Chemical catalysis with rf power mechanisms, systems and costs

Abstract

It has been known for many years that rf power could be used to heat liquids and other materials. Millions of microwave ovens have been sold and are as common in todays household as are radios and television sets. They are based on the fact that microwave energy can quickly and efficiently heat and thereby cook most foods. This paper looks at the same principals applied to chemical catalysis. Two basic parameters of liquids are examined, the dielectric constant and the loss tangent as a function of liquid temperature and rf frequency. These two parameters are then used to determine the depth of penetration of the rf power in the liquid and to examine methods to efficiently couple the rf power to the liquid. Types and availability of rf systems are discussed. Finally, a cost table is developed which can be used to determine a rough cost of an rf power system as a function of frequency and power level.