GB2615764A - Solid state dual-frequency microwave drying and heating apparatus within a vacuum environment using NIR analyser, AI and machine learning - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and method for the processing (drying and/or cooking) of foodstuffs and other materials using dual-frequency microwave radiation utilising solid-state power generators. The apparatus uses both an antenna and a waveguide for transmitting microwave radiation to a processing chamber. A first microwave generator 110 generates microwave radiation having a first frequency, wherein the first frequency is substantially between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz and a second microwave generator 120 generates microwave radiation at a second frequency wherein the second frequency is substantially between 400 and 500 MHz. A microwave waveguide 111 disposed in or at the chamber 101 is configured to emit the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator into the chamber and an antenna 121 disposed in or at the chamber is configured to emit the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator into the chamber.

Description

SOLID STATE DUAL-FREQUENCY MICROWAVE DRYING AND HEATING APPARATUS WITHIN A VACUUM ENVIRONMENT USING NIR ANALYSER, Al AND MACHINE LEARNING.

Technical field of the Invention

This invention relates to dual frequency microwave drying, cooking and heating apparatus and associated methods, primarily but not exclusively for products such as foodstuffs.

Background to the Invention

Microwave heating apparatuses (commonly referred to as 'microwave ovens') are regularly used for the processing of materials, for example foodstuffs. They are used in large scale factories, smaller commercial premises such as restaurants, and domestic households. A common use for microwave ovens is in the heating and drying of foods and other materials.

Drying and dehydrating is of particular importance to the food industry as dried food typically has a longer storage life than undried food. By removing water from food samples, microbial growth is inhibited, allowing for food to be stored for longer periods of time. Drying may be advantageous for certain foodstuffs where it is not practical or desirable to use other processing techniques such as freezing or canning.

Microwave ovens are particularly suitable for vacuum-aided drying. By controlling the microwave energy (heating) and vacuum of the apparatus, efficient and effective heating, cooking and drying can be achieved.

It is a known desire to have as uniform an electromagnetic field within the chamber as possible, to achieve consistent conditions and thereby achieve even and predictable processing of the samples. If the electromagnetic field is uneven, 'hot spots' can be generated in the food. These are areas of particularly high field density that result from interference or resonance effects. As the material heats up in the hot spot, its dielectric properties change, causing it to absorb more microwave energy and heat up further. This may result in thermal runaway and the materially being rapidly overdried or overcooked in these hot spot areas.

Some conventional microwave heating apparatuses use more than one microwave frequency. US 2019/0059133 Al discloses an electronic oven that comprises a control system to adjust the distribution of the application of energy in its heating chamber, and uses 2.45 GHz and 915 MHz microwave radiation, emitted via 'injection ports' and waveguides. The higher frequency of 2450M1-lz has a more limited penetration depth than the 915 MHz frequency, but 915 MHz frequency still has limited depth compared to 400-500 MHz. The frequency of the radiation therefore limits the extent of cooking/drying within a sample volume.

The present invention aims to eliminate or at least nutigate, drawbacks of existing microwave heating apparatuses.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a microwave food processing apparatus comprising: a sample processing chamber; a first microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency within a range, wherein the range is 2.4 -2.5 GHz; a microwave waveguide disposed in or at the chamber configured to couple the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator to the chamber; a second microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a second frequency within a range, wherein the range is 400 -500 MHz; an antenna disposed in or at the chamber configured to couple the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator to the chamber, wherein the apparatus preferably also comprises a controllable vacuum system operable to vary the pressure in the chamber during processing. I5

The sample may be food and/or any material containing water. Even though part of the operating frequency range is out of the ISM band, the apparatus is compliant with ITU Article 15 section 15.13. The first microwave generator may preferably emit radiation within the 420-450 MHz, and optionally within the range 433.05-434.79 MHz.

The most common form of microwave generation in known systems -magnetrons -are necessarily limited to a narrow bandwidth and, consequently, fixed-frequency operation. This both limits the frequencies that can be used and the control of the electromagnetic field that can be achieved, with the single frequency microwaves typically resulting in either an uncontrolled multimodal field or a fixed standing wave field. Also, magnetrons have a very short life span compared to solid state technology. Nonetheless, magnetrons are still widely used due to their low production cost.

Power couplers used in most contemporary microwaves are general waveguide type couplers.

Waveguides are commonly used as they limit the wave propagation to one dimension, so that, under ideal conditions; power does not decrease with distance from the source, increasing the efficiency of energy transfer. A limiting factor of waveguides is the range of frequencies that the waveguide can operate over, which is defined by the waveguide's boundary conditions. The lowest pass band frequency (the cut-off frequency) is equal to the fundamental mode of the waveguide. The widely used WR340 waveguide operates at 2.1 -3 GHt for example, making it suitable for the higher frequency 2.4 -2.5 GHz microwave frequency. However; waveguides for 400 -500 MHz are often not feasible. The WR2300 waveguide (which operates at 350 -500 MHz) has dimensions of 266.7 x 533.4 mm. Such a waveguide is impractical for use on a range of chamber sizes particularly on smaller sizes.

Advantageously, the present invention circumvents the need to use two waveguides -one for the higher frequency of 2400-2500 MHz, namely WR340 or WR430 waveguides, and one for the lower frequency of 400-500 MHz, namely the WR2300 waveguide. Instead, a smaller antenna structure is used for radiating the 400-500 MHz frequencies.

433.05 -434.79 MHz and 2.4 -2.5 GHz arc both designated industry, scientific and medical (ISM) bands that may be used in microwave ovens. The apparatus of the present invention is compliant with ITU Article 15 section 15.13 which allows operation between 400-500 MHz, and, more broadly, any frequency that is deemed suitable for the present purpose.

Use of an antenna for the lower frequency (instead of a waveguide) reduces the overall size of the apparatus.

The use of an antenna therefore allows for a smaller-form apparatus when using lower RF frequencies e.g. 400-500 MHz in our case. As discussed above, the use of a lower frequency allows for a greater penetration of the RF energy into the sample being dried or cooked. The advantage of this is that larger mass samples can be processed in a homogenous manner. Accordingly, material of different sizes can be processed in a chamber of a given size.

Using an antenna for 400 -500 MHz and single or multiple waveguides for 2.4 -2.5 GHz thus enables us to make use of a smaller chamber when a smaller chamber is required.

Although an antenna could also be used for 2.4 -2.5 GHz frequency, a waveguide is still preferable as this will give a different mode of cavity excitation compared to an antenna, which is by design a requirement in order produce a more homogenous electromagnetic environment and therefore end product.

The electromagnetic wave form propagated by a waveguide and by a -free space' antenna are different. Advantageously, this enables greater control of the microwave field strength in different regions of the chamber as compared to equipment using two waveguides. The antenna radiates omnidirectionally, whereas waveguides arc directional.

The vacuum system is coupled to the chamber and operable to reduce the pressure in the chamber to less than atmospheric pressure so as to enhance the effectiveness of the drying process. The vacuum system may vary the pressure of the processing chamber of the microwave oven and depressurise the chamber pressure to less than atmospheric pressure, while the microwave oven is in operation. The vacuum system may be controlled by a controller.

Depressurisation is advantageous for both drying and cooking. By reducing the pressure inside the chamber, the boiling point of water in the food sample is reduced. Food can therefore be dried at lower temperatures when compared to an apparatus without a vacuum system. This may be advantageous for foodstuffs that require lower processing temperatures or to reduce the likelihood of overcooking. The same vacuum system that is used to depressurise the chamber can be used to extract the water vapour and steam generated during the microwave processing. By removing water in this way, drying is improved when compared to microwave ovens that operate without any water vapour extraction means. Using a vacuum chamber therefore allows for the drying/heating of products/samples in batches with the chamber at low pressure.

Depressurisation also decreases convection streams, thereby reducing convection cooling. As a result, heating is accelerated.

The first microwave generator and second microwave generator may be solid state power generators. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a safety switch configured to stop all IS microwave generation when the switch is open.

The apparatus may further comprise sensors configured to measure the forward power and reflected power of the first, second and /or multiple microwave power generators. The apparatus may further comprise an optical sensor, for example a spectroscopic multivariate sensor or SWIR sensor, configured to obtain spectroscopic data of a sample placed inside the processing chamber during operation for measurement and collection of data (in real time) relating to a plurality of variables and characteristics (e.g. moisture, end-point, fat content, residual moisture, protein content).

The apparatus may further comprise a controller, such as a PLC, configured to control the generation of microwave radiation from the first, second and/or multiple microwave generators. Control of the microwave generators will comprise controlling the power, phase, frequency, uniformity or other characteristic of the microwave radiation. The controller may also be configured to control the vacuum system. The controller may be configured to control the RF sources and emitters according to control parameters received from a remote-control system.

Data is thereby collected in real-time, including sample characteristics and distribution within the chamber/cavity, in addition to monitoring the power levels of the microwave generators or programming the apparatus in advance. This enables the conditions in the chamber to be varied, and to vary the conditions in different parts of the chamber independently, in order to process sample such that the sample has specific characteristics after processing is complete.

In addition to a spectroscopic or SWIR sensor (which may be configured to determine the proportion or amount of water being heated or vapouriscd front the foodstuff, for example), other sensors may also be provided for measuring or detecting parameters indicative of other characteristics of the foodstuff, for example vitamins, or enzymes, or chemicals formed during processing. Alternatively or additionally, signals generated by the IR sensor can be analysed (preferably by a machine learning program, as discussed in further detail below) to determine various different characteristics of the foodstuff.

The apparatus may further comprise: a plurality of waveguides disposed in or at the chamber each configured to couple the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator or a plurality of first microwave generators to the chamber; and/or one or more antenna disposed in or at the chamber, the or each antenna being configured to couple the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator, or a plurality; of second microwave generators, to the chamber.

There may be varying numbers of waveguides and antennas, more waveguides than antennas, more antennas than waveguides, or thc same number of each. For example, there may be provided two waveguides and one antenna; or one waveguide and two antennae, or two of each.

Each antenna can be configured to transmit microwave radiation from one shared microwave generator. Alternatively, each antenna can be configured to transmit radiation from one of a plurality of microwave generators. Similarly, more than one waveguide can be configured to receive power from one microwave generator by the use of a splitter. The antenna may be used for radiating both first and second microwave frequency bands.

The apparatus may comprise a phase modifier to modify!, or shift, the phase of radiation emitted by one microwave emitter (e.g., the antenna) relative to the other microwave emitter (e.g. the waveguide). Phase adjustment can be used to achieve different electromagnetic field intensities at different parts of the chamber to thereby cause different parts of the chamber to dry or cook faster or slower during the processing of a batch of material/foodstuff in the chamber.

Modifying the phase of the radiation allows for greater control of the conditions within the volume of the chamber over time. If power measurements indicate that a particular region of material/foodstuff is not drying fast enough, the microwave intensity can be increased locally, and vice-versa can be decreased locally if desired.

Different types of samples can be placed in the chamber at different regions and exposed to different conditions over the drying/cooking cycle in the chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a microwave food processing apparatus comprising: a food processing chamber; a first microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency between 2.4 -2.5 GlIz; a microwave waveguide disposed in or at the chamber configured to couple the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator to the chamber; a second microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a second, lower frequency between 400 -500 MHz; an antenna disposed in or at the chamber, wherein the antenna is a dual band antenna configured to be excited to generate microwave radiation at the first frequency and also configured to be excited to generate microwave radiation at the second frequency; and a diplexer configured to selectively connect the antenna to the first microwave generator or the second microwave generator.

Selectively connecting the antenna to either microwave source allows for greater control to adapt the conditions in the chamber to process particular sample in the chamber, which can be varied over time as the material/foodstuff is drying/cooking.

The apparatus may have a controller configured to control the first, second and/or multiple microwave generators so as to vary RF generation or terminate RF generation from the first generator when the second generator is generating RF radiation at the second frequency.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to control the second microwave generator so as to vary RF generation or terminate RF generation when the first microwave generator is generating RF radiation.

Control of RF radiation generation in this way ensures that the antenna is only emitting at one frequency (dependent upon which microwave generator is turned on) and enables processing cycles that use both the higher and lower frequency sequentially. For example, the controller may operate the second microwave generator at 400 -500 MHz for a period of time to cook/dry the interior of the material/foodstuff, then operate the first microwave generator at 2.4 -2.5 GHz for a period of time to make the surface of the material/foodstuff crispy.

The first and/or second microwave generator may comprise a solid-state microwave power generator. The power and phase of microwave emissions from the solid-state power generators (SSPGs) can be easily controlled.

The antenna may also be capable of being excited at 2.4 -2.5 GHz by the second generator. Use of a dual band monopole antenna allows the antenna to efficiently emit both 400 -500 MHz and 2.4 -2.5 GHz radiation. As discussed above, it is desirable to have an antenna capable of emitting 400 -500 MHz radiation as waveguides arc too large. The ability of the antenna to also emit 2.4 -2.5 Gift radiation is advantageous as the antenna may be operated simultaneously with the waveguidcs for greater control of the 2.4 -2.5 GHz microwave field.

A diplexer may be provided between the first and second microwave generator and the antenna to allow for selective control of the microwave bands produced by the first and second microwave generators.

There may be more than onc antenna in the chamber. This increases thc control of microwave drying/cooking power at any point in time over different spatial regions of the chamber.

The apparatus also comprises sensors for detecting/monitoring the forward power and reflected power, and the controller may be configured to use the monitored signals to control one or more of the pulse width modulation (PWM), power, frequency, amplitude, and phase parameters of either the first, second, and/or multiple microwave radiation generators.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a microwave food processing apparatus comprising: a food processing chamber; a microwave generator system configured to I5 generate and communicate microwave radiation to the chamber; one or more sensors configured to measure the forward and reflected power of the microwave radiation generated by the microwave generator system; and a controller configured to control the microwave radiation generated by the microwave generator system, wherein the controller is in communication with the one or more sensors and is further configured to: receive the forward and reflected power measurements from the one or more sensors; determine a value of an attribute of the foodstuff using the forward and reflected power measurements, compare the value to a desired value of the attribute and control the microwave radiation generated according to the comparison.

Sensing the conditions in real time in the chamber and the characteristics of the sample allows for greater control of processing compared to equipment which relies solely on power measurements at the generators or pre-programmed processing parameters.

The microwave generator system may comprise: a first and/or multiple microwave generators configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency, for example 2.4 -2.5 GHz; and a waveguide disposed in or at the chamber configured to communicate the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator to the chamber.

The microwave generator system may also comprise: a second and/or multiple microwave generators configured to generate microwave radiation at a second, lower frequency, for example 400-500 MHz; and an antenna disposed in or at the chamber configured to communicate the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator to the chamber.

Phase shifting between the radiation emitters (e.g., between two waveguides, a waveguide and antenna, etc.) facilitates greater control of radiation intensity within the chamber. Such control facilitates homogeneous radiation, or at least improved homogeneity in the radiation, across the chamber, or at least across a selected part of the chamber. This can be used to deliberately achieve different conditions in different parts of the chamber, and therefore heating/drying at different intensities and in different parts of the chamber, so that different products can be simultaneously dried or cooked at different parts of the chamber. 'Simultaneously' means at the same time, or at different times but without having to open the chamber and remove one of the samples/foodstuffs before processing the other. For example, two (or more) samples/foodstuffs may be loaded into the chamber and the chamber closed. The samples/foodstuffs may then be processed differently in a single operation without having to remove some of the samples/foodstuffs between applying power to different areas of the chamber differently. This simplifies the requirements for the user -they simply have to load samples/foodstuffs once at the beginning of the operation, rather than add and remove samples/foodstuffs at multiple different times.

IS According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling operation of a microwave sample processing apparatus, the system comprising; one or more processors for processing data; storage for storing a plurality of processing profiles, wherein each processing profile comprises data which defines one or more characteristics of a processed sample, and for storing one or more recipes, wherein each recipe comprises data defining one or more characteristics of a processing cycle a machine learning module configured to: receive first sensor data from one or more sensors in the microwave sample processing apparatus, wherein the sensor data comprises data relating to characteristics of the sample receive second sensor data relating to conditions within the apparatus, process the first and second sensor data according to one or more machine learning algorithms, and output quantitative values of characteristics of the sample; wherein the one or more processors is configured to compare the quantitative values to a preselected profile, and generate control information, wherein the control information is configured to modify operational parameters specified by a preselected recipe so as to converge the signals from the sensors towards the preselected profile, and send control information to the microwave processing apparatus.

The machine learning module may be at least partially run on a remote cloud computing platform; which can provide the computational power required.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of processing matter in a dual-frequency microwave processing apparatus, comprising: placing the sample inside of the microwave processing apparatus; optionally operating a vacuum system to reduce the pressure inside the microwave processing apparatus to less than atmospheric pressure; operating a microwave generation system to selectively apply microwave radiation to the food sample in order to heat the food sample; thereby removing water contained in the food sample; measuring characteristics of the applied microwave radiation and of the sample under processing and controlling the vacuum system and/or microwave generation system in response to the measured characteristics.

The use of vacuum and microwave radiation may also have the benefit of reducing convective heating to achieve faster heating and more desirable properties of the food sample (for example taste or texture).

The method may involve using microwave radiation of two frequencies, for example 2.4 -2.5 GHz and 400 -500 MHz, and selectively applying them to the sample under processing, sequentially.

The method may involve pausing the operation of the vacuum system and microwave generation, thereby allowing a user to access the interior of the microwave processing chamber to, for example, add, remove or move around samples.

The method may involve using an artificial intelligence module to process sensor data and determine characteristics of the sample, and then generate control information to control the vacuum system and/or microwave generation system in response to the measured characteristics of the applied microwave radiation and/or the sample so as to process the sample according to set parameters within the operating chamber (a 'recipe') to achieve defined characteristics of the organic sample (a 'profile').

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of irradiating materials at a frequency selected from 400-500 MHz or 2.4-2.5 GHz band, under vacuum conditions. Preferably, the method exclusively utilises solid-state power generators (SSPGs). Both antennae and waveguide-type power couplers are preferably used independently of one another or in combination with one another.

The method may further include variating the EM field within a process chamber by manipulation of wave interference patterns such that distinct bodies contained within the process chamber can be heated at different rates. Furthermore, the method may further comprise discovering the most effective method for achieving a product's Quality Target Product Profile using an atmosphere control means, a power generating means, a control means, and a machine learning engine. Optionally, at least one indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiode sensor array (spectroscope) converts spectroscopic data into chemical and physical properties on the basis of previously developed machine learning predictive models.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic of a microwave heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic of a microwave heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic of a control system for amco rave heating apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic of a microwave power generation system according to an embodiment; Figure 5 shows representations of a simulation of the electromagnetic field produced and S-response of a heating cavity; Figure 6 shows a representation of a simulation of a electromagnetic field generated by lower frequency radiation compared to the simulation of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a microwave processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for processing foodstuffs according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

Referring to Figure 1, an example apparatus 100 is shown for the microwave processing of materials. The apparatus 100 comprises a food processing chamber 101. The chamber 101 may have a door, hatch or other scalable opening to allow for food or other materials to be placed in the chamber 101 for processing. Tn some embodiments, the interface between the door or hatch and the food processing chamber 101 may be sealed by means of a gasket constructed from an electrically conductive material such as nickel-graphite silicon. The chamber 101 may comprise a parallelepiped or cylindrical structure constructed from, for example, stainless steel.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a first microwave generator 110 configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency. The first frequency may be 2.4 -2.5 GHz. A waveguide 111 is provided for communicating the microwave radiation of the first frequency to the chamber 101. The waveguide 111 may comprise angled or otherwise additional components 112 to allow for practical positioning and coupling of the first microwave generator 110. The waveguide II I may be a commercially available waveguide, such as a WR340 or WR430 waveguide.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a second microwave generator 120 configured to generate microwave radiation at a second, lower frequency. The second frequency may be 400 -500 MHz. An antenna 121 is provided for communicating the microwave radiation of the second frequency to the chamber 101. The antenna 121 may be coupled to the second microwave generator by a coaxial cable 122. The antenna 121 may be a monopole antenna.

IS By using a first frequency such as 2.4 -2.5 GHz and a second, lower frequency such as 400 - 500 MHz, food samples may be heated both at the surface and internally. 2.4 -2.5 GHz is suitable for heating/drying of foods to depths of approximately 25 mm, while 400 -500 MHz is suitable for heating/drying foods to depths of approximately 300 mm. The two frequencies may be applied sequentially depending on the processing requirements of the food sample.

The use of an antenna 121 for transmitting the microwave radiation of the second frequency to the chamber 101 may be more practical and convenient that other techniques. Compared to the waveguides designed for lower frequency microwaves (such as the WR2300 waveguide), the antenna may have a smaller spatial footprint. This may allow the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 to be used in smaller commercial settings.

The use of two frequencies in apparatus 100 may also allow for improved control of the electromagnetic field inside of the chamber 101. As will be discussed in more detail later, the two frequencies may be controlled individually,' and sequentially to create a desirable heating pattern in the chamber 101.

This may be further enhanced by the use of both a waveguide 1 1 1 and antenna 121 for coupling of the microwave radiation to the chamber 101. The waveguide 111 and antenna 121 have substantially different propagation patterns, the waveguide 111 being an ideally one-dimensional propagation, and the antenna being an ideally free-space emitter. Experimentation has shown that the combination of a waveguide and an antenna provides for sufficient control of the electromagnetic field to create a uniform heating pattern. The use of a waveguide for the 2.4 -2.5 MHz microwave radiation eliminates the need for custom design compared to an antenna, and as discussed earlier does not have the spatial footprint drawbacks of the second, lower frequency.

Referring to Figure 2, another example apparatus 200 is shown that allows for the microwave processing of materials to be controlled. Similar to the apparatus of Figure 1, the apparatus 200 comprises a food processing chamber 101, a first microwave generator 110 coupled to a waveguide 111, and a second microwave generator 120 coupled to an antenna 121.

The apparatus 200 further comprises a vacuum system 130 that is fluidly coupled to the chamber 101. The vacuum system 130 is configured to reduce the pressure inside the chamber 101 to less than atmospheric pressure. Reducing the pressure inside the chamber 101 may aid in the drying of foods processed in the chamber by reducing the boiling point of water within the food sample. This may be beneficial for processing of foods that necessarily require lower processing temperatures (for example delicate foods that burn at non-depressurised processing temperatures). The vacuum system 130 may also be configured to extract water vapour from the chamber 101 during operation.

The microwave generators 110 and 120 are preferably solid-state power generators (SSPGs). SSPGs can be configured to generate microwave radiation of varying amplitude, frequency and phase. As is typical of SSPGs, the power generators may comprise sensors 113 and 123 configured to measure the power generated by the SSPG and the power received by the SSPG from the surrounding environment, known as the forward and reflected power, respectively. These power measurements are communicated to controller 150, which may use the forward and reflected powers to control the microwave generators 110 and 120.

The apparatus 200 further comprises one or more spectroscopic analysers 140, spectroscopic 1 sensor 140 is configured to sense wavelengths in the near infrared (N1R) range from 0.8 to 1.0 or shortwave infrared (SWIR) range from 0.9 to 1.7 jim. The spectroscopic sensor is provided with an ad hoc sensing probe specially designed for operating under radiofrequency radiation and vacuum conditions. The sensor 140 may be configured to capture spectroscopic data of a food sample while the sample is being microwave processed. The spectroscopic data may contain multivariate information about the chemical composition of the sample By measuring the spectroscopic signature of the sample, the sample's fat, water, micronutrient, mineral or vitamin content or Maillard reaction end-point, for example, can be inferred by using the appropriate machine learning model. The data provided by the sensor may be used by the controller 150 to set the adequate operation conditions as well as to provide nutritional and organoleptic information to characterize the quality of the finished product.

The apparatus 200 may further comprise a controller 150 configured to control the microwave generators 110 and 120. The controller is in electronic communication with all or some of the SSPG sensors and the RF power sensors and multivariate sensor 140. In one example, the controller 150 monitors the reflected power measurements of the two microwave generators 110 and 120, and automatically adjusts the forward power of the SSPGs (or other aspects of the microwave generators, such as phase) to reduce the reflected power according to generated control instructions, which may be received from a remote location. In another example, the controller receives spectroscopic data from the multivariate sensors to ascertain properties of the sample being processed and uses that information to generate control instructions to control the microwave power generators. For example, the controller 150 may be configured so that when the spectroscopic data indicates a certain infrared signature associated with a particular water content, the controller 150 automatically turns off the microwave generators to terminate the processing cycle. In a further embodiment, the multivariatc sensor, combined with processing capability of the controller (as discussed further below) is configured to measure a plurality of different parameters, characteristics and/or attributes of the product being processed. The collection of different parameters can be considered a specific 'spectral picture' of the product. The controller may be configured to determine when a final target 'spectral picture' (i.e., end-point) has been achieved, which can indicate that processing of the organic sample/product should end.

Using the information provided by additional sensors such as the multivariate sensor(s) may allow for the generation of more effective control instructions compared to apparatuses that only have sensors to monitor forward and reflected power.

The controller 150 comprises manual user input means 151. In some embodiments the controller may allow the user to manually enter processing parameters via the input means 151, such as microwave power level, processing time, or desired material properties (such as a desired water content). The controller may use these manual parameters in combination with the sensor information above to control the microwave generators. The controller 150 may also comprise a visual display to indicate parameters or the progress of processing to the user via the input means 151.

The apparatus herein described can be programmed to dry, cure, cook, heat, pre-heat, or defrost physical materials. The system controller 150 may be configured to automatically control the following process parameters: the power generated by each SSPG from Prnin to Pon; the phase of the EM FIELD generated by each SSPG; the frequency of the EM FIELD generated by each SSPG the energy Q transferred to a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the minimum and maximum temperature of a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the vacuum pressure within the process chamber; the maximum water content of a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the process time interval The following process parameters can be manually controlled by a user independently of one another: the power generated by each SSPG from Piimi to Pina,; the energy Q transferred to a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the minimum and maximum temperature of a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the vacuum pressure within the process chamber; the maximum water content of a sample of physical material contained within the process chamber; the process time interval.

Examples of manually configured programs (i.e., 'recipes'): Exa mple: Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of fi for a period t=0->720 (s).

Example:

Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f1 for a period t=0->180 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of fl for a period 1-180 720 (s)

Example:

Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of 1'1 for a period of 1=0->60 (5); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f, for a period of t=60->180 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of fi for a period of t=180->300 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of t=300->480 (s).

Example:

Set vacuum pressure at 70 kPa for a period oft-0-480 (5); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of f, for a period of t=0->60 (5); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f, for a period of t=60 180 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of t=180->300 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of fl for a period of t=300->480 (s).

Example:

Set vacuum pressure at 70 kPa for a period of t=0->240 (s); Set vacuum pressure at 70 kPa for a period of t=240-480 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of 1'1 for a period of 1-0->60 (5); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f2 for a period of t=60->180 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of t=180->1300 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of t=300->480 (s).

Example:

Set vacuum pressure at 70 kPa for a period of t=0->240 (s); Set vacuum pressure at 70 kPa for a period of t=240-480 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of f, for a period of t=0->60 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f, for a period of t=60->180 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 500 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of 1=180->300 (s); Transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 1000 W at a frequency of f1 for a period of t=300-480 (s).

Example:

Reduce water content to 80%.

Limit product temperature to 49 °C.

Example:

Raise product temperature to 70 °C.

Maintain product temperature a21 70 °C for a period of t=0->60 (m).

Example:

Raise product temperature to 70 °C.

Maintain product temperature ((i, 70 °C for a period of t=x.: (in).

Example:

Raise product temperature to 70 °C.

IS Maintain product temperature 70 °C for a period of t=0 10 (m).

Reduce product temperature to 5 °C.

In these examples, recipes are based on control blocks. The control blocks may be configured independently of one another and may run in series or in parallel to One another. The system controller 150 may be configured to alert the user if specific blocks/commands conflict with one another.

Referring to Figure 3, another example apparatus 300 is shown that allows for the microwave processing of materials to be controlled. Similarly, to the apparatus of Figure 1, the apparatus 300 comprises a food processing chamber 101 and a second microwave generator 120 coupled to an mamma 121.

Apparatus 300 comprises two first microwave generators 110a and 110b, coupled individually to waveguides 1 Ila and 111b respectively. Both microwave generators 110a and 110b are configured to generate a first microwave frequency of 2.4 -2.5 GHz. In other example embodiments, more microwave generators may be provided to generate a first microwave frequency, each coupled to a wayeguide. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of second microwave generators may be provided, each coupled individually to an antenna. The additional waveguides and/or antennas may be positioned in the chamber 101 so as to create a more uniform electromagnetic field or otherwise allow easier control of the field.

As before, sensors that measure the forward and reflected power, are provided in order to measure parameters of the sample and conditions in the chamber 101.

Chamber 101 comprises a load system 102 upon which at least one removeable receptacle can be placed. The load system may comprise multiple shelves or guide slots wherein racks, grids, and a variety of gastronome-type containers may be secured.

Apparatus 300 includes a multivariate optical sensor 140, which may be a self-contained infrared spectrometer. A visible light source may also be provided in some embodiments.

An example of the vacuum system 130 is shown in Figure 3 in greater detail. The example vacuum system 130 comprises a pump 131 that is fluidly coupled to the chamber 101 via pipes or tubes. In this example the vacuum pump 131 is also electrically connected to the controller 150. The controller 150 is configured to operate the pump 131 so that the chamber 101 is kept at a desired pressure. The example vacuum system 130 further comprises a condenser, which is configured to extract volatised water molecules from the chamber 101 alongside extracted air, which enables more efficient drying of foods. The vacuum system 130 also has a relief valve 133 that is also controllable by the controller 150 to allow air back into the chamber 101 as desired, and an exhaust 134 for exhausting air and/or water vapour extracted from the chamber 101.

Apparatus 300 preferably further comprises a pressure sensor 103 (for example a pressure transducer) to directly measure pressure inside the chamber 101. The apparatus 300 may also comprise other additional sensors 104. These sensors may be digital or analogue sensors configured to measure additional environmental parameters of the chamber 101, for example temperature. The additional sensors 103 and 104 may be electronically connected to the controller 150 so that the controller 150 can use measurements of environmental parameters when controlling the microwave power generators 110a, 110b and 120 and the vacuum system 130.

In preferred embodiments, system 157 is used in conjunction with local controller 150 to control apparatus 300. System 157 comprises machine learning engine 152.

System 157 further comprises a collection of recipes and power operating profiles in storagc156 in on a cloud computing platform 155. Apparatus 300 may comprise an internet adapter 153 (such as a WiFi adapter or LAN port) so that the controller 150 may connect to the cloud platform 155 via an internet connection 154. Apparatus 300 further comprises a human-machine interface (HMI) 151 that allows for input commands to be entered manually to the controller by the user or for displaying information to the user.

The controller 150 is connected to the microwave power generators 110a, 110b and 120 and any power sensors associated with these, the vacuum system 130, the infrared sensor 140 and any additional sensors 103, 104 of the apparatus 300. The controller 150 collects all of the feedback and measurement data from these various sources to ascertain the status of the environment inside the chamber 101. Machine learning engine 152 receives and processes this information to determine value of specific properties, parameters or characteristics of the organic sample. Profiles in storage 156 each describe expected measurements (conditions in the chamber 101) that result in a desired food product. Based on a comparison of the recipe 156 and the feedback measurements, control routines of the machine learning engine 152 can then provide feedback to the controller 150 regarding what control steps need to be taken to keep the conditions in accordance with parameters specified by the selected recipe. Controller ISO may then provide a control signal to any of the microwave power generators 110a, 110b, 120 or the vacuum system to meet the desired environmental conditions according to recipe 156.

A recipes 156 can be selected manually before the processing cycle begins by the user via the HMI 151, effectively instructing the apparatus 300 to follow a desired processing profile. The IS machine learning engine 152 may also be trained to optimise existing recipes based on user generated supervision data (i.e. indications from a user that the organic sample has been successfully processed).

The controller 150 may be configured to acquire data in real-time and any data acquired may be interpreted by the controller 150 as: i) an instruction sent by a system control algorithm stored in local memory or cloud memory; ii) an instruction sent by an operator via the HMI or by a connected device; iii) an expression of the amplitude, phase, or frequency of any electromagnetic waves communicated to the process chamber; iv) an expression of the operating temperature of a SSPG, v) an expression of the amplitude of any electromagnetic waves reflected by the process chamber and/or the contents of the process chamber.

vi) an expression of the pressure of the atmosphere contained within the process chamber.

vii) expressions of the properties of any physical material contained within the chamber, including, for example, a sample's temperature profile and/or chemical composition.

The controller 150 may interpret data as expressions of the initial conditions of any physical material contained within the process chamber 101. Such data may include both manually input and automatically derived values. Such data may be related to, for example: the definition of the physical material; the initial weight of the physical material; the type and material of the receptacle the physical material is positioned on or within; the number of units of physical material contained within the process chamber 101; and the local coordinates of each unit.

The controller 150 may be configured to acquire data related to the pressure within the process chamber 101 by means of the pressure transducer 103. The controller 150 may be configured to decrease the vacuum pressure within the process chamber 101 by closing the proportional relief valve 133 and increasing the vacuum pump 131 speed, and to increase the vacuum pressure by opening the proportional relief valve 133 and decreasing the vacuum pump 131 speed.

The controller 150 may interpret data related to the power received by an antenna 6 as an expression of the power reflected by the structure of the process chamber 10 and its contents. If the non-load characteristics of the process chamber 10 are known, forward and reflected power measurements can be used to determine the power absorbed by any physical material contained within it, where the absorbed power is given as Pat"=Pr,d-P,H. If the absorbed power and the process duration are known, the total energy converted into heat Q can be determined by Q = ft,t2 absP dt. The effects of heal on a particular environment can be determined by experimentation and a statistical/ data-driven model can be constructed from the acquired data.

Such a statistical model can form the basis of a control algorithm that is designed to minimise any divergence between the data obtained during further iterations and the data contained within the prototypical or ideal statistical model. An Al tool operating on the cloud platform may construct statistical models related to the physical condition of any physical material contained within the process chamber 100 h real-time. The accuracy of such models is a function of the quantity and quality of data that can be acquired by the system controller 100.

For example, the system controller may be configured to command a SSPG6 to transfer energy to a sample at a rate of P1 at a frequency of ft for a period of t, where: Pi=the amount of energy transferred or converted by SSPG-il per unit time; fi=the frequency of the waveforms generated by SSPGfi t=the time period In an example embodiment. P1 can be varied between 0 and the maximum power that can be generated by SSPG6; and f1 can be varied between 2.4-2.5 GHz. The system controller may be configured to command a SSPGn to transfer energy to a sample at a rate of 132 at a frequency of f1 for a period of t.

P2=the amount of energy transferred or converted by SSPGft per unit time; f,=the frequency of the waveforms generated by SSPGf2 and t=the time period" In an example embodiment, P, can be varied between 0 and the maximum power that can be generated by SSPGf, or combinations thereof; f2 can be varied between 400-500 MHz.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a microwave food processing apparatus. Apparatus 400 comprises a chamber 101. Similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 400 comprises two first microwave generators 110a and 110b, coupled individually to waveguides 11la and 111b respectively. The chamber 101 and electronics of the apparatus 400 may be suitably earthed via an earthing terminal 105.

Apparatus 400 further comprises a further first microwave generator 110c and a second microwave generator 120. The plurality of first microwave generators 110a -110c produce microwaves with a first frequency such as 2.4 -2.5 GHz, and the second microwave generator 120 produces microwaves with a second, lower frequency such as 400 -500 MHz. First microwave generator 110c and second microwave generator 120 are both connected to an antenna 121 that is configured to be efficiently excited at both the high and low frequencies of 2.4 -2.5 GHz and 400-500 MHz MHz. The two microwave frequencies are provided to the antenna 121 via a diplexer 124. The diplexer 124 has sufficient isolation (< -20 dB) so that the antenna can radiate at both the high and low frequency depending on which power generator 110c and 120 is act ve Apparatus 400 also comprises controller 150 in communication with the microwave generators. The microwave generators are preferably SSPGs and sensors to measure the forward and reflected powers of each power generator may be provided. As discussed above, the controller may use this information to control the power generators to, for example, improve the uniformity of the field produced, improve the efficiency of power delivery, or meet a desired environmental parameter in the chamber 101.

Figures 5A and 5B show simulations of the expected electromagnetic response for an embodiment of the microwave processing apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 4. The apparatus comprises two waveguides that deliver microwave radiation of 2.4 -2.5 GHz to the chamber, and a dual-frequency antenna that may deliver 400-500 MHz or 2.4 -2.5 GHz microwave radiation to the chamber. The simulation was conducted using 2.45 GHz radiation in this instance.

In the simulation, the antenna is positioned so that all three of the power couplers (antenna and waveguides) were resonating within the 2.4 -2.5 GHz band. The electromagnetic field generated by the power couplers is multi-modal, but as shown in Figure 5A, is substantially uniform across the cavity. Similarly, the waveguides were positioned to maximise the efficiency of microwave communication to the chamber and to avoid interference between the two waveguides. Figure 5B shows the S-parameter response of the 3 power couplers. The graph shows that all of the power couplers have S-parameters of less than -10 dB across the 2.4 -2.5 GHz range, corresponding to greater than 90% efficiency of microwave power transferred to the chamber.

The separation between the two waveguides is set to an odd multiple of half wavelengths of the 2.45 GHz microwave radiation. In Figures 5A and 5B OK waveguides are positioned with a separation of 9212. The broadband nature of the resonating structure is preserved for different odd multiples, meaning that the antenna and waveguide approach of the present invention may bc scaled to different sized chambers. This may mean that the approach may be scaled to smaller commercial apparatuses or large industrial apparatuses.

By ensuring that the power couplers generate a uniform field, homogenous heating of food samples may be enabled. A uniform field may mean that food can be processed without the need for mechanical movement of the foodstuff within thc chamber as the entire food sample processes at the same rate. This eliminates the need for additional mechanical components.

IS reducing cost and maintenance requirements In alternative embodiments, the power couplers may be positioned so that the electromagnetic field is deliberately non-uniform, creating areas with different field densities. Alternatively, this may be achieved by varying parameters of the power couplers, for example controlling the power or phase each of the waveguides and antenna so that a non-uniform field is achieved.

The non-uniform field may be advantageous for the processing for multiple food samples simultaneously. For example, the microwave processing apparatus may be configured so that an area near the top of the chamber has a high field density, while an area near the bottom of the chamber has a lower field density. A food sample that requires high temperature processing could be placed at the top of the chamber, and a different food sample that requires low temperature processing could be placed at the bottom of the chamber, allowing for both samples to be processed as desired at the same time.

The controller may be configured to adjust the phase or power of the microwave generators in order to help produce a desired electromagnetic field. Controller 150 may command the microwave generators to be in phase or out of phase with one another. By controlling the interference effects between different power couplers, advantageous field intensities may be produced in different regions of the chamber.

The controller may be configured to command one or more SSPGE to generate an EM field, and one or more SSPGit to generate an EM field, F1, where Fi and F2 are in phase. Where Ft and F1 interfere with one another, the amplitude of the resultant EM field will be the sum of the amplitudes of F1 and F2.

The system controller may be configured to command one or more SSPGfi to generate an EM field, F, and one or more SSPGH to generate an EM field, G, where G is a phase-shifted version of F and the phase shift between F and G is given by c(t)=OG (t)-OF (t). Where F and G interfere with one another, the amplitude of the resultant EM field is given as a function of c(t).

The system controller may be configured to excite a specific power coupler or combination of power couplers at different phases. This has a number of advantages: Localised interference phenomena can be generated within the process chamber by means of constructive and/or destructive interference, such that field intensity can be varied throughout the chamber. This enables the heating of some samples more than others depending on their respective positions within the process chamber. It follows that different samples of physical material with distinct physical properties and characteristics can also be processed simultaneously if they are placed at specified positions within the process chamber.

Controller 150 may be configured to instruct the operator to insert operator specified samples of physical material at specific positions within the process chamber at specific times, and, similarly, to remove user specified samples of physical material from specific positions within the process chamber at specific times, based on its own statistical models of the samples. Consider that the user wishes to process three samples of physical material of varying physical composition, sample A, sample B, and sample C, wherein the user identifies sample A, sample B, and sample C and, further, specifies that the samples belong to a set {Ticket I} that should be completed at the same time: The control means may then instruct the user to insert sample A to grid position 1 at ti. to add sample B to grid position 5 at t2, and to add sample C to grid position 9 at t2, so that the processing of each sample terminates at the same time. Alternatively, the user may instruct the control means to process each sample as soon as possible, whereby the control means may instruct the user remove sample A at t5, to remove sample B at to, and to remove sample C at t7.

Process efficiency can be defined as (eff)=(Ptvd-P"s)/Pt"t. Ideal performance infers that maximum efficiency is maintained throughout a process. If a physical material is transformed, its dielectric properties change, and these changes will ultimately affect process efficiency. The most effective method is therefore one in which EM FIELD characteristics can be adjusted in real-time so that maximum efficiency is maintained throughout. That is to say, the most effective method is one which selects the optimal power, frequency, and phase parameters for each stage of the process such that Profs is minimised during every interval. The system controller 150 may be configured to periodically monitor and control Prefi such that -Frei is minimised to the furthest extent possible. However, the system controller IOU may sacrifice efficiency when processing different samples of physical material so that such samples can be processed simultaneously. For example, if the processing of sample A is to terminate simultaneously with the processing of sample B, and sample A and sample B are statistically distinct from one another, the system controller 150 may employ interference techniques to ensure termination is simultaneous: Such processes will be less efficient than those for which the system controller 150 is configured to maximise efficiency by means of minimising Pref.'.

In addition to configuring the separation of the power couples (such as the separation between waveguides) and the parameters of the microwave generators (such as power and phase), the dimensions of the chamber itself are also configured to produce a desirable electromagnetic field. By adjusting the dimensions of the chamber, the antenna and waveguide can be efficiently coupled to the chamber, creating a resonant response. This may allow for more efficient communication of microwave power to the foodstuff in the chamber, or better control of uniform or non-uniform fields. In the simulations of Figures 5A and 5B, a chamber was used with a width of approximately 60 cm, depth of approximately 65 cm and height of approximately 50 cm. Chambers with other dimension may be used with other arrangements for antenna and waveguides to produce the desired resonant response.

Referring to Figure 6, the dual-frequency antenna is also optimised for operation in the 420 -450 MHz frequency range. The simulation shows that when the antenna is operated with 433.05 MHz microwave radiation tinder TEI01 mode (the dominant mode of the cavity, referring to a Transverse Electric mode where the 1, 0 and 1 refer to the number of half wavelength variations in the x, y, and z directions respectively), the result is an electromagnetic field with a well-defined single resonant mode. This means that there are no hot spots within the chamber, which may allow for more uniform heating of food samples with this second lower frequency also. As discussed previously, both the 2.4 -2.5 GHz and 433.05 -434.79 MHz may be used in the processing due to their differing penetration properties. By optimising the apparatus for use with both frequency ranges, more efficient dual-frequency processing may be achieved.

Referring to Figure 7, the microwave processing apparatus 500 is similar to that described previously in Figure 4. The apparatus 500 comprises a processing chamber 101, two waveguides Illa, 11 lb and an antenna 121.As will be described, a specific location and arrangement of the waveguides Illa, 11 lb and the antenna 121 have been discovered to be advantageous. Figure 7 is to scale and the positioning of the components can be determined from it.

The waveguides 111a, 111b and the antenna 121 are separated by odd multiples of half wavelengths of 2.45 GRA microwaves. The wavelength of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation is 12.24 cm. Using separations of odd multiples of half wavelength ensures that the interference between the electromagnetic waves radiating from the waveguides 1 I la, 1 1lb and antenna 121 is null such that it does not make the overall structure a reflector and the broadband nature of the resonating structure is preserved.

In this example, the separation AB of the centres of the two waveguides 11la, 11 lb is nine half wavelengths; the separation AC of the centre of the antenna 121 and centre of the first waveguide 111a is three half wavelengths; and the separation BC of the centre of the antenna 121 and the second waveguide 111b is seven half wavelengths. This is based on a wavelength of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (12.24 cm).

These separations were tested and found to be optimal for the chamber 101, shown in the example, with a width of approximately 60 cm, depth of approximately 65 cm and height of approximately 50 cm. Testing has shown that the broadband resonant behaviour and electromagnetic field uniformity is preserved when the separations are altered to different old multiples of half wavelength. As such the separations may be increased (to say 11, 13, 15, etc half wavelengths) without affecting the resonant properties of the cavity, thereby allowing apparatus 500 to be scaled to larger units which may be suitable for industrial uses.

The chamber 101 is designed and scaled so that it acts as a well-defined single mode cavity in the 433 -434 MHz band and a multimode cavity in the 2.4 -2.5 GHz band, thus allowing both frequencies to be used efficiently in the same apparatus. As discussed previously, use of both frequencies may be beneficial in the processing of foods as both the surface and interior of the food can be heated.

The use of antenna 121 in a microwave processing apparatus may be beneficial as the antenna 121 is substantially smaller than typical waveguides for 400-500 MHz microwaves. For example, the WR2300 waveguide has a spatial footprint of 266.7 x 533.4 mm. This width of more than 50 cm is a significant portion of the chamber 101 shown in Figure?. Hence, the use of such a waveguide for the 400-500 MHz radiation in this apparatus would not be practical as it would severely limit the positioning of the 2.4 -2.5 GHz waveguides, and would not be possible on chambers that are smaller than this example. The antenna 121 is thus more practical than a waveguide solution and may be used on smaller, commercial apparatuses Referring to Figure 8, there is provided an example of a method 1000 for processing organic matter in a microwave processing apparatus. The microwave processing apparatus may be similar to that of any embodiment described previously.

Firstly, at step 1001, the food sample is loaded into the chamber of the apparatus. Samples may be held on trays, containers or other receptacles when placed in the chamber. The food may be deliberately placed in a certain area of the chamber depending on the electromagnetic field to be applied. The controller or a HMI may be configured to instruct the user of where in the chamber food samples should be placed for the most effective or desired processing.

At step 1002, the vacuum system is operated to reduce the pressure in the chamber below atmospheric pressure. The desired pressure may be input manually by the user or may be preprogrammed as part of a desired process recipe. In some examples, the vacuum system may not bc used if vacuum/drying is not required, for example if the food stuff simply requires thawing.

At step 1003, the microwave generation system is operated in order to apply microwave radiation to the food sample. As above, the microwave radiation to be applied may be input manually by the user or may be pre-programmed as part of a desired process recipe. Two microwave frequencies may be applied, such as 2.4 -2.5 GHz and 400 -500 MHz. The two frequencies may be applied sequentially. The frequency, power, phase or other properties of the microwave generation system may be set to establish a desired electromagnetic field in the chamber.

Sensor data may then be used to further control the apparatus when in operation 1004. This may IS include measurements of the forward and reflected power from the microwave generators, spectroscopic data extrapolated to determine properties of the food sample (for example water content, fat content), chamber pressure data or data from other sensors of the apparatus. The optical data may be interpreted as a spectrogram, wherein the intensity of radiation emitted by the foodstuff is measured across a range of frequencies. The vacuum system and/or the microwave generators may then be controlled in response to measurements of characteristics of the sample. For example, the microwave frequency may be changed from the first frequency to the second frequency after a certain amount of time, or the power of the microwave generators may be reduced when water content of the sample is reduced to below a desired threshold.

As discussed in previous embodiments, this measurement and control technique may be performed by an artificial intelligence system which adapts processing parameters to match the measured parameters of a sample to a desired profile.

The operation of the vacuum system and microwave generation system may be paused to allow access to the chamber. For example, a second food sample with a reduced processing time requirement may be added or removed from the chamber part way through the process cycle. Alternatively, food samples may be moved around in the chamber manually as a processing operation is paused and the chamber door opened (or by mechanical means with the door still closed, whilst the microwave power is still applied or with it turned off), so the food samples experience the different electromagnetic fields generated in different areas of the chamber. The controller or a HMI may be configured to instmct the user of how food samples should be added, removed or moved around for the most effective or desired processing.

Operation of the vacuum system 1002, operation of the microwave generation system 1003, and the measurement informed control of these systems 1004 may continue or be repeated until the food sample has been processed as required. The various elements of the system can then be turned off and the processed food sample removed 1005.

Although example embodiments have been described, these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined with reference to the accompanying claims. Although discussed here primarily in relation to the drying of food, and also cooking of food, these apparatuses and techniques described herein are also useful for the processing of other materials such as organic materials commonly used in the pharmaceutical, electronics, medical device, and aerospace industries.

Claims (2)

1. CLAIMS1. A microwave organic sample processing apparatus comprising: an organic sample processing chamber; a first microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation having a frequency within a first frequency range; a microwave waveguide disposed in or at the chamber configured to emit the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator into the chamber; a second microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation having a frequency within a second frequency range, wherein the second frequency range is lower than the first frequency range, and an antenna disposed in or at the chamber configured to emit the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator into the chamber.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim I, wherein the first frequency range is 2.4 -2.5 GHz and the second frequency range is 400-500 MHz 3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a vacuum system that is fluidly coupled to the chamber and operable to reduce the pressure in the chamber to less than atmospheric pressure.4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one sensor configured to measure the forward power and reflected power of the first microwave generator and second microwave power generator.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to send data comprising signals generated by the at least one sensor to a controller, and wherein the apparatus is further configured to receive control instructions from the controller in response.6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more multivariant spectroscopic sensors configured to measure spectroscopic data relating to the sample.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the spectroscopic data is analysed by a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine one or more parameters descriptive of the sample, wherein the one or more parameters include pH content, fat content, protein content, water content.8. The apparatus of any of claims 4 to '7, wherein the apparatus is further configured to communicate with a cloud-based Al system, wherein the AT system is configured to optimise one or more recipes and/or processing profiles, and wherein the controller is configured to generate control instructions to control the generation of microwave radiation from the first microwave generator and second microwave generator in accordance with one or more optimised recipes or processing profiles.9. The apparatus of claim 8 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to use the measurements of forward powcr and reflected power to calculate the amount of power consumed during processing of the organic sample.10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control real-time operation of the one or more microwave generators according to the control instructions.II The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising: a plurality of waveguides disposed in or at the chamber, a plurality of first microwave generators, wherein each waveguide is configured to transmit the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of first microwave generators, respectively, into the chamber, or wherein the plurality-of wavcguides are configured to transmit the microwave radiation from a first microwave generator into the chamber.12. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the relative phase and/or frequency of the radiation emitted from the plurality of first microwave generators.13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising A plurality of antennas disposed in or at the chamber.A plurality of second microwave generators wherein each antenna is configured to transmit the microwave radiation from a second microwave generator into the chamber.14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to control the relative phase and/or frequency of the radiation emitted from the plurality of second microwave generators.15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one antenna and at least one waveguide are separated from each other by a distance equal to an odd multiple of the half wavelength of 2.45 GHz radiation.16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the antenna is separated from two perpendicular cavity walls by a quarter wavelength at 433MHz.A microwave organic sample processing apparatus comprising: an organic sample processing chamber; a first microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency, wherein the first frequency is substantially between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz; a microwave waveguide disposed in or at the chamber configured to communicate the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator to the chamber; a second microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is substantially between 400 and 500 MHz; an antenna disposed in or at the chamber, wherein the antenna is a dual band antenna configured to transmit microwave radiation at the first frequency and at the second frequency; and a diplexer configured to selectively connect the antenna to the first microwave generator or the second microwave generator.IS, A microwave processing apparatus comprising: a processing chamber; a microwave generator system configured to generate and transmit microwave radiation to the chamber; one or more power sensors configured to measure the forward and reflected power of the microwave radiation generated by the microwave generator system; a sensor configured to measure the amount of radiation absorbed by a sample and a controller configured to control the microwave radiation generated by the microwave generator system, wherein the controller is in communication with the one or more power sensors and the sample sensor, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine, based on the measured power and amount of absorbed radiation, a model of the sample, compare the determined model with a reference model, and control the microwave radiation to converge the model of the sample to the reference model 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the microwave generator system comprises a first microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a first frequency, wherein the first frequency is substantially between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz; and a waveguide disposed in or at the chamber, wherein the waveguide is configured to transmit the microwave radiation from the first microwave generator into the chamber.20. The apparatus of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the microwave generator system comprises a second microwave generator configured to generate microwave radiation at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is substantially between 400 and 500 MHz; and an antenna disposed in or at the chamber configured to transmit the microwave radiation from the second microwave generator into the chamber.21. A system for controlling operation of a microwave sample processing apparatus, the system comprising one or more processors for processing data; storage for storing a plurality of processing profiles, wherein the processing profiles comprise profiles of signals from sensors in a microwave food processing system over the course of a processing cycle, wherein each of the profiles corresponds to a desired processing cycle that results in a desired processed organic sample a machine learning module configured to: receive first sensor data from one or more sensors in the microwave organic sample processing apparatus, wherein the sensor data comprises data relating to characteristics of the organic sample receive second sensor data relating to conditions within the apparatus, process the first and second sensor data according to one or more machine learning algorithms; and output quantitative values of characteristics of the organic sample; wherein the one or more processors is configured to compare the quantitative values to a preselected profile, and generate control information, wherein the control information is configured to control operation of the apparatus to converge the signals from the sensors towards the preselected profile, and send control information to the microwave processing apparatus.22. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is further configured to receive sample data from the apparatus relating to the quality of the sample after microwave processing, and wherein the machine learning module is configured to use the sample data to adapt a profile.train itself as to the operation of the microwave food processing system using feedback or measurements signals from sensors of the microwave food processing system; the artificial intelligence system comprises a plurality of predetermined profiles of feedback signals from sensors of the microwave food processing system over the course of a processing cycle; wherein each of the predetermined profiles corresponds to a desired processing cycle that results in a desired processed product; the artificial intelligence system is configured to provide input signals to the microwave food processing system, such that the feedback signals obtained match one of the predetermined profiles of feedback signals, thereby resulting in the desired processed product.23. The system of claim 22, wherein a profile is associated with a recipe, wherein a recipe defines parameters of radiation in the chamber required to optimal processing of particular organic samples and/or organic sample arrangements.24. A method of controlling, by a controller; the microwave radiation generated by the microwave apparatus of any of claims I to 21, wherein the method comprises: receiving, by a controller, a feedback signal from one or more organic sample observing sensors and a feedback signal from one or more forward and reflected power sensors and generating one or more instructions pertaining to operation of one or more microwave generators based in the received signals.25. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a computer to carry out the method of claim 24.