One-Dimensional Model of Heat and Mass Transports and Pressure Built Up in Unsaturated Porous Materials Subjected to Microwave Energy

Abstract

In this article, the heat and mass transfer and pressure buildup in unsaturated porous media under microwave energy is theoretically investigated. The unsaturated porous media is composed of glass beads, water, and air. The microwave power generation is computed based on Lambert's law. The finite control volume (FCV) method is used to predict the heat and multiphase flow and pressure buildup in unsaturated porous media under various conditions. Most importantly, this work focuses on the influence of frequency, particle size, and electric field intensity to predict heat and mass transfer and pressure built up in porous media due to microwave energy. The results show that variations of frequency, particle size, and electric field intensity play an important role on overall drying kinetics. Furthermore, the findings of this research will serve as a fundamental tool for applications involving in the microwave drying process of porous media.