state of the art. .

En particulier, ce nouveau dispositif permet le sƩchage, la dƩbactƩrisation, la dƩsinsectisation, l'extraction de produits actifs, la stƩrilisation, la pasteurisation (notamment des liquides), la dƩshydratation, la lyophilisation, la mise en forme (notamment le cintrage, par exemple du bois), le collage, l'enduction, la prƩ-vulcanisation, le frittage, la dƩminƩralisation, la soudure, la polymƩrisation, le formage , le moulage (Ơ vide ou en pression), le traitement des denrƩes alimentaires (cƩrƩales, fruits, thƩ...).In particular, this new device allows drying, debacterization, disinsectisation, extraction of active products, sterilization, pasteurization (including liquids), dehydration, lyophilization, shaping (especially bending, by example of wood), gluing, coating, pre-vulcanization, sintering, demineralization, welding, polymerization, forming, molding (vacuum or pressure), the processing of foodstuffs (cereals, fruits, tea ...).

D'autres buts et avantages de la prƩsente invention apparaƮtront au cours de la description qui va suivre se rapportant Ơ des modes de rƩalisation qui ne sont donnƩs qu'Ơ titre d'exemples indicatifs et non limitatifs.Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description relating to embodiments which are given by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

La comprƩhension de cette description sera facilitƩe en se rƩfƩrant aux dessins joints en annexe et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schĆ©matisĆ©e et en perspective du dispositif conforme Ć  l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schĆ©matisĆ©e et en perspective, d'une part, d'une enceinte et, d'autre part, d'un ensemble, constituĆ© par le tambour et le support, que comporte le dispositif selon l'invention, et dont au moins une partie est montĆ©e Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de l'enceinte.
The understanding of this description will be facilitated by reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view, on the one hand, of an enclosure and, on the other hand, of an assembly constituted by the drum and the support, which comprises the device according to the invention, and of which at least a part is mounted inside the enclosure.

La prƩsente invention concerne le domaine du traitement thermique de produits mettant en oeuvre des micro-ondes.The present invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.

Ces micro-ondes, encore appelƩes hyperfrƩquences, occupent une plage de 300MHz Ơ 30GHz. A ce propos, on observera que, d'une part et en France, cette frƩquence est usuellement de 2450MHz et, d'autre part et aux Etats Unis, cette frƩquence est usuellement de 915MHz.These microwaves, also known as microwaves, occupy a range of 300MHz to 30GHz. In this respect, it will be observed that, on the one hand and in France, this frequency is usually 2450 MHz and, on the other hand, and in the United States, this frequency is usually 915 MHz.

L'invention concerne, alors un dispositif 1 de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes.The invention relates to a device 1 for heat treatment of products by microwaves.

Un tel dispositif 1 comporte, d'une part, une enceinte 2, constituant substantiellement un corps de chauffe, et, d'autre part, un tambour 3, s'Ʃtendant selon un axe 30, et dont au moins une partie est montƩe Ơ l'intƩrieur de ladite enceinte 2.Such a device 1 comprises, on the one hand, an enclosure 2, substantially constituting a heating body, and, on the other hand, a drum 3, extending along an axis 30, and at least a portion of which is mounted to inside said enclosure 2.

Ce dispositif 1 comporte, encore, un espacement 4 dƩfini entre l'enceinte 2 et le tambour 3.This device 1 comprises, again, a spacing 4 defined between the enclosure 2 and the drum 3.

Ledit dispositif 1 comporte, aussi, un support 5, au moins en partie positionnƩ dans ledit espacement 4, et conƧu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits Ơ traiter.Said device 1 also comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated.

Finalement, ce dispositif 1 comporte au moins un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes aux produits Ơ traiter, un tel module 6 Ʃtant conƧu pour introduire des micro-ondes Ơ l'intƩrieur dudit espacement 4.Finally, this device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6 for the products to be treated, such module 6 being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing 4.

Selon l'invention, le tambour 3 adopte la forme d'un prisme, s'Ć©tendant selon l'axe 30 du tambour 3, et comportant une pluralitĆ© de cĆ“tĆ©s (31, 31', 31") s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  l'axe 30 du tambour 3.According to the invention, the drum 3 adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis 30 of the drum 3, and comprising a plurality of sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que ledit tambour 3 comporte au moins six cƓtƩs (tambour sous forme d'un prisme hexagonal).In this regard, it will be observed that said drum 3 comprises at least six sides (drum in the form of a hexagonal prism).

Cependant et selon un mode de rƩalisation prƩfƩrƩ de l'invention, ce tambour 3 comporte au moins huit cƓtƩs (tambour sous forme d'un prisme octogonal), voire dix cƓtƩs (tambour sous forme d'un prisme dƩcagonal).However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this drum 3 comprises at least eight sides (drum in the form of an octagonal prism), or even ten sides (drum in the form of a decagonal prism).

En fait de bons rƩsultats sont obtenus pour un tambour 3 qui comporte huit cƓtƩs (31, 31', 31") et qui a ƩtƩ illustrƩ dans les figures en annexe.In fact, good results are obtained for a drum 3 which has eight sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") and which has been illustrated in the appended figures.

Une autre caractƩristique consiste en ce que ce tambour 3 est mobile en rotation autour de son axe 30. Cette caractƩristique permet, avantageusement, de brasser les ondes Ơ l'intƩrieur de l'espacement 4.Another feature is that this drum 3 is rotatable about its axis 30. This characteristic advantageously allows the waves to be stirred inside the spacing 4.

Le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, des moyens pour commander la rotation de ce tambour 3. En particulier, ces moyens pour commander comportent un moyen pour confĆ©rer audit tambour 3 une vitesse de rotation dĆ©terminĆ©e, plus particuliĆØrement adaptĆ©e au besoin de traitement thermique des produits.The device 1 then comprises means for controlling the rotation of this drum 3. In particular, these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said drum 3 a determined rotational speed, more particularly adapted to the need for heat treatment of the products.

Une caractƩristique additionnelle consiste en ce que le tambour 3 est rƩalisƩ en un matƩriau rƩflƩchissant les micro-ondes et/ou non transparent aux micro-ondes.An additional feature is that the drum 3 is made of a microwave reflective material and / or non-transparent to microwaves.

En particulier, un tel tambour 3 peut ĆŖtre rĆ©alisĆ© en inox ou en un mĆ©tal rĆ©flĆ©chissant les micro-ondes et/ou non transparent aux micro-ondes. Cependant et selon un mode de rĆ©alisation prĆ©fĆ©rĆ©, ce tambour 3 peut, encore, ĆŖtre rĆ©alisĆ© en verre (notamment un verre connu sous la dĆ©nomination commerciale Ā« pyrex Ā») chargĆ© en mĆ©tal (notamment en inox), en quartz chargĆ© en mĆ©tal (notamment en inox), en matĆ©riau composite rĆ©flĆ©chissant les ondes (notamment un matĆ©riau composite chargĆ© en mĆ©tal, par exemple en inox) ce qui permet, avantageusement, d'Ć©viter tout adhĆ©rence du produit Ć  traiter sur le tambour 3 pendant le traitement mais Ć©galement de proposer un matĆ©riau (verre, quartz, composite) moins dangereux Ć  cause des flashs possibles avec des particules mĆ©talliques qui peuvent se trouver dans les produits Ć  traiter.In particular, such a drum 3 may be made of stainless steel or of a metal reflecting microwaves and / or non-transparent to microwaves. However, according to a preferred embodiment, this drum 3 can also be made of glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrex") loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite) because of possible flashes with metal particles that may be in the products to be treated.

De plus, un tel matĆ©riau (verre, quartz, composite) chargĆ© en mĆ©tal peut ĆŖtre complĆ©tĆ© par une couche de verre permettant d'Ć©viter toute oxydation.In addition, such a material (glass, quartz, composite) loaded with metal may be supplemented by a glass layer to prevent oxidation.

Tel que mentionnƩ ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte une enceinte 2.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2.

Selon l'invention, cette enceinte 2 comporte, intĆ©rieurement, une pluralitĆ© de surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") chacune orientĆ©e en direction de l'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des cĆ“tĆ©s du tambour 3 et s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  un tel cĆ“tĆ© (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3.According to the invention, this chamber 2 has, internally, a plurality of flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented towards one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 sont orientĆ©es, chacune, en direction d'un cĆ“tĆ© (31 ; 31' ; 31") distinct du tambour 3 et sont parallĆØles Ć  un tel cĆ“tĆ© (31 ; 31' ; 31").In this regard, it will be observed that the plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 are each oriented towards one side (31; 31'; 31") distinct from the drum 3 and are parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ").

Une telle caractƩristique permet, avantageusement, de dƩfinir un volume de forme parallƩlƩpipƩdique entre une surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et un cƓtƩ (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3. Dans un tel volume parallƩlƩpipƩdique, les micro-ondes sont susceptibles de se dƩplacer tout en conservant leur progressivitƩ et en Ʃvitant la formation d'ondes stationnaires. En fait, une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et un tel cƓtƩ (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 constituent, avantageusement et en combinaison, un guide d'onde surdimensionnƩ.Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to define a volume of parallelepipedal shape between a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3. In a such parallelepipedic volume, microwaves are likely to move while maintaining their progressiveness and avoiding the formation of standing waves. In fact, such a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and such a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 advantageously and in combination constitute an oversized waveguide .

A ce propos, on observera le dispositif 1 conforme Ơ l'invention peut, encore, comporter un moyen de positionnement permettant, avantageusement, de garantir le parallƩlisme entre les cƓtƩs (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 et les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2.In this regard, the device 1 according to the invention may also comprise a positioning means which advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the parallelism between the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3 and the flat surfaces. (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2.

Selon une autre caractƩristique de l'invention, ladite enceinte 2 comporte une pluralitƩ d'ƩlƩments (21 ; 21' ; 21") juxtaposƩs comportant, chacun, une des surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") telle que susmentionnƩe et orientƩe en direction d'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des cƓtƩs du tambour 3.According to another characteristic of the invention, said enclosure 2 comprises a plurality of elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") juxtaposed each having one of the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") as aforesaid and oriented towards one (31; 31';31") of the sides of the drum 3.

Ces Ć©lĆ©ments (21 ; 21' ; 21") sont agencĆ©s en sorte d'entourer au moins partiellement le tambour 3, plus particuliĆØrement agencĆ©s pour entourer au moins une partie des cĆ“tĆ©s (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3.These elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum 3, more particularly arranged to surround at least a portion of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.

Tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, ces Ć©lĆ©ments (21 ; 21' ; 21") sont agencĆ©s selon un arc de cercle dont le centre est confondu avec l'axe 30 du tambour 3. Ladite enceinte 2 adopte, alors, une forme en Ā« C Ā» ou en Ā« U Ā».As can be seen in the appended figures, these elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged in an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the axis 30 of the drum 3. Said enclosure 2 then adopts a shape in "C" or in "U".

Un mode prƩfƩrƩ de rƩalisation consiste en ce qu'un tel ƩlƩment (21 ; 21' ; 21") est constituƩ par une plaque plane.A preferred embodiment is that such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") is constituted by a flat plate.

Une autre caractƩristique consiste en ce qu'au moins un tel ƩlƩment 21 est mobile par rapport Ơ au moins un autre ƩlƩment 21', notamment juxtaposƩ.Another feature is that at least one such element 21 is movable relative to at least one other element 21 ', especially juxtaposed.

En fait et selon un premier mode de rĆ©alisation, un tel Ć©lĆ©ment 21 peut, alors, ĆŖtre montĆ© articulĆ© par rapport Ć  un autre Ć©lĆ©ment 21' juxtaposĆ©, plus particuliĆØrement articulĆ© Ć  une extrĆ©mitĆ© transversale de cet autre Ć©lĆ©ment juxtaposĆ© 21'.In fact and according to a first embodiment, such an element 21 can then be articulated with respect to another element 21 'juxtaposed, more particularly articulated at a transverse end of this other juxtaposed element 21'.

Un tel mode de rĆ©alisation permet, avantageusement, d'assurer un basculement de cet Ć©lĆ©ment 21, d'une part, dans une direction opposĆ©e Ć  celle du tambour 3 de maniĆØre Ć  autoriser la sortie de ce tambour 3 hors de ladite enceinte 2 (notamment en vue d'un entretien ou d'un remplacement de ce tambour 3) et, d'autre part, en direction de ce tambour 3 (notamment aprĆØs son introduction Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de l'enceinte 2) pour que la surface plane 20 de cet Ć©lĆ©ment 21 soit parallĆØle Ć  un cĆ“tĆ© 31 du tambour 3.Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to tilt this element 21, on the one hand, in a direction opposite to that of the drum 3, so as to allow the exit of this drum 3 from said enclosure 2 (in particular for maintenance or replacement of the drum 3) and, secondly, in the direction of the drum 3 (especially after its introduction inside the chamber 2) so that the flat surface 20 of this element 21 is parallel to a side 31 of the drum 3.

Cependant et selon un autre mode de rĆ©alisation, l'enceinte 2 peut ĆŖtre rĆ©alisĆ©e en deux parties mobiles l'une par rapport Ć  l'autre, notamment par coulissement selon une direction perpendiculaire Ć  l'axe 30 du tambour 3 comme il se sera dĆ©crit ci-dessous. Chaque partie de cette enceinte 2 comporte, alors, une partie de ces Ć©lĆ©ments 21 tandis que l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2 comporte l'autre partie de ces Ć©lĆ©ments 21'. Ainsi, en cas de dĆ©placement d'une partie de cette enceinte 2 par rapport Ć  l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2, les Ć©lĆ©ments 21 (que comporte cette partie d'enceinte 2) se dĆ©placent par rapport aux autres Ć©lĆ©ments 21' (que comporte l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2). ConformĆ©ment Ć  cet autre mode de rĆ©alisation, ladite enceinte 2 peut, alors avantageusement, entourer l'ensemble des cĆ“tĆ©s (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3. Une telle enceinte 2 est, plus particuliĆØrement, adaptĆ©e au traitement de produits fluides, notamment liquides.However, according to another embodiment, the enclosure 2 can be made in two parts movable relative to each other, in particular by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3 as will be described below. Each part of this chamber 2 comprises, then, a part of these elements 21 while the other part of this chamber 2 comprises the other part of these elements 21 '. So, in case of displacement of a part of this chamber 2 with respect to the other part of this chamber 2, the elements 21 (which this part of enclosure 2 comprises) move relative to the other elements 21 '(that includes other part of this enclosure 2). According to this other embodiment, said enclosure 2 can then advantageously surround all the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3. Such a chamber 2 is, more particularly, suitable for the treatment of fluid products , especially liquids.

Tel que mentionnĆ© ci-dessus, l'enceinte 2 comporte, intĆ©rieurement, une pluralitĆ© de surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") chacune orientĆ©e en direction de l'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des cĆ“tĆ©s du tambour 3 et s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  un tel cĆ“tĆ© (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3.As mentioned above, the enclosure 2 has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented toward one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que le tambour 3 peut ĆŖtre immobilisĆ© par rapport Ć  ladite enceinte 2 dans une telle position. Cette position peut ĆŖtre garantie par le moyen de positionnement susmentionnĆ©.In this regard, it will be observed that the drum 3 can be immobilized relative to said chamber 2 in such a position. This position can be guaranteed by the aforementioned positioning means.

Une autre caractƩristique consiste en ce que ce tambour 3 est montƩ en rotation Ơ l'intƩrieur de cette enceinte 2 de sorte que, au cours d'une telle rotation, les cƓtƩs (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3 forment alors un angle avec les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2. Il en rƩsulte un brassage des ondes Ơ l'intƩrieur de l'espacement 4, ceci entre les cƓtƩs (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3 et les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2.Another characteristic is that this drum 3 is rotatably mounted inside this chamber 2 so that, during such a rotation, the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3 form then an angle with the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2. This results in a stirring of the waves within the spacing 4 between the sides (31; 31'; ") of this drum 3 and the flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20") of the enclosure 2.

Tel que mentionnƩ ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte un support 5, au moins en partie positionnƩ dans ledit espacement 4, et conƧu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits Ơ traiter au moins Ơ l'intƩrieur de cet espacement 4.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated at least within this spacing 4.

En fait, un tel support 5 est rĆ©alisĆ© en un matĆ©riau transparent aux micro-ondes, plus particuliĆØrement en un verre (notamment un verre connu sous la dĆ©nomination commerciale de pyrex) ou en un polymĆØre, plus particuliĆØrement un polymĆØre fluorĆ© (notamment du polytĆ©trafluoroĆ©thylĆØne usuellement connu sous la dĆ©nomination commerciale de tĆ©flon).In fact, such a support 5 is made of a material that is transparent to microwaves, more particularly a glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex) or a polymer, more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).

Selon un mode de rĆ©alisation particulier illustrĆ© figure 2, un tel support 5 comporte, d'une part, un cylindre 50 Ć  l'intĆ©rieur duquel est positionnĆ© le tambour 3 (plus particuliĆØrement de maniĆØre coaxiale) et, d'autre part, un tapis 51 positionnĆ© en pĆ©riphĆ©rie dudit cylindre 50, ceci en sorte de dĆ©finir avec ce cylindre 50 une cavitĆ© pour la rĆ©ception des produits Ć  traiter.According to a particular embodiment illustrated figure 2 , such a support 5 comprises, on the one hand, a cylinder 50 inside which is positioned the drum 3 (more particularly coaxially) and, on the other hand, a belt 51 positioned at the periphery of said cylinder 50, this so as to define with this cylinder 50 a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.

On observera qu'un tel tapis 51 peut ĆŖtre configurĆ© en arc de cercle coaxial audit cylindre 50.It will be observed that such a belt 51 can be configured in a circular arc coaxial with said cylinder 50.

Une caractƩristique additionnelle concerne le fait que le dispositif 1 comporte des moyens pour rƩgler la distance du tapis 51 par rapport au cylindre 50.An additional feature is that the device 1 has means for adjusting the distance of the belt 51 from the cylinder 50.

Un autre mode de rĆ©alisation non reprĆ©sentĆ© consiste en ce qu'un tel support 5 peut comporter un serpentin (notamment rĆ©alisĆ© en un polymĆØre fluorĆ© tel que susmentionnĆ©) enroulĆ© autour du tambour 3 et Ć  l'intĆ©rieur duquel peut circuler un fluide.Another embodiment not shown is that such a support 5 may comprise a coil (in particular made of a fluoropolymer as mentioned above) wound around the drum 3 and within which a fluid may circulate.

Encore un autre mode de rƩalisation consiste en ce que ce support 5 peut, aussi, comporter des tubes droits (notamment en verre) Ʃquipant ledit tambour 3.Yet another embodiment is that this support 5 may also comprise straight tubes (in particular glass) fitted to said drum 3.

Finalement, un autre mode de rĆ©alisation peut encore consister en ce que ce support 5 comporte un rĆ©acteur circulaire complĆØtement fermĆ© (susceptible de travailler Ć  vide ou en pression), lĆ  encore Ć©quipant ledit tambour 3. Un tel rĆ©acteur peut, avantageusement, ĆŖtre complĆ©tĆ© par un systĆØme de refroidissement.Finally, another embodiment may also consist in the fact that this support 5 comprises a completely closed circular reactor (capable of working under vacuum or in pressure), again equipping said drum 3. Such a reactor may, advantageously, be completed by a cooling system.

Ces serpentin, tubes et rƩacteur circulaire permettent, avantageusement, d'assurer le traitement de produits sous forme de fluides.These coil, tubes and circular reactor advantageously allow the treatment of products in the form of fluids.

Une autre caractĆ©ristique de l'invention consiste en ce qu'au moins une partie du support 5 est mobile autour du tambour 3 ou avec ce tambour 3, plus particuliĆØrement autour de l'axe 30 du tambour 3.Another feature of the invention is that at least a portion of the support 5 is movable around the drum 3 or with this drum 3, more particularly around the axis 30 of the drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que c'est, plus particuliĆØrement, le cylindre 50 et/ou le tapis 51 que comporte ce support 5 qui sont, alors, mobiles en rotation, ceci autour de l'axe 30 du tambour 3.In this connection, it will be observed that it is, more particularly, the cylinder 50 and / or the belt 51 that comprises this support 5 which are then movable in rotation, this around the axis 30 of the drum 3.

Le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, des moyens pour commander le mouvement de ce support 5. En particulier, ces moyens pour commander comportent un moyen pour confĆ©rer audit support 5 une vitesse dĆ©terminĆ©e, plus particuliĆØrement adaptĆ©e Ć  la durĆ©e du traitement des produits Ć  traiter.The device 1 then comprises means for controlling the movement of this support 5. In particular, these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said support 5 a determined speed, more particularly adapted to the duration of the treatment of the products to be treated.

Tel que mentionnƩ ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte un tambour 3 montƩ en rotation autour de son axe 30.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a drum 3 mounted to rotate about its axis 30.

Aussi et selon une autre caractĆ©ristique de l'invention, ce tambour 3 et le support 5 sont dissociĆ©s et sont mobiles (plus particuliĆØrement en rotation), ceci de maniĆØre indĆ©pendante l'un de l'autre et/ou avec une vitesse (plus particuliĆØrement de rotation) diffĆ©rente l'un de l'autre.Also and according to another characteristic of the invention, this drum 3 and the support 5 are dissociated and are movable (more particularly in rotation), this independently of one another and / or with a speed (more particularly of rotation) different from each other.

Une telle caractĆ©ristique permet, avantageusement, de mettre en mouvement le support 5 et, selon les produits Ć  traiter, soit de maintenir le tambour 3 immobile (plus particuliĆØrement dans une configuration telle que dĆ©crite ci-dessus), soit de mettre en mouvement ce tambour 3 (notamment Ć  une vitesse diffĆ©rente de celle dudit support 5).Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to set the support 5 in motion and, depending on the products to be treated, either to keep the drum 3 stationary (more particularly in a configuration as described above), or to set this drum in motion. 3 (in particular at a speed different from that of said support 5).

Une autre caractƩristique consiste en ce qu'au moins le tambour 3 et le support 5 sont coulissants par rapport Ơ au moins une partie de l'enceinte 2.Another feature is that at least the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to at least a part of the enclosure 2.

Un tel coulissement s'opĆØre, de prĆ©fĆ©rence, selon une direction perpendiculaire Ć  l'axe 30 du tambour 3.Such sliding takes place, preferably, in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3.

Selon un premier mode de rƩalisation, le tambour 3 et le support 5 sont coulissants par rapport Ơ l'enceinte 2 laquelle comporte au moins ƩlƩment 21 articulƩ (basculant) tel que susmentionnƩ, ceci pour permettre l'ouverture de l'enceinte 2 et l'extraction du tambour 3 et du support 3 hors de cette enceinte 2.According to a first embodiment, the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to the chamber 2 which comprises at least articulated element 21 (tilting) as mentioned above, this to allow the opening of the chamber 2 and the extraction of the drum 3 and the support 3 from this enclosure 2.

Selon un deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation, le tambour 5, le support 5 et une partie de l'enceinte 2 sont coulissants par rapport Ć  une autre partie de cette enceinte 2.According to a second embodiment, the drum 5, the support 5 and a part of the enclosure 2 are slidable relative to another part of this enclosure 2.

Afin de permettre un tel coulissement, le dispositif 1 comporte, d'une part, une partie de chĆ¢ssis fixe sur laquelle est montĆ©e au moins une partie de ladite enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, une partie de chĆ¢ssis mobile (plus particuliĆØrement selon une direction perpendiculaire Ć  l'axe 30 du tambour 3) par rapport Ć  la partie fixe de ce chĆ¢ssis et sur laquelle sont montĆ©s au moins ledit tambour 3 et ledit support 5 (voire encore une autre partie de l'enceinte 2).In order to allow such sliding, the device 1 comprises, on the one hand, a fixed frame part on which is mounted at least a portion of said enclosure 2 and, secondly, a moving frame portion (more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3) relative to the fixed part of this frame and on which are mounted at least said drum 3 and said support 5 (or even another part of the enclosure 2).

Une telle caractĆ©ristique permet, alors, avantageusement, de dĆ©placer l'ensemble constituĆ© par le tambour 3 et le support 5 (voire encore par une partie de l'enceinte 2), ceci par rapport Ć  au moins une partie de ladite enceinte 2. Un tel dĆ©placement peut ĆŖtre assurĆ© afin de procĆ©der Ć  une opĆ©ration de maintenance sur cet ensemble et/ou Ć  un remplacement de cet ensemble et/ou Ć  une modification de cet ensemble.Such a characteristic makes it possible, advantageously, to move the assembly constituted by the drum 3 and the support 5 (or even by a part of the enclosure 2), this with respect to at least a part of said enclosure 2. such displacement can be provided in order to perform a maintenance operation on this set and / or a replacement of this set and / or a modification of this set.

Tel que mentionnƩ ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte au moins un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6.

Selon l'invention, ce ou ces modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes comportent, chacun, un guide d'onde 60, d'une part, s'Ć©tendant en direction de l'espacement 4 dĆ©fini entre le tambour 3 et l'enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, conƧu pour introduire, Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de cet espacement 4, des micro-ondes selon une direction correspondant Ć  la direction du dĆ©placement des produits Ć  traiter (ceci Ć  l'intĆ©rieur de cet espacement 4) et/ou selon une direction parallĆØle Ć  une (20 ; 20' ; 20") des surfaces planes de l'enceinte 2.According to the invention, this or these microwave application modules 6 each comprise a waveguide 60, on the one hand, extending in the direction of the spacing 4 defined between the drum 3 and the enclosure 2 and, on the other hand, designed to introduce, within this spacing 4, microwaves in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the products to be treated (this within this spacing 4 ) and / or in a direction parallel to one (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the flat surfaces of the enclosure 2.

Tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, un tel guide d'onde 60 prĆ©sente une section en forme de parallĆ©lĆ©pipĆØde, notamment rectangle.As can be seen in the appended figures, such a waveguide 60 has a section in the shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangle.

Une caractĆ©ristique additionnelle consiste en ce qu'un tel module 6 d'application de micro-ondes (plus particuliĆØrement le guide d'onde 60 que comporte un tel module 6) est montĆ© sur l'enceinte 2, plus particuliĆØrement sur un Ć©lĆ©ment (21 ; 21' ; 21") que comporte l'enceinte 2, ceci du cĆ“tĆ© opposĆ© Ć  celui orientĆ© en direction du tambour 3.An additional feature is that such a microwave application module 6 (more particularly the waveguide 60 that includes such a module 6) is mounted on the enclosure 2, more particularly on an element (21 21 ', 21 ") which comprises the chamber 2, this on the opposite side to that oriented in the direction of the drum 3.

Un tel Ć©lĆ©ment (21 ; 21' ; 21") comporte, alors, une ouverture 22 pour le passage des ondes et au droit de laquelle est montĆ© le module 6 d'application des micro-ondes 6, plus particuliĆØrement le guide d'onde 60 que comporte celui-ci.Such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") then comprises an opening 22 for the passage of the waves and at the right of which is mounted the microwave application module 6, more particularly the waveguide 60 that comprises it.

En fait, un tel module 6 est montĆ© sur un Ć©lĆ©ment (21' ; 21"; 21) qui est juxtaposĆ© Ć  un Ć©lĆ©ment (21 ; 21' ; 21") de l'enceinte 2 dĆ©limitant (avec un cĆ“tĆ© 31 du tambour 3 parallĆØle Ć  la surface plane 20 de cet Ć©lĆ©ment 21) un volume Ć  l'intĆ©rieur duquel ce module 6 introduit les micro-ondes et/ou comportant la surface plane (20 ; 20', 20") parallĆØle Ć  la direction selon laquelle le module 6 introduit les micro-ondes dans l'espacement 4.In fact, such a module 6 is mounted on an element (21 '; 21 "; 21) which is juxtaposed with an element (21; 21'; 21") of the enclosure 2 delimiting (with a side 31 of the drum 3 parallel to the plane surface 20 of this element 21) a volume inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves and / or having the plane surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") parallel to the direction in which the module 6 introduces the microwaves into the spacing 4.

Une autre caractĆ©ristique consiste en ce qu'un tel module 6 comporte au moins une source de micro-ondes 61, plus particuliĆØrement sous forme d'un magnĆ©tron ou analogue.Another characteristic is that such a module 6 comprises at least one microwave source 61, more particularly in the form of a magnetron or the like.

Encore une autre caractĆ©ristique de l'invention consiste en ce que le dispositif 1 (plus particuliĆØrement l'enceinte 2) comporte, en amont et/ou en aval du ou des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, au moins un moyen 7 pour piĆ©ger les ondes.Yet another characteristic of the invention consists in that the device 1 (more particularly the enclosure 2) comprises, upstream and / or downstream of the microwave application module or modules 6, at least one means 7. to trap the waves.

En fait, un tel moyen 7 pour piĆ©ger les ondes est constituĆ© par une cavitĆ© s'Ć©tendant parallĆØlement Ć  l'axe 30 du tambour 3, dĆ©bouchant vers l'intĆ©rieur de l'enceinte 2, et prĆ©sentant une section en forme d'omĆ©ga.In fact, such a means 7 for trapping the waves is constituted by a cavity extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3, opening towards the inside of the chamber 2, and having an omega-shaped section.

Selon un premier mode de rƩalisation, le dispositif 1 peut comporter, en amont d'un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes, un tel moyen 7 pour piƩger les ondes Ʃmises notamment par un autre module d'application de micro-ondes.According to a first embodiment, the device 1 may comprise, upstream of a microwave application module 6, such means 7 for trapping the waves emitted in particular by another microwave application module.

Tel que mentionnĆ© ci-dessus, chaque surface plane (20 ; 20', 20") de l'enceinte 2 dĆ©limite, avec un cĆ“tĆ© (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 qui est parallĆØle Ć  cette surface plane (20 ; 20', 20"), un volume Ć  l'intĆ©rieur duquel un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes introduit les micro-ondes.As mentioned above, each flat surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the enclosure 2 delimits, with one side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 which is parallel to this flat surface (20 20 ', 20 "), a volume within which a microwave application module 6 introduces the microwaves.

Dans un pareil cas et selon un mode prƩfƩrƩ de rƩalisation de l'invention, le moyen 7 pour piƩger les ondes introduites dans un tel volume par un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes est positionnƩ en aval de ce module 6 et du cƓtƩ de ce volume opposƩ au cƓtƩ du volume par lequel les ondes sont introduites dans ce volume par ce module 6.In such a case and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means 7 for trapping the waves introduced into such a volume by a microwave application module 6 is positioned downstream of this module 6 and on the side of this volume opposite the volume by which the waves are introduced into this volume by this module 6.

Une autre caractĆ©ristique consiste en ce qu'un tel moyen 7 pour piĆ©ger les ondes est interposĆ© entre deux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") que comporte l'enceinte 2, plus particuliĆØrement deux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") juxtaposĆ©es.Another characteristic is that such a means 7 for trapping the waves is interposed between two plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") that comprises the enclosure 2, more particularly two plane surfaces (20; 20'; ") juxtaposed.

En fait et tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, un tel moyen 7 est plus particuliĆØrement interposĆ© entre deux Ć©lĆ©ments juxtaposĆ©s (21 ; 21' ; 21") susmentionnĆ©s, que comporte l'enceinte 2, et qui comportent une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20").In fact and as visible in the appended figures, such a means 7 is more particularly interposed between two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") mentioned above, which the enclosure 2 comprises, and which comprise such a flat surface ( 20, 20 ', 20 ").

A ce propos, on observera que le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, au moins une piĆØce pour raccorder deux Ć©lĆ©ments juxtaposĆ©s (21 ; 21' ; 21") que comporte l'enceinte 2, une telle piĆØce comportant la cavitĆ© constituant le moyen 7 pour piĆ©ger les ondes.In this respect, it will be observed that the device 1 comprises, then, at least one piece for connecting two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") that the enclosure 2 comprises, such a part comprising the cavity constituting the means 7 for trap the waves.

La prƩsence d'un tel moyen 7 pour piƩger les ondes permet d'attribuer Ơ chaque module 6 d'application de micro-ondes un volume (tel que dƩcrit ci-dessus) Ơ l'intƩrieur duquel ce module 6 introduit les micro-ondes. Un tel module 6 comporte, ainsi, sa propre enceinte de fonctionnement.The presence of such a means 7 for trapping the waves makes it possible to allocate to each microwave application module 6 a volume (as described above) inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves. . Such a module 6 comprises, thus, its own operating chamber.

La prĆ©sence d'un tel moyen 7 pour piĆ©ger les ondes permet, Ć©galement, d'empĆŖcher la rĆ©flexion des ondes qui pourraient revenir sur les sources 61 de micro-ondes, notamment sur celle ayant Ć©mis ces micro-ondes.The presence of such a means 7 for trapping the waves also makes it possible to prevent the reflection of the waves which could return to the sources 61 of the microwaves, in particular to the one having emitted these microwaves.

Finalement, le dispositif 1 comporte des moyens pour gĆ©rer son fonctionnement. En particulier, ces moyens pour gĆ©rer permettent de commander la puissance des modules 6, le mouvement du support 5, le maintien Ć  l'arrĆŖt (pour une utilisation en monomode du dispositif 1) ou le mouvement (pour une utilisation en multimode du dispositif 1) du tambour 3.Finally, the device 1 comprises means for managing its operation. In particular, these means for managing enable control of the power of the modules 6, the movement of the support 5, the holding at a standstill (for use in monomode of the device 1) or the movement (for multimode use of the device 1 ) of the drum 3.

Tel que mentionnƩ ci-dessus, l'invention concerne, Ʃgalement un procƩdƩ de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes.As mentioned above, the invention also relates to a method of heat treatment of products by microwaves.

Selon l'invention, ce procƩdƩ est mis en oeuvre par le dispositif 1 dƩcrit ci-dessus.According to the invention, this method is implemented by the device 1 described above.

En particulier, ce procĆ©dĆ© comporte une Ć©tape consistant Ć  introduire, par au moins un des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes Ć  l'intĆ©rieur d'au moins un volume dĆ©limitĆ© par une des surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et par un des cĆ“tĆ©s (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3, parallĆØle Ć  une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20"), ceci lorsque le tambour est immobile par rapport Ć  l'enceinte.In particular, this method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules 6, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by one of the plane surfaces (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the chamber 2 and one of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3, parallel to such a flat surface (20; 20 '; 20 "), when the drum is motionless in relation to the enclosure.

A ce propos, on observera que ce procĆ©dĆ© est mis en oeuvre lorsque les cĆ“tĆ©s (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 sont parallĆØles aux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 ce qui peut ĆŖtre garanti par le moyen de positionnement mentionnĆ© ci-dessus et que comporte le dispositif 1 conforme Ć  l'invention.In this regard, it will be observed that this method is implemented when the sides 31, 31 ', 31 "of the drum 3 are parallel to the plane surfaces 20, 20', 20" of the enclosure 2, which can be guaranteed by the positioning means mentioned above and that comprises the device 1 according to the invention.

Un tel procƩdƩ permet, avantageusement, un fonctionnement dudit dispositif 1 en monomode.Such a method advantageously allows operation of said device 1 in monomode.

Bien entendu, au cours d'un tel procĆ©dĆ©, le support 5 est mis en mouvement afin d'assurer la circulation des produits Ć  traiter Ć  l'intĆ©rieur du dispositif 1, plus particuliĆØrement Ć  l'intĆ©rieur dudit espacement 4.Of course, during such a process, the support 5 is set in motion in order to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1, more particularly inside said spacing 4.

L'invention concerne, Ʃgalement, un autre procƩdƩ de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes mis en oeuvre par le dispositif dƩcrit ci-dessus.The invention also relates to another method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves implemented by the device described above.

Cet autre procƩdƩ consiste, d'une part, Ơ assurer la rotation du tambour 3 autour de son axe 30 et par rapport Ơ l'enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, Ơ introduire, par au moins un des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes Ơ l'intƩrieur de l'espacement 4 dƩfini entre cette enceinte 2 et ce tambour 3.This other method consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum 3 around its axis 30 and with respect to the chamber 2 and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the application modules 6 microwaves, microwaves within the spacing 4 defined between the chamber 2 and the drum 3.

Un tel procƩdƩ permet, avantageusement, un fonctionnement dudit dispositif 1 en multimodes et d'assurer le brassage d'ondes Ơ l'intƩrieur dudit espacement 4.Such a method advantageously allows an operation of said device 1 in multimodes and to ensure the mixing of waves within said spacing 4.

LƠ encore, le support 5 est mis en mouvement afin d'assurer la circulation des produits Ơ traiter Ơ l'intƩrieur du dispositif 1.Again, the support 5 is set in motion to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1.

A ce propos, on observera que, selon une premiĆØre variante de ce procĆ©dĆ©, on confĆØre au tambour 3 et au support 5 un mouvement avec une mĆŖme vitesse.In this respect, it will be observed that, according to a first variant of this method, the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with the same speed.

Cependant et selon un mode de rĆ©alisation prĆ©fĆ©rĆ© de ce procĆ©dĆ©, on confĆØre au tambour 3 et au support 5 un mouvement avec des vitesses diffĆ©rentes.However, and according to a preferred embodiment of this method, the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with different speeds.

Ce procƩdƩ permet, avantageusement, d'une part, d'adapter la durƩe de traitement des produits (en intervenant sur la vitesse du support 5) en fonction des caractƩristiques de ces produits et, d'autre part, de s'adapter au besoin de traitement thermique des produits (en intervenant sur la vitesse du tambour 3 et, donc, sur le brassage des ondes).This method advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, to adapt the processing time of the products (by acting on the speed of the support 5) according to the characteristics of these products and, on the other hand, to adapt as necessary heat treatment of the products (by acting on the speed of the drum 3 and, therefore, the mixing of the waves).

Finalement, on observera que la prĆ©sence des moyens de gestion permet, avantageusement, d'assurer un fonctionnement du dispositif 1 uniquement en monomode, uniquement en multimode, mais Ć©galement en multimode ainsi qu'en monomode (notamment de maniĆØre alternative) et de passer de l'un Ć  l'autre au cours d'une pĆ©riode de traitement.Finally, it will be observed that the presence of the management means advantageously makes it possible to operate the device 1 only in single mode, only in multimode, but also in multimode as well as in monomode (in particular in an alternative manner) and to switch from to each other during a treatment period.

Claims (16)

  1. A device (1) for heat treating products by means of microwaves, said device including :
    - an enclosure (2) ;
    - a drum (3) extending along an axis (30) and at least a portion of which is mounted inside the enclosure (2) ;
    - a spacing (4) defined between the enclosure (2) and the drum (3);
    - a support (5), at least partly positioned in said spacing (4), and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated ;
    - at least one module (6) for applying microwaves to the products to be treated, such a module (6) being designed to introduce microwaves into said spacing (4) ;
    - wherein :
    - the drum (3) adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis (30) of the drum (3), and including a plurality of sides (31 ; 31' ; 31") extending parallel to the axis (30) of the drum (3) ;
    - the enclosure (2) includes internally a plurality of planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") each oriented towards one (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the sides of the drum (3) and extending parallel to such a side (31 ; 31' ; 31") of this drum (3).
  2. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drum (3) includes at least eight sides, even ten sides.
  3. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum (3) is movable in rotation about its axis (30).
  4. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (2) includes a plurality of juxtaposed elements (21 ; 21' ; 21") each including one of the planar surfaces (20; 20' ; 20") oriented towards a side (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the drum (3) and arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum (3).
  5. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one element (21) is movable with respect to at least another, namely juxtaposed, element (21').
  6. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (5) is made of a material transparent to microwaves and includes, on the one hand, a cylinder (50) inside which the drum (3) is positioned and, on the other hand, a belt (51) positioned on the periphery of the cylinder (50), so as to define with this cylinder (50) a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.
  7. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (5) includes a coil wound around the drum (3), straight tubes provided for on said drum (3) and a circular reactor provided for on said drum (3).
  8. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the support (5) is movable around the drum (3) or with this drum (3).
  9. The device for heat treating (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drum (3) and the support (5) are dissociated and are movable independently from each other and/or with a speed different from each other.
  10. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the drum (3) and the support (5) are slidable with respect to at least a portion of the enclosure (2).
  11. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module or modules (6) for applying microwaves each include a waveguide (60) extending towards the spacing (4) defined between the drum (3) and the enclosure (2) and designed to introduce microwaves into this spacing (4) in a direction corresponding to the direction of displacement of the products to be treated and/or parallel to one of the planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") of the enclosure (2).
  12. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) includes, upstream and/or downstream of the module or modules (6) for applying microwaves, at least one means (7) for trapping the waves, which the enclosure (2) includes, and which is formed of a cavity extending parallel to the axis (30) of the drum (3), ending into the inside of the enclosure (2), and having an omega-shaped cross-section.
  13. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 12, wherein the means (7) for trapping the waves is interposed between two planar surfaces (20 ; 20'; 20"), which the enclosure (2) includes.
  14. A method for heat treating products by means of microwaves, wherein this method is implemented by means of the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and includes a step consisting in introducing, by means of at least one of the modules (6) for applying microwaves, microwaves into at least one volume delimited by one of the planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") of the enclosure (2) and through one of the sides (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the drum (3), parallel to such a planar surface (20 ; 20' ; 20"), when the drum (3) is immobile with respect to the enclosure (2).
  15. The method for heat treating products by means of microwaves, wherein this method is implemented by means of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum (3) about its axis (30) and with respect to the enclosure (2) and, on the other hand, in introducing, by means of at least one of the modules (6) for applying microwaves, microwaves into the spacing (4) defined between this enclosure (2) and this drum (3).
  16. The method for heat treating according to claim 15, wherein a movement at different speeds is imparted to the drum (3) and the support (5).
EP14734862.7A 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device Active EP3005833B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL14734862T PL3005833T3 (en) 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1354820A FR3006545B1 (en) 2013-05-28 2013-05-28 DEVICE FOR THERMALLY PROCESSING MICROWAVE PRODUCTS AND THERMAL PROCESSING METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE
PCT/FR2014/051256 WO2014191681A1 (en) 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3005833A1 EP3005833A1 (en) 2016-04-13
EP3005833B1 true EP3005833B1 (en) 2017-07-05

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EP14734862.7A Active EP3005833B1 (en) 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device

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US (1) US10292214B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3005833B1 (en)
CN (1) CN105379417B (en)
ES (1) ES2642068T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3006545B1 (en)
PL (1) PL3005833T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2658637C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2014191681A1 (en)

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JP6881793B1 (en) * 2020-02-07 2021-06-02 惞悤ć‚Æćƒ­ę³¢åŒ–å­¦ę Ŗ式会ē¤¾ Microwave processing device and microwave processing method
JP6842786B1 (en) * 2020-02-10 2021-03-17 惞悤ć‚Æćƒ­ę³¢åŒ–å­¦ę Ŗ式会ē¤¾ Microwave processing device and microwave processing method

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* Cited by examiner, ā€  Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4631380A (en) * 1983-08-23 1986-12-23 Durac Limited System for the microwave treatment of materials
CN1129350C (en) * 1996-05-17 2003-11-26 ꊀęœÆé‡‘čžå…¬åøļ¼ˆę‰€ęœ‰ęƒļ¼‰ęœ‰é™å…¬åø Dielectric heating device
US5834744A (en) * 1997-09-08 1998-11-10 The Rubbright Group Tubular microwave applicator
RU2207744C2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-06-27 Š£Ń„ŠøŠ¼ŃŠŗŠøŠ¹ Š³Š¾ŃŃƒŠ“Š°Ń€ŃŃ‚Š²ŠµŠ½Š½Ń‹Š¹ Š½ŠµŃ„Ń‚ŃŠ½Š¾Š¹ тŠµŃ…Š½ŠøчŠµŃŠŗŠøŠ¹ уŠ½ŠøŠ²ŠµŃ€ŃŠøтŠµŃ‚ Shf electromagnetic drier of pasty and loose materials
DE10329411B4 (en) * 2003-07-01 2006-01-19 Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh Microwave resonator, a process line constructed modularly from such a microwave resonator, a method for operating and by this method thermally processed objects / workpieces by means of a microwave
FR2874473B1 (en) * 2004-08-19 2008-10-10 Michel Boulard METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THERMALLY PROCESSING FLEXIBLE MATERIAL
WO2006073909A2 (en) * 2005-01-03 2006-07-13 Mackay Jeffrey H Tunnel for conditioning of products, especially for sterilization of food in prepackaged containers
GB2429143B (en) * 2005-07-11 2008-02-13 Re18 Ltd Vessel and source of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, heating apparatus and method of heating a feedstock
TW200810346A (en) * 2006-08-01 2008-02-16 Univ Nat Taiwan Distributed amplifier having a variable terminal resistance
JP4802235B2 (en) * 2008-11-10 2011-10-26 茂 八嶋 Aseptic heating water continuous water supply equipment

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Publication number Publication date
FR3006545B1 (en) 2015-07-17
CN105379417A (en) 2016-03-02
RU2015155652A (en) 2017-06-30
CN105379417B (en) 2018-10-30
US10292214B2 (en) 2019-05-14
FR3006545A1 (en) 2014-12-05
RU2015155652A3 (en) 2018-05-16
EP3005833A1 (en) 2016-04-13
WO2014191681A1 (en) 2014-12-04
PL3005833T3 (en) 2018-01-31
RU2658637C2 (en) 2018-06-22
ES2642068T3 (en) 2017-11-15
US20160105931A1 (en) 2016-04-14

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