Our Aims
We are concerned with the scale-up and commercialisation of industrial microwave processes based upon gaining the detailed fundamental understanding of the interaction between microwave energy and process materials. This proven methodology allows the development of robust and successful pilot and commercial-scale microwave processes.
There are three steps to successful scale-up:
1. Enhancing the scientific understanding – we have a wide range of laboratory microwave equipment that is complemented by unique measurement facilities for dielectric properties across a broad spectrum of temperature, pressure and frequency. Coupled with this are a wide range of advanced analytical and materials characterisation equipment.
2. Design and modelling – scale-up from laboratory equipment to demonstration plant capable of operating at several tonnes per hour. This is achieved by using the fundamental understanding and process requirements to model how the microwave energy interacts with the process materials in a range of pilot-scale concepts and designs.
3. Pilot-scale operation and trials – extensive pilot scale testing facility for continuous microwave treatment which includes belt-conveyor systems, flow-through systems, fluidised beds and rotary kilns. We deal with throughputs of over 10 tonnes per hour, using microwave equipment capable of delivering up to 120 kW of applied power at key ISM frequencies.
The development of pilot-scale industrial microwave systems requires a multidisciplinary team with expertise in, for example; process engineering, electrical and microwave engineering and materials handling. At Nottingham we utilise our in-house experts in several of these areas, and also work closely with world-leaders in other UK and worldwide institutions. Examples of our collaborators include National Physical Laboratory, University of Queensland, Australia, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, University of Glasgow, and other major academic centres of excellence.
To date, the success of microwave technology has been demonstrated in fields as diverse as the exploration and production of oil & gas, minerals processing, waste minimisation and recycling, food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and fuel & energy.
One of our objectives is the successful deployment of these technologies into industry. This process will be assisted by the Environmental Technology Centre and sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA).
