Modular microwave unit for heat treatment of raw materials at factory-farm enterprises

Abstract

The objective of the work is to develop a microwave unit with removable modules for continuous heat treatment and disinfection of animal-derived raw materials of different structures with resonators, providing electromagnetic safety without shielding and high electric field intensity with reduced operating costs while preserving the feeding value of the product. The study includes 3D modeling of resonators for each module using CST Microwave Studio software and multi-criteria evaluation of regression models of process parameters, allowing one to estimate the feeding value of the product. The first module is designed for heat treatment of secondary animal-derived raw materials, including frozen blocks of meat waste. There are modules can be installed simultaneously or separately in the microwave unit, depending on demand and available raw materials. All modules are removable and easy to clean after completion of heat treatment, and the source block is closed and is subject only to maintenance inspection. Studies of electromagnetic safety for the perforated cylindrical resonator were performed. The operating modes of the second module were found, the duration of defrosting and heating of the animal colostrum was 10–15 min with the generator power of 4.8 kW and energy costs of 0.18–0.20 kW·h/kg.