EP3005833B1 - Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device - Google Patents

Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3005833B1
EP3005833B1 EP14734862.7A EP14734862A EP3005833B1 EP 3005833 B1 EP3005833 B1 EP 3005833B1 EP 14734862 A EP14734862 A EP 14734862A EP 3005833 B1 EP3005833 B1 EP 3005833B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
enclosure
microwaves
heat treating
products
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Application number
EP14734862.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3005833A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Boulard
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to PL14734862T priority Critical patent/PL3005833T3/en
Publication of EP3005833A1 publication Critical patent/EP3005833A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/80—Apparatus for specific applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/6402—Aspects relating to the microwave cavity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/70—Feed lines
    • H05B6/701—Feed lines using microwave applicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/70—Feed lines
    • H05B6/707—Feed lines using waveguides
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/78—Arrangements for continuous movement of material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/78—Arrangements for continuous movement of material
    • H05B6/788—Arrangements for continuous movement of material wherein an elongated material is moved by applying a mechanical tension to it

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for heat treatment of microwave products and to a heat treatment process using such a device.
  • This invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.
  • This device comprises a chamber adopting the shape of a cylinder portion and a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within this chamber.
  • the flexible material to be treated circulates on the cylindrical drum, this between this cylindrical drum and the enclosure.
  • This device comprises, again, microwave application modules to the flexible material to be treated. These modules are positioned near the drum and each comprise a microwave source (more particularly in the form of a magnetron) oriented and orientable towards the drum.
  • This device has many disadvantages.
  • the waves that penetrate inside this chamber lose their progressiveness resulting in the creation of standing waves.
  • the creation of such standing waves prevents the electromagnetic energy of the waves from becoming heat, which significantly reduces the efficiency of such a device.
  • the cylindrical shape of the drum does not allow the mixing of the waves which generates wall effects. These wall effects cause the appearance of areas with little or no heating which generates a heterogeneity of the temperature and, consequently, a heterogeneity of the heating and, therefore, of the treatment, of the material.
  • the present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.
  • This invention also relates to a method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves, this method being implemented by the device described above.
  • This method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by a flat surface of the enclosure and by a side drum, parallel at such a flat surface, this when the drum is stationary relative to the enclosure.
  • this method can also consist, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum about its axis and relative to the enclosure and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the modules application of microwaves, microwaves within the spacing defined between this chamber and this drum.
  • the invention relates to a heat treatment device comprising, on the one hand, a drum with a plurality of sides, on the other hand, an enclosure with flat surfaces parallel to these sides and, secondly, microwave application modules that introduce microwaves within the spacing defined between this drum and this enclosure.
  • Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible for the microwaves introduced into the spacing to maintain their progressivity and thus to avoid the formation of standing waves which would prevent the electromagnetic energy of these waves from turning into heat.
  • Preserving the progressivity of the microwaves makes it possible, advantageously, for the electromagnetic energy of these microwaves to be converted into heat so that the efficiency of the device according to the invention is considerably greater than that of the devices of the invention. state of the art.
  • This configuration also makes it possible to ensure operation of the device in monomode, without resorting to mechanical means for stirring the waves.
  • the drum adopts the shape of a prism having a plurality of sides and that the enclosure has a plurality of planar surfaces each extending parallel to such a side of the drum.
  • the sides of the drum and the flat surfaces of the enclosure then form an angle between them.
  • the presence of these angles, these sides and these flat surfaces advantageously allows the microwaves to be better reflected and more efficient than in a Cylinder of the state of the art where microwaves have no angle and experience a sliding effect.
  • the drum of the device can be fixed in the configuration described above (sides of the drum and flat faces of the parallel enclosure) and with the advantages mentioned above.
  • this drum can also be rotatable about its axis.
  • this drum is rotating, it is advantageously a wave stirrer for operation of the multimode device.
  • drum and carrier are disassociated and movable independently of one another and / or at a different speed from each other.
  • the characteristics of the device according to the invention advantageously make it possible to diversify the products that can be treated thermally but also to diversify the fields of application of the microwave treatment, this with respect to the devices of the state of the art. .
  • this new device allows drying, debacterization, disinsectisation, extraction of active products, sterilization, pasteurization (including liquids), dehydration, lyophilization, shaping (especially bending, by example of wood), gluing, coating, pre-vulcanization, sintering, demineralization, welding, polymerization, forming, molding (vacuum or pressure), the processing of foodstuffs (cereals, fruits, tea ).
  • the present invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.
  • microwaves also known as microwaves
  • this frequency is usually 2450 MHz and, on the other hand, and in the United States, this frequency is usually 915 MHz.
  • the invention relates to a device 1 for heat treatment of products by microwaves.
  • Such a device 1 comprises, on the one hand, an enclosure 2, substantially constituting a heating body, and, on the other hand, a drum 3, extending along an axis 30, and at least a portion of which is mounted to inside said enclosure 2.
  • This device 1 comprises, again, a spacing 4 defined between the enclosure 2 and the drum 3.
  • Said device 1 also comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated.
  • this device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6 for the products to be treated, such module 6 being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing 4.
  • the drum 3 adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis 30 of the drum 3, and comprising a plurality of sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • said drum 3 comprises at least six sides (drum in the form of a hexagonal prism).
  • this drum 3 comprises at least eight sides (drum in the form of an octagonal prism), or even ten sides (drum in the form of a decagonal prism).
  • this drum 3 is rotatable about its axis 30. This characteristic advantageously allows the waves to be stirred inside the spacing 4.
  • the device 1 then comprises means for controlling the rotation of this drum 3.
  • these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said drum 3 a determined rotational speed, more particularly adapted to the need for heat treatment of the products.
  • drum 3 is made of a microwave reflective material and / or non-transparent to microwaves.
  • such a drum 3 may be made of stainless steel or of a metal reflecting microwaves and / or non-transparent to microwaves.
  • this drum 3 can also be made of glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrex") loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite) because of possible flashes with metal particles that may be in the products to be treated.
  • glass in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrex” loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite
  • such a material glass, quartz, composite
  • metal may be supplemented by a glass layer to prevent oxidation.
  • the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2.
  • this chamber 2 has, internally, a plurality of flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented towards one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.
  • the plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 are each oriented towards one side (31; 31'; 31") distinct from the drum 3 and are parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ").
  • Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to define a volume of parallelepipedal shape between a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.
  • microwaves are likely to move while maintaining their progressiveness and avoiding the formation of standing waves.
  • a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and such a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 advantageously and in combination constitute an oversized waveguide .
  • the device 1 according to the invention may also comprise a positioning means which advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the parallelism between the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3 and the flat surfaces. (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2.
  • said enclosure 2 comprises a plurality of elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") juxtaposed each having one of the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") as aforesaid and oriented towards one (31; 31';31") of the sides of the drum 3.
  • These elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum 3, more particularly arranged to surround at least a portion of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.
  • these elements are arranged in an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the axis 30 of the drum 3. Said enclosure 2 then adopts a shape in "C” or in "U”.
  • a preferred embodiment is that such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") is constituted by a flat plate.
  • At least one such element 21 is movable relative to at least one other element 21 ', especially juxtaposed.
  • such an element 21 can then be articulated with respect to another element 21 'juxtaposed, more particularly articulated at a transverse end of this other juxtaposed element 21'.
  • Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to tilt this element 21, on the one hand, in a direction opposite to that of the drum 3, so as to allow the exit of this drum 3 from said enclosure 2 (in particular for maintenance or replacement of the drum 3) and, secondly, in the direction of the drum 3 (especially after its introduction inside the chamber 2) so that the flat surface 20 of this element 21 is parallel to a side 31 of the drum 3.
  • the enclosure 2 can be made in two parts movable relative to each other, in particular by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3 as will be described below.
  • Each part of this chamber 2 comprises, then, a part of these elements 21 while the other part of this chamber 2 comprises the other part of these elements 21 '.
  • the elements 21 (which this part of enclosure 2 comprises) move relative to the other elements 21 '(that includes other part of this enclosure 2).
  • said enclosure 2 can then advantageously surround all the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3.
  • Such a chamber 2 is, more particularly, suitable for the treatment of fluid products , especially liquids.
  • the enclosure 2 has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented toward one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.
  • the drum 3 can be immobilized relative to said chamber 2 in such a position. This position can be guaranteed by the aforementioned positioning means.
  • this drum 3 is rotatably mounted inside this chamber 2 so that, during such a rotation, the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3 form then an angle with the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2. This results in a stirring of the waves within the spacing 4 between the sides (31; 31'; ") of this drum 3 and the flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20") of the enclosure 2.
  • the device 1 comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated at least within this spacing 4.
  • such a support 5 is made of a material that is transparent to microwaves, more particularly a glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex) or a polymer, more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).
  • a glass in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex
  • a polymer more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).
  • such a support 5 comprises, on the one hand, a cylinder 50 inside which is positioned the drum 3 (more particularly coaxially) and, on the other hand, a belt 51 positioned at the periphery of said cylinder 50, this so as to define with this cylinder 50 a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.
  • Such a belt 51 can be configured in a circular arc coaxial with said cylinder 50.
  • the device 1 has means for adjusting the distance of the belt 51 from the cylinder 50.
  • such a support 5 may comprise a coil (in particular made of a fluoropolymer as mentioned above) wound around the drum 3 and within which a fluid may circulate.
  • this support 5 may also comprise straight tubes (in particular glass) fitted to said drum 3.
  • this support 5 comprises a completely closed circular reactor (capable of working under vacuum or in pressure), again equipping said drum 3.
  • a reactor may, advantageously, be completed by a cooling system.
  • Another feature of the invention is that at least a portion of the support 5 is movable around the drum 3 or with this drum 3, more particularly around the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • the device 1 then comprises means for controlling the movement of this support 5.
  • these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said support 5 a determined speed, more particularly adapted to the duration of the treatment of the products to be treated.
  • the device 1 comprises a drum 3 mounted to rotate about its axis 30.
  • this drum 3 and the support 5 are dissociated and are movable (more particularly in rotation), this independently of one another and / or with a speed (more particularly of rotation) different from each other.
  • Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to set the support 5 in motion and, depending on the products to be treated, either to keep the drum 3 stationary (more particularly in a configuration as described above), or to set this drum in motion. 3 (in particular at a speed different from that of said support 5).
  • At least the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to at least a part of the enclosure 2.
  • Such sliding takes place, preferably, in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3.
  • the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to the chamber 2 which comprises at least articulated element 21 (tilting) as mentioned above, this to allow the opening of the chamber 2 and the extraction of the drum 3 and the support 3 from this enclosure 2.
  • the drum 5, the support 5 and a part of the enclosure 2 are slidable relative to another part of this enclosure 2.
  • the device 1 comprises, on the one hand, a fixed frame part on which is mounted at least a portion of said enclosure 2 and, secondly, a moving frame portion (more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3) relative to the fixed part of this frame and on which are mounted at least said drum 3 and said support 5 (or even another part of the enclosure 2).
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible, advantageously, to move the assembly constituted by the drum 3 and the support 5 (or even by a part of the enclosure 2), this with respect to at least a part of said enclosure 2.
  • such displacement can be provided in order to perform a maintenance operation on this set and / or a replacement of this set and / or a modification of this set.
  • the device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6.
  • this or these microwave application modules 6 each comprise a waveguide 60, on the one hand, extending in the direction of the spacing 4 defined between the drum 3 and the enclosure 2 and, on the other hand, designed to introduce, within this spacing 4, microwaves in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the products to be treated (this within this spacing 4 ) and / or in a direction parallel to one (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the flat surfaces of the enclosure 2.
  • such a waveguide 60 has a section in the shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangle.
  • microwave application module 6 (more particularly the waveguide 60 that includes such a module 6) is mounted on the enclosure 2, more particularly on an element (21 21 ', 21 ") which comprises the chamber 2, this on the opposite side to that oriented in the direction of the drum 3.
  • Such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") then comprises an opening 22 for the passage of the waves and at the right of which is mounted the microwave application module 6, more particularly the waveguide 60 that comprises it.
  • such a module 6 is mounted on an element (21 '; 21 "; 21) which is juxtaposed with an element (21; 21'; 21") of the enclosure 2 delimiting (with a side 31 of the drum 3 parallel to the plane surface 20 of this element 21) a volume inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves and / or having the plane surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") parallel to the direction in which the module 6 introduces the microwaves into the spacing 4.
  • Such a module 6 comprises at least one microwave source 61, more particularly in the form of a magnetron or the like.
  • the device 1 (more particularly the enclosure 2) comprises, upstream and / or downstream of the microwave application module or modules 6, at least one means 7. to trap the waves.
  • such a means 7 for trapping the waves is constituted by a cavity extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3, opening towards the inside of the chamber 2, and having an omega-shaped section.
  • the device 1 may comprise, upstream of a microwave application module 6, such means 7 for trapping the waves emitted in particular by another microwave application module.
  • each flat surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the enclosure 2 delimits, with one side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 which is parallel to this flat surface (20 20 ', 20 "), a volume within which a microwave application module 6 introduces the microwaves.
  • the means 7 for trapping the waves introduced into such a volume by a microwave application module 6 is positioned downstream of this module 6 and on the side of this volume opposite the volume by which the waves are introduced into this volume by this module 6.
  • Such a means 7 for trapping the waves is interposed between two plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") that comprises the enclosure 2, more particularly two plane surfaces (20; 20'; ") juxtaposed.
  • such a means 7 is more particularly interposed between two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") mentioned above, which the enclosure 2 comprises, and which comprise such a flat surface ( 20, 20 ', 20 ").
  • the device 1 comprises, then, at least one piece for connecting two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") that the enclosure 2 comprises, such a part comprising the cavity constituting the means 7 for trap the waves.
  • Such a means 7 for trapping the waves makes it possible to allocate to each microwave application module 6 a volume (as described above) inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves. .
  • a module 6 comprises, thus, its own operating chamber.
  • the device 1 comprises means for managing its operation.
  • these means for managing enable control of the power of the modules 6, the movement of the support 5, the holding at a standstill (for use in monomode of the device 1) or the movement (for multimode use of the device 1 ) of the drum 3.
  • the invention also relates to a method of heat treatment of products by microwaves.
  • this method is implemented by the device 1 described above.
  • this method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules 6, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by one of the plane surfaces (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the chamber 2 and one of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3, parallel to such a flat surface (20; 20 '; 20 "), when the drum is motionless in relation to the enclosure.
  • Such a method advantageously allows operation of said device 1 in monomode.
  • the support 5 is set in motion in order to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1, more particularly inside said spacing 4.
  • the invention also relates to another method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves implemented by the device described above.
  • This other method consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum 3 around its axis 30 and with respect to the chamber 2 and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the application modules 6 microwaves, microwaves within the spacing 4 defined between the chamber 2 and the drum 3.
  • Such a method advantageously allows an operation of said device 1 in multimodes and to ensure the mixing of waves within said spacing 4.
  • the support 5 is set in motion to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1.
  • the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with different speeds.
  • This method advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, to adapt the processing time of the products (by acting on the speed of the support 5) according to the characteristics of these products and, on the other hand, to adapt as necessary heat treatment of the products (by acting on the speed of the drum 3 and, therefore, the mixing of the waves).
  • the presence of the management means advantageously makes it possible to operate the device 1 only in single mode, only in multimode, but also in multimode as well as in monomode (in particular in an alternative manner) and to switch from to each other during a treatment period.

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Description

La présente invention a trait à un dispositif de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes ainsi qu'à un procédé de traitement thermique mettant en oeuvre un tel dispositif.The present invention relates to a device for heat treatment of microwave products and to a heat treatment process using such a device.

Cette invention concerne le domaine du traitement thermique de produits mettant en oeuvre des micro-ondes.This invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.

L'on connait, d'ores et déjà, des dispositifs et des procédés permettant d'assurer un tel traitement.There are already known devices and methods for providing such treatment.

En particulier, par le document FR-2.874.473 il est décrit un procédé et un dispositif pour le traitement thermique d'un matériau souple.In particular, by the document FR-2874473 there is described a method and a device for heat treatment of a flexible material.

Ce dispositif comporte une enceinte adoptant la forme d'une portion de cylindre ainsi qu'un tambour cylindrique monté en rotation à l'intérieur de cette enceinte. Le matériau souple à traiter circule sur le tambour cylindrique, ceci entre ce tambour cylindrique et l'enceinte. Ce dispositif comporte, encore, des modules d'application de micro-ondes au matériau souple à traiter. Ces modules sont positionnés à proximité du tambour et comportent, chacun, une source de micro-ondes (plus particulièrement sous forme d'un magnétron) orientée et orientable en direction de ce tambour.This device comprises a chamber adopting the shape of a cylinder portion and a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within this chamber. The flexible material to be treated circulates on the cylindrical drum, this between this cylindrical drum and the enclosure. This device comprises, again, microwave application modules to the flexible material to be treated. These modules are positioned near the drum and each comprise a microwave source (more particularly in the form of a magnetron) oriented and orientable towards the drum.

Ce dispositif présente de nombreux inconvénients.This device has many disadvantages.

En particulier, en raison de la forme de l'enceinte, les ondes qui pénètrent à l'intérieur de cette enceinte perdent leur progressivité ce qui entraîne la création d'ondes stationnaires. La création de telles ondes stationnaires empêche l'énergie électromagnétique des ondes de se transformer en chaleur ce qui réduit notablement le rendement d'un tel dispositif.In particular, because of the shape of the speaker, the waves that penetrate inside this chamber lose their progressiveness resulting in the creation of standing waves. The creation of such standing waves prevents the electromagnetic energy of the waves from becoming heat, which significantly reduces the efficiency of such a device.

De plus et selon un autre inconvénient, la forme cylindrique du tambour ne permet aucunement le brassage des ondes ce qui génère des effets de paroi. Ces effets de paroi provoquent l'apparition de zones peu ou pas chauffées ce qui engendre une hétérogénéité de la température et, par conséquent, une hétérogénéité du chauffage et, donc, du traitement, du matériau.In addition and according to another disadvantage, the cylindrical shape of the drum does not allow the mixing of the waves which generates wall effects. These wall effects cause the appearance of areas with little or no heating which generates a heterogeneity of the temperature and, consequently, a heterogeneity of the heating and, therefore, of the treatment, of the material.

Finalement, dans le cadre d'une exploitation industrielle, les inconvénients mentionnés ci-dessus sont amplifiés et sont encore plus difficiles à maîtriser du fait du nombre et de la puissance des sources de micro-ondes (magnétrons).Finally, in the context of an industrial exploitation, the disadvantages mentioned above are amplified and are even more difficult to control because of the number and power of microwave sources (magnetrons).

La présente invention se veut de remédier aux inconvénients de dispositifs de l'état de la technique.The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes, ce dispositif comportant :

  • une enceinte ;
  • un tambour s'étendant selon un axe et dont au moins une partie est montée à l'intérieur de l'enceinte ;
  • un espacement défini entre l'enceinte et le tambour ;
  • un support, au moins en partie positionné dans ledit espacement, et conçu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits à traiter ;
  • au moins un module d'application de micro-ondes aux produits à traiter, un tel module étant conçu pour introduire des micro-ondes à l'intérieur dudit espacement.
For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for heat treatment of products by microwaves, this device comprising:
  • a speaker ;
  • a drum extending along an axis and at least a portion of which is mounted inside the enclosure;
  • a spacing defined between the enclosure and the drum;
  • a support, at least partially positioned in said spacing, and adapted to receive and transport the products to be treated;
  • at least one microwave application module to the products to be treated, such a module being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing.

Ce dispositif est caractérisé par le fait que :

  • le tambour adopte la forme d'un prisme, s'étendant selon l'axe du tambour, et comportant une pluralité de côtés s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe du tambour ;
  • l'enceinte comporte, intérieurement, une pluralité de surfaces planes chacune orientée en direction de l'un des côtés du tambour et s'étendant parallèlement à un tel côté de ce tambour.
This device is characterized by the fact that:
  • the drum adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis of the drum, and having a plurality of sides extending parallel to the axis of the drum;
  • the enclosure has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces each oriented towards one side of the drum and extending parallel to such a side of the drum.

Cette invention concerne, également, un procédé de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes, ce procédé étant mis en oeuvre par le dispositif décrit ci-dessus.This invention also relates to a method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves, this method being implemented by the device described above.

Ce procédé comporte une étape consistant à introduire, par au moins un des modules d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes à l'intérieur d'au moins un volume délimité par une surface plane de l'enceinte et par un côté du tambour, parallèle à une telle surface plane, ceci lorsque le tambour est immobile par rapport à l'enceinte.This method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by a flat surface of the enclosure and by a side drum, parallel at such a flat surface, this when the drum is stationary relative to the enclosure.

De manière alternative, ce procédé peut, aussi, consister, d'une part, à assurer la rotation du tambour autour de son axe et par rapport à l'enceinte et, d'autre part, à introduire, par au moins un des modules d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes à l'intérieur de l'espacement défini entre cette enceinte et ce tambour.Alternatively, this method can also consist, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum about its axis and relative to the enclosure and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the modules application of microwaves, microwaves within the spacing defined between this chamber and this drum.

Ainsi, l'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement thermique comportant, d'une part, un tambour avec une pluralité de côtés, d'autre part, une enceinte avec des surfaces planes parallèles à ces côtés et, d'autre part encore, des modules d'application de micro-ondes qui introduisent des micro-ondes à l'intérieur de l'espacement défini entre ce tambour et cette enceinte.Thus, the invention relates to a heat treatment device comprising, on the one hand, a drum with a plurality of sides, on the other hand, an enclosure with flat surfaces parallel to these sides and, secondly, microwave application modules that introduce microwaves within the spacing defined between this drum and this enclosure.

Une telle configuration permet, avantageusement, aux micro-ondes introduites dans l'espacement de conserver leur progressivité et, ainsi, d'éviter la formation d'ondes stationnaires qui empêcherait l'énergie électromagnétique de ces ondes de se transformer en chaleur. La conservation de la progressivité des micro-ondes permet, alors avantageusement, à l'énergie électromagnétique de ces micro-ondes de se transformer en chaleur de sorte que le rendement du dispositif selon l'invention est considérablement supérieur à celui des dispositifs de l'état de la technique.Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible for the microwaves introduced into the spacing to maintain their progressivity and thus to avoid the formation of standing waves which would prevent the electromagnetic energy of these waves from turning into heat. Preserving the progressivity of the microwaves makes it possible, advantageously, for the electromagnetic energy of these microwaves to be converted into heat so that the efficiency of the device according to the invention is considerably greater than that of the devices of the invention. state of the art.

Cette configuration permet, également, d'assurer un fonctionnement du dispositif en monomode, ceci sans avoir recours à des moyens mécaniques pour brasser les ondes.This configuration also makes it possible to ensure operation of the device in monomode, without resorting to mechanical means for stirring the waves.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce que le tambour adopte la forme d'un prisme comportant une pluralité de côtés et que l'enceinte comporte une pluralité de surfaces planes chacune s'étendant parallèlement à un tel côté du tambour. Les côtés du tambour et les surfaces planes de l'enceinte forment, alors, entre eux un angle. La présence de ces angles, de ces côtés et de ces surfaces planes permet, avantageusement, aux micro-ondes d'être mieux réfléchies et plus performantes que dans un cylindre de l'état de la technique où les micro-ondes n'ont pas de prise d'angle et subissent un effet de glissement.Another feature is that the drum adopts the shape of a prism having a plurality of sides and that the enclosure has a plurality of planar surfaces each extending parallel to such a side of the drum. The sides of the drum and the flat surfaces of the enclosure then form an angle between them. The presence of these angles, these sides and these flat surfaces advantageously allows the microwaves to be better reflected and more efficient than in a Cylinder of the state of the art where microwaves have no angle and experience a sliding effect.

Le tambour du dispositif peut être fixe dans la configuration décrite ci-dessus (côtés du tambour et faces planes de l'enceinte parallèles) et avec les avantages mentionnés ci-dessus.The drum of the device can be fixed in the configuration described above (sides of the drum and flat faces of the parallel enclosure) and with the advantages mentioned above.

Cependant, ce tambour peut, également, être mobile en rotation autour de son axe. Lorsque ce tambour est en rotation, celui-ci constitue, avantageusement, un brasseur d'ondes permettant un fonctionnement du dispositif en multimode.However, this drum can also be rotatable about its axis. When this drum is rotating, it is advantageously a wave stirrer for operation of the multimode device.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce que le tambour et le support sont dissociés et sont mobiles, ceci de manière indépendante l'un de l'autre et/ou avec une vitesse différente l'un de l'autre.Another feature is that the drum and carrier are disassociated and movable independently of one another and / or at a different speed from each other.

Ceci permet, avantageusement, d'adapter la vitesse du support (indépendamment de celle du tambour) et, par conséquent, la durée du traitement des produits que reçoit ce support au sein du dispositif en fonction des caractéristiques de ces produits (uniformité dans leur volume, hétérogénéité, composition, densité, contenance en eau...).This advantageously makes it possible to adapt the speed of the support (independently of that of the drum) and, consequently, the duration of the treatment of the products that this support receives within the device according to the characteristics of these products (uniformity in their volume , heterogeneity, composition, density, water capacity ...).

Ceci permet, également, d'adapter la vitesse du tambour (indépendamment de celle du support) qui brasse les ondes en fonction du besoin de traitement thermique des produits.This also makes it possible to adapt the speed of the drum (independently of that of the support) which mixes the waves according to the need for heat treatment of the products.

Les caractéristiques du dispositif selon l'invention permettent, avantageusement, de diversifier les produits susceptibles d'être traités thermiquement mais également de diversifier les domaines d'application du traitement par micro-ondes, ceci par rapport aux dispositifs de l'état de la technique.The characteristics of the device according to the invention advantageously make it possible to diversify the products that can be treated thermally but also to diversify the fields of application of the microwave treatment, this with respect to the devices of the state of the art. .

En particulier, ce nouveau dispositif permet le séchage, la débactérisation, la désinsectisation, l'extraction de produits actifs, la stérilisation, la pasteurisation (notamment des liquides), la déshydratation, la lyophilisation, la mise en forme (notamment le cintrage, par exemple du bois), le collage, l'enduction, la pré-vulcanisation, le frittage, la déminéralisation, la soudure, la polymérisation, le formage , le moulage (à vide ou en pression), le traitement des denrées alimentaires (céréales, fruits, thé...).In particular, this new device allows drying, debacterization, disinsectisation, extraction of active products, sterilization, pasteurization (including liquids), dehydration, lyophilization, shaping (especially bending, by example of wood), gluing, coating, pre-vulcanization, sintering, demineralization, welding, polymerization, forming, molding (vacuum or pressure), the processing of foodstuffs (cereals, fruits, tea ...).

D'autres buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront au cours de la description qui va suivre se rapportant à des modes de réalisation qui ne sont donnés qu'à titre d'exemples indicatifs et non limitatifs.Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description relating to embodiments which are given by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

La compréhension de cette description sera facilitée en se référant aux dessins joints en annexe et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématisée et en perspective du dispositif conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématisée et en perspective, d'une part, d'une enceinte et, d'autre part, d'un ensemble, constitué par le tambour et le support, que comporte le dispositif selon l'invention, et dont au moins une partie est montée à l'intérieur de l'enceinte.
The understanding of this description will be facilitated by reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view, on the one hand, of an enclosure and, on the other hand, of an assembly constituted by the drum and the support, which comprises the device according to the invention, and of which at least a part is mounted inside the enclosure.

La présente invention concerne le domaine du traitement thermique de produits mettant en oeuvre des micro-ondes.The present invention relates to the field of heat treatment of products using microwaves.

Ces micro-ondes, encore appelées hyperfréquences, occupent une plage de 300MHz à 30GHz. A ce propos, on observera que, d'une part et en France, cette fréquence est usuellement de 2450MHz et, d'autre part et aux Etats Unis, cette fréquence est usuellement de 915MHz.These microwaves, also known as microwaves, occupy a range of 300MHz to 30GHz. In this respect, it will be observed that, on the one hand and in France, this frequency is usually 2450 MHz and, on the other hand, and in the United States, this frequency is usually 915 MHz.

L'invention concerne, alors un dispositif 1 de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes.The invention relates to a device 1 for heat treatment of products by microwaves.

Un tel dispositif 1 comporte, d'une part, une enceinte 2, constituant substantiellement un corps de chauffe, et, d'autre part, un tambour 3, s'étendant selon un axe 30, et dont au moins une partie est montée à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte 2.Such a device 1 comprises, on the one hand, an enclosure 2, substantially constituting a heating body, and, on the other hand, a drum 3, extending along an axis 30, and at least a portion of which is mounted to inside said enclosure 2.

Ce dispositif 1 comporte, encore, un espacement 4 défini entre l'enceinte 2 et le tambour 3.This device 1 comprises, again, a spacing 4 defined between the enclosure 2 and the drum 3.

Ledit dispositif 1 comporte, aussi, un support 5, au moins en partie positionné dans ledit espacement 4, et conçu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits à traiter.Said device 1 also comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated.

Finalement, ce dispositif 1 comporte au moins un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes aux produits à traiter, un tel module 6 étant conçu pour introduire des micro-ondes à l'intérieur dudit espacement 4.Finally, this device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6 for the products to be treated, such module 6 being designed to introduce microwaves within said spacing 4.

Selon l'invention, le tambour 3 adopte la forme d'un prisme, s'étendant selon l'axe 30 du tambour 3, et comportant une pluralité de côtés (31, 31', 31") s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe 30 du tambour 3.According to the invention, the drum 3 adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis 30 of the drum 3, and comprising a plurality of sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que ledit tambour 3 comporte au moins six côtés (tambour sous forme d'un prisme hexagonal).In this regard, it will be observed that said drum 3 comprises at least six sides (drum in the form of a hexagonal prism).

Cependant et selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, ce tambour 3 comporte au moins huit côtés (tambour sous forme d'un prisme octogonal), voire dix côtés (tambour sous forme d'un prisme décagonal).However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this drum 3 comprises at least eight sides (drum in the form of an octagonal prism), or even ten sides (drum in the form of a decagonal prism).

En fait de bons résultats sont obtenus pour un tambour 3 qui comporte huit côtés (31, 31', 31") et qui a été illustré dans les figures en annexe.In fact, good results are obtained for a drum 3 which has eight sides (31, 31 ', 31 ") and which has been illustrated in the appended figures.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce que ce tambour 3 est mobile en rotation autour de son axe 30. Cette caractéristique permet, avantageusement, de brasser les ondes à l'intérieur de l'espacement 4.Another feature is that this drum 3 is rotatable about its axis 30. This characteristic advantageously allows the waves to be stirred inside the spacing 4.

Le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, des moyens pour commander la rotation de ce tambour 3. En particulier, ces moyens pour commander comportent un moyen pour conférer audit tambour 3 une vitesse de rotation déterminée, plus particulièrement adaptée au besoin de traitement thermique des produits.The device 1 then comprises means for controlling the rotation of this drum 3. In particular, these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said drum 3 a determined rotational speed, more particularly adapted to the need for heat treatment of the products.

Une caractéristique additionnelle consiste en ce que le tambour 3 est réalisé en un matériau réfléchissant les micro-ondes et/ou non transparent aux micro-ondes.An additional feature is that the drum 3 is made of a microwave reflective material and / or non-transparent to microwaves.

En particulier, un tel tambour 3 peut être réalisé en inox ou en un métal réfléchissant les micro-ondes et/ou non transparent aux micro-ondes. Cependant et selon un mode de réalisation préféré, ce tambour 3 peut, encore, être réalisé en verre (notamment un verre connu sous la dénomination commerciale « pyrex ») chargé en métal (notamment en inox), en quartz chargé en métal (notamment en inox), en matériau composite réfléchissant les ondes (notamment un matériau composite chargé en métal, par exemple en inox) ce qui permet, avantageusement, d'éviter tout adhérence du produit à traiter sur le tambour 3 pendant le traitement mais également de proposer un matériau (verre, quartz, composite) moins dangereux à cause des flashs possibles avec des particules métalliques qui peuvent se trouver dans les produits à traiter.In particular, such a drum 3 may be made of stainless steel or of a metal reflecting microwaves and / or non-transparent to microwaves. However, according to a preferred embodiment, this drum 3 can also be made of glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name "Pyrex") loaded with metal (in particular stainless steel), quartz loaded with metal (especially stainless steel), composite material reflecting the waves (in particular a composite material loaded with metal, for example stainless steel) which advantageously allows, to avoid any adhesion of the product to be treated on the drum 3 during the treatment but also to provide a less dangerous material (glass, quartz, composite) because of possible flashes with metal particles that may be in the products to be treated.

De plus, un tel matériau (verre, quartz, composite) chargé en métal peut être complété par une couche de verre permettant d'éviter toute oxydation.In addition, such a material (glass, quartz, composite) loaded with metal may be supplemented by a glass layer to prevent oxidation.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte une enceinte 2.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 2.

Selon l'invention, cette enceinte 2 comporte, intérieurement, une pluralité de surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") chacune orientée en direction de l'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des côtés du tambour 3 et s'étendant parallèlement à un tel côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3.According to the invention, this chamber 2 has, internally, a plurality of flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented towards one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 sont orientées, chacune, en direction d'un côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") distinct du tambour 3 et sont parallèles à un tel côté (31 ; 31' ; 31").In this regard, it will be observed that the plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 are each oriented towards one side (31; 31'; 31") distinct from the drum 3 and are parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ").

Une telle caractéristique permet, avantageusement, de définir un volume de forme parallélépipédique entre une surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et un côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3. Dans un tel volume parallélépipédique, les micro-ondes sont susceptibles de se déplacer tout en conservant leur progressivité et en évitant la formation d'ondes stationnaires. En fait, une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et un tel côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 constituent, avantageusement et en combinaison, un guide d'onde surdimensionné.Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to define a volume of parallelepipedal shape between a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3. In a such parallelepipedic volume, microwaves are likely to move while maintaining their progressiveness and avoiding the formation of standing waves. In fact, such a plane surface (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2 and such a side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 advantageously and in combination constitute an oversized waveguide .

A ce propos, on observera le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention peut, encore, comporter un moyen de positionnement permettant, avantageusement, de garantir le parallélisme entre les côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 et les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2.In this regard, the device 1 according to the invention may also comprise a positioning means which advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the parallelism between the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3 and the flat surfaces. (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, ladite enceinte 2 comporte une pluralité d'éléments (21 ; 21' ; 21") juxtaposés comportant, chacun, une des surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") telle que susmentionnée et orientée en direction d'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des côtés du tambour 3.According to another characteristic of the invention, said enclosure 2 comprises a plurality of elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") juxtaposed each having one of the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") as aforesaid and oriented towards one (31; 31';31") of the sides of the drum 3.

Ces éléments (21 ; 21' ; 21") sont agencés en sorte d'entourer au moins partiellement le tambour 3, plus particulièrement agencés pour entourer au moins une partie des côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3.These elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum 3, more particularly arranged to surround at least a portion of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3.

Tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, ces éléments (21 ; 21' ; 21") sont agencés selon un arc de cercle dont le centre est confondu avec l'axe 30 du tambour 3. Ladite enceinte 2 adopte, alors, une forme en « C » ou en « U ».As can be seen in the appended figures, these elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") are arranged in an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the axis 30 of the drum 3. Said enclosure 2 then adopts a shape in "C" or in "U".

Un mode préféré de réalisation consiste en ce qu'un tel élément (21 ; 21' ; 21") est constitué par une plaque plane.A preferred embodiment is that such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") is constituted by a flat plate.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce qu'au moins un tel élément 21 est mobile par rapport à au moins un autre élément 21', notamment juxtaposé.Another feature is that at least one such element 21 is movable relative to at least one other element 21 ', especially juxtaposed.

En fait et selon un premier mode de réalisation, un tel élément 21 peut, alors, être monté articulé par rapport à un autre élément 21' juxtaposé, plus particulièrement articulé à une extrémité transversale de cet autre élément juxtaposé 21'.In fact and according to a first embodiment, such an element 21 can then be articulated with respect to another element 21 'juxtaposed, more particularly articulated at a transverse end of this other juxtaposed element 21'.

Un tel mode de réalisation permet, avantageusement, d'assurer un basculement de cet élément 21, d'une part, dans une direction opposée à celle du tambour 3 de manière à autoriser la sortie de ce tambour 3 hors de ladite enceinte 2 (notamment en vue d'un entretien ou d'un remplacement de ce tambour 3) et, d'autre part, en direction de ce tambour 3 (notamment après son introduction à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 2) pour que la surface plane 20 de cet élément 21 soit parallèle à un côté 31 du tambour 3.Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to tilt this element 21, on the one hand, in a direction opposite to that of the drum 3, so as to allow the exit of this drum 3 from said enclosure 2 (in particular for maintenance or replacement of the drum 3) and, secondly, in the direction of the drum 3 (especially after its introduction inside the chamber 2) so that the flat surface 20 of this element 21 is parallel to a side 31 of the drum 3.

Cependant et selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'enceinte 2 peut être réalisée en deux parties mobiles l'une par rapport à l'autre, notamment par coulissement selon une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe 30 du tambour 3 comme il se sera décrit ci-dessous. Chaque partie de cette enceinte 2 comporte, alors, une partie de ces éléments 21 tandis que l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2 comporte l'autre partie de ces éléments 21'. Ainsi, en cas de déplacement d'une partie de cette enceinte 2 par rapport à l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2, les éléments 21 (que comporte cette partie d'enceinte 2) se déplacent par rapport aux autres éléments 21' (que comporte l'autre partie de cette enceinte 2). Conformément à cet autre mode de réalisation, ladite enceinte 2 peut, alors avantageusement, entourer l'ensemble des côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3. Une telle enceinte 2 est, plus particulièrement, adaptée au traitement de produits fluides, notamment liquides.However, according to another embodiment, the enclosure 2 can be made in two parts movable relative to each other, in particular by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3 as will be described below. Each part of this chamber 2 comprises, then, a part of these elements 21 while the other part of this chamber 2 comprises the other part of these elements 21 '. So, in case of displacement of a part of this chamber 2 with respect to the other part of this chamber 2, the elements 21 (which this part of enclosure 2 comprises) move relative to the other elements 21 '(that includes other part of this enclosure 2). According to this other embodiment, said enclosure 2 can then advantageously surround all the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of the drum 3. Such a chamber 2 is, more particularly, suitable for the treatment of fluid products , especially liquids.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, l'enceinte 2 comporte, intérieurement, une pluralité de surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") chacune orientée en direction de l'un (31 ; 31' ; 31") des côtés du tambour 3 et s'étendant parallèlement à un tel côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3.As mentioned above, the enclosure 2 has, internally, a plurality of planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") each oriented toward one (31; 31'; 31") of the sides of the drum 3 and extending parallel to such a side (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que le tambour 3 peut être immobilisé par rapport à ladite enceinte 2 dans une telle position. Cette position peut être garantie par le moyen de positionnement susmentionné.In this regard, it will be observed that the drum 3 can be immobilized relative to said chamber 2 in such a position. This position can be guaranteed by the aforementioned positioning means.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce que ce tambour 3 est monté en rotation à l'intérieur de cette enceinte 2 de sorte que, au cours d'une telle rotation, les côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3 forment alors un angle avec les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2. Il en résulte un brassage des ondes à l'intérieur de l'espacement 4, ceci entre les côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") de ce tambour 3 et les surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2.Another characteristic is that this drum 3 is rotatably mounted inside this chamber 2 so that, during such a rotation, the sides (31; 31 '; 31 ") of this drum 3 form then an angle with the planar surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the enclosure 2. This results in a stirring of the waves within the spacing 4 between the sides (31; 31'; ") of this drum 3 and the flat surfaces (20; 20 '; 20") of the enclosure 2.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte un support 5, au moins en partie positionné dans ledit espacement 4, et conçu pour recevoir et pour transporter les produits à traiter au moins à l'intérieur de cet espacement 4.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a support 5, at least partially positioned in said spacing 4, and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated at least within this spacing 4.

En fait, un tel support 5 est réalisé en un matériau transparent aux micro-ondes, plus particulièrement en un verre (notamment un verre connu sous la dénomination commerciale de pyrex) ou en un polymère, plus particulièrement un polymère fluoré (notamment du polytétrafluoroéthylène usuellement connu sous la dénomination commerciale de téflon).In fact, such a support 5 is made of a material that is transparent to microwaves, more particularly a glass (in particular a glass known under the trade name pyrex) or a polymer, more particularly a fluorinated polymer (especially polytetrafluoroethylene usually known under the trade name Teflon).

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier illustré figure 2, un tel support 5 comporte, d'une part, un cylindre 50 à l'intérieur duquel est positionné le tambour 3 (plus particulièrement de manière coaxiale) et, d'autre part, un tapis 51 positionné en périphérie dudit cylindre 50, ceci en sorte de définir avec ce cylindre 50 une cavité pour la réception des produits à traiter.According to a particular embodiment illustrated figure 2 , such a support 5 comprises, on the one hand, a cylinder 50 inside which is positioned the drum 3 (more particularly coaxially) and, on the other hand, a belt 51 positioned at the periphery of said cylinder 50, this so as to define with this cylinder 50 a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.

On observera qu'un tel tapis 51 peut être configuré en arc de cercle coaxial audit cylindre 50.It will be observed that such a belt 51 can be configured in a circular arc coaxial with said cylinder 50.

Une caractéristique additionnelle concerne le fait que le dispositif 1 comporte des moyens pour régler la distance du tapis 51 par rapport au cylindre 50.An additional feature is that the device 1 has means for adjusting the distance of the belt 51 from the cylinder 50.

Un autre mode de réalisation non représenté consiste en ce qu'un tel support 5 peut comporter un serpentin (notamment réalisé en un polymère fluoré tel que susmentionné) enroulé autour du tambour 3 et à l'intérieur duquel peut circuler un fluide.Another embodiment not shown is that such a support 5 may comprise a coil (in particular made of a fluoropolymer as mentioned above) wound around the drum 3 and within which a fluid may circulate.

Encore un autre mode de réalisation consiste en ce que ce support 5 peut, aussi, comporter des tubes droits (notamment en verre) équipant ledit tambour 3.Yet another embodiment is that this support 5 may also comprise straight tubes (in particular glass) fitted to said drum 3.

Finalement, un autre mode de réalisation peut encore consister en ce que ce support 5 comporte un réacteur circulaire complètement fermé (susceptible de travailler à vide ou en pression), là encore équipant ledit tambour 3. Un tel réacteur peut, avantageusement, être complété par un système de refroidissement.Finally, another embodiment may also consist in the fact that this support 5 comprises a completely closed circular reactor (capable of working under vacuum or in pressure), again equipping said drum 3. Such a reactor may, advantageously, be completed by a cooling system.

Ces serpentin, tubes et réacteur circulaire permettent, avantageusement, d'assurer le traitement de produits sous forme de fluides.These coil, tubes and circular reactor advantageously allow the treatment of products in the form of fluids.

Une autre caractéristique de l'invention consiste en ce qu'au moins une partie du support 5 est mobile autour du tambour 3 ou avec ce tambour 3, plus particulièrement autour de l'axe 30 du tambour 3.Another feature of the invention is that at least a portion of the support 5 is movable around the drum 3 or with this drum 3, more particularly around the axis 30 of the drum 3.

A ce propos, on observera que c'est, plus particulièrement, le cylindre 50 et/ou le tapis 51 que comporte ce support 5 qui sont, alors, mobiles en rotation, ceci autour de l'axe 30 du tambour 3.In this connection, it will be observed that it is, more particularly, the cylinder 50 and / or the belt 51 that comprises this support 5 which are then movable in rotation, this around the axis 30 of the drum 3.

Le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, des moyens pour commander le mouvement de ce support 5. En particulier, ces moyens pour commander comportent un moyen pour conférer audit support 5 une vitesse déterminée, plus particulièrement adaptée à la durée du traitement des produits à traiter.The device 1 then comprises means for controlling the movement of this support 5. In particular, these means for controlling comprise means for conferring on said support 5 a determined speed, more particularly adapted to the duration of the treatment of the products to be treated.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte un tambour 3 monté en rotation autour de son axe 30.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises a drum 3 mounted to rotate about its axis 30.

Aussi et selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, ce tambour 3 et le support 5 sont dissociés et sont mobiles (plus particulièrement en rotation), ceci de manière indépendante l'un de l'autre et/ou avec une vitesse (plus particulièrement de rotation) différente l'un de l'autre.Also and according to another characteristic of the invention, this drum 3 and the support 5 are dissociated and are movable (more particularly in rotation), this independently of one another and / or with a speed (more particularly of rotation) different from each other.

Une telle caractéristique permet, avantageusement, de mettre en mouvement le support 5 et, selon les produits à traiter, soit de maintenir le tambour 3 immobile (plus particulièrement dans une configuration telle que décrite ci-dessus), soit de mettre en mouvement ce tambour 3 (notamment à une vitesse différente de celle dudit support 5).Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to set the support 5 in motion and, depending on the products to be treated, either to keep the drum 3 stationary (more particularly in a configuration as described above), or to set this drum in motion. 3 (in particular at a speed different from that of said support 5).

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce qu'au moins le tambour 3 et le support 5 sont coulissants par rapport à au moins une partie de l'enceinte 2.Another feature is that at least the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to at least a part of the enclosure 2.

Un tel coulissement s'opère, de préférence, selon une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe 30 du tambour 3.Such sliding takes place, preferably, in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, le tambour 3 et le support 5 sont coulissants par rapport à l'enceinte 2 laquelle comporte au moins élément 21 articulé (basculant) tel que susmentionné, ceci pour permettre l'ouverture de l'enceinte 2 et l'extraction du tambour 3 et du support 3 hors de cette enceinte 2.According to a first embodiment, the drum 3 and the support 5 are slidable relative to the chamber 2 which comprises at least articulated element 21 (tilting) as mentioned above, this to allow the opening of the chamber 2 and the extraction of the drum 3 and the support 3 from this enclosure 2.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, le tambour 5, le support 5 et une partie de l'enceinte 2 sont coulissants par rapport à une autre partie de cette enceinte 2.According to a second embodiment, the drum 5, the support 5 and a part of the enclosure 2 are slidable relative to another part of this enclosure 2.

Afin de permettre un tel coulissement, le dispositif 1 comporte, d'une part, une partie de châssis fixe sur laquelle est montée au moins une partie de ladite enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, une partie de châssis mobile (plus particulièrement selon une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe 30 du tambour 3) par rapport à la partie fixe de ce châssis et sur laquelle sont montés au moins ledit tambour 3 et ledit support 5 (voire encore une autre partie de l'enceinte 2).In order to allow such sliding, the device 1 comprises, on the one hand, a fixed frame part on which is mounted at least a portion of said enclosure 2 and, secondly, a moving frame portion (more particularly in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 of the drum 3) relative to the fixed part of this frame and on which are mounted at least said drum 3 and said support 5 (or even another part of the enclosure 2).

Une telle caractéristique permet, alors, avantageusement, de déplacer l'ensemble constitué par le tambour 3 et le support 5 (voire encore par une partie de l'enceinte 2), ceci par rapport à au moins une partie de ladite enceinte 2. Un tel déplacement peut être assuré afin de procéder à une opération de maintenance sur cet ensemble et/ou à un remplacement de cet ensemble et/ou à une modification de cet ensemble.Such a characteristic makes it possible, advantageously, to move the assembly constituted by the drum 3 and the support 5 (or even by a part of the enclosure 2), this with respect to at least a part of said enclosure 2. such displacement can be provided in order to perform a maintenance operation on this set and / or a replacement of this set and / or a modification of this set.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, le dispositif 1 comporte au moins un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes.As mentioned above, the device 1 comprises at least one microwave application module 6.

Selon l'invention, ce ou ces modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes comportent, chacun, un guide d'onde 60, d'une part, s'étendant en direction de l'espacement 4 défini entre le tambour 3 et l'enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, conçu pour introduire, à l'intérieur de cet espacement 4, des micro-ondes selon une direction correspondant à la direction du déplacement des produits à traiter (ceci à l'intérieur de cet espacement 4) et/ou selon une direction parallèle à une (20 ; 20' ; 20") des surfaces planes de l'enceinte 2.According to the invention, this or these microwave application modules 6 each comprise a waveguide 60, on the one hand, extending in the direction of the spacing 4 defined between the drum 3 and the enclosure 2 and, on the other hand, designed to introduce, within this spacing 4, microwaves in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the products to be treated (this within this spacing 4 ) and / or in a direction parallel to one (20; 20 '; 20 ") of the flat surfaces of the enclosure 2.

Tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, un tel guide d'onde 60 présente une section en forme de parallélépipède, notamment rectangle.As can be seen in the appended figures, such a waveguide 60 has a section in the shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangle.

Une caractéristique additionnelle consiste en ce qu'un tel module 6 d'application de micro-ondes (plus particulièrement le guide d'onde 60 que comporte un tel module 6) est monté sur l'enceinte 2, plus particulièrement sur un élément (21 ; 21' ; 21") que comporte l'enceinte 2, ceci du côté opposé à celui orienté en direction du tambour 3.An additional feature is that such a microwave application module 6 (more particularly the waveguide 60 that includes such a module 6) is mounted on the enclosure 2, more particularly on an element (21 21 ', 21 ") which comprises the chamber 2, this on the opposite side to that oriented in the direction of the drum 3.

Un tel élément (21 ; 21' ; 21") comporte, alors, une ouverture 22 pour le passage des ondes et au droit de laquelle est monté le module 6 d'application des micro-ondes 6, plus particulièrement le guide d'onde 60 que comporte celui-ci.Such an element (21; 21 '; 21 ") then comprises an opening 22 for the passage of the waves and at the right of which is mounted the microwave application module 6, more particularly the waveguide 60 that comprises it.

En fait, un tel module 6 est monté sur un élément (21' ; 21"; 21) qui est juxtaposé à un élément (21 ; 21' ; 21") de l'enceinte 2 délimitant (avec un côté 31 du tambour 3 parallèle à la surface plane 20 de cet élément 21) un volume à l'intérieur duquel ce module 6 introduit les micro-ondes et/ou comportant la surface plane (20 ; 20', 20") parallèle à la direction selon laquelle le module 6 introduit les micro-ondes dans l'espacement 4.In fact, such a module 6 is mounted on an element (21 '; 21 "; 21) which is juxtaposed with an element (21; 21'; 21") of the enclosure 2 delimiting (with a side 31 of the drum 3 parallel to the plane surface 20 of this element 21) a volume inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves and / or having the plane surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") parallel to the direction in which the module 6 introduces the microwaves into the spacing 4.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce qu'un tel module 6 comporte au moins une source de micro-ondes 61, plus particulièrement sous forme d'un magnétron ou analogue.Another characteristic is that such a module 6 comprises at least one microwave source 61, more particularly in the form of a magnetron or the like.

Encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention consiste en ce que le dispositif 1 (plus particulièrement l'enceinte 2) comporte, en amont et/ou en aval du ou des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, au moins un moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes.Yet another characteristic of the invention consists in that the device 1 (more particularly the enclosure 2) comprises, upstream and / or downstream of the microwave application module or modules 6, at least one means 7. to trap the waves.

En fait, un tel moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes est constitué par une cavité s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe 30 du tambour 3, débouchant vers l'intérieur de l'enceinte 2, et présentant une section en forme d'oméga.In fact, such a means 7 for trapping the waves is constituted by a cavity extending parallel to the axis 30 of the drum 3, opening towards the inside of the chamber 2, and having an omega-shaped section.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, le dispositif 1 peut comporter, en amont d'un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes, un tel moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes émises notamment par un autre module d'application de micro-ondes.According to a first embodiment, the device 1 may comprise, upstream of a microwave application module 6, such means 7 for trapping the waves emitted in particular by another microwave application module.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, chaque surface plane (20 ; 20', 20") de l'enceinte 2 délimite, avec un côté (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 qui est parallèle à cette surface plane (20 ; 20', 20"), un volume à l'intérieur duquel un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes introduit les micro-ondes.As mentioned above, each flat surface (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the enclosure 2 delimits, with one side (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3 which is parallel to this flat surface (20 20 ', 20 "), a volume within which a microwave application module 6 introduces the microwaves.

Dans un pareil cas et selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention, le moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes introduites dans un tel volume par un module 6 d'application de micro-ondes est positionné en aval de ce module 6 et du côté de ce volume opposé au côté du volume par lequel les ondes sont introduites dans ce volume par ce module 6.In such a case and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means 7 for trapping the waves introduced into such a volume by a microwave application module 6 is positioned downstream of this module 6 and on the side of this volume opposite the volume by which the waves are introduced into this volume by this module 6.

Une autre caractéristique consiste en ce qu'un tel moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes est interposé entre deux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") que comporte l'enceinte 2, plus particulièrement deux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") juxtaposées.Another characteristic is that such a means 7 for trapping the waves is interposed between two plane surfaces (20; 20 '; 20 ") that comprises the enclosure 2, more particularly two plane surfaces (20; 20'; ") juxtaposed.

En fait et tel que visible sur les figures en annexe, un tel moyen 7 est plus particulièrement interposé entre deux éléments juxtaposés (21 ; 21' ; 21") susmentionnés, que comporte l'enceinte 2, et qui comportent une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20").In fact and as visible in the appended figures, such a means 7 is more particularly interposed between two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") mentioned above, which the enclosure 2 comprises, and which comprise such a flat surface ( 20, 20 ', 20 ").

A ce propos, on observera que le dispositif 1 comporte, alors, au moins une pièce pour raccorder deux éléments juxtaposés (21 ; 21' ; 21") que comporte l'enceinte 2, une telle pièce comportant la cavité constituant le moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes.In this respect, it will be observed that the device 1 comprises, then, at least one piece for connecting two juxtaposed elements (21; 21 '; 21 ") that the enclosure 2 comprises, such a part comprising the cavity constituting the means 7 for trap the waves.

La présence d'un tel moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes permet d'attribuer à chaque module 6 d'application de micro-ondes un volume (tel que décrit ci-dessus) à l'intérieur duquel ce module 6 introduit les micro-ondes. Un tel module 6 comporte, ainsi, sa propre enceinte de fonctionnement.The presence of such a means 7 for trapping the waves makes it possible to allocate to each microwave application module 6 a volume (as described above) inside which this module 6 introduces the microwaves. . Such a module 6 comprises, thus, its own operating chamber.

La présence d'un tel moyen 7 pour piéger les ondes permet, également, d'empêcher la réflexion des ondes qui pourraient revenir sur les sources 61 de micro-ondes, notamment sur celle ayant émis ces micro-ondes.The presence of such a means 7 for trapping the waves also makes it possible to prevent the reflection of the waves which could return to the sources 61 of the microwaves, in particular to the one having emitted these microwaves.

Finalement, le dispositif 1 comporte des moyens pour gérer son fonctionnement. En particulier, ces moyens pour gérer permettent de commander la puissance des modules 6, le mouvement du support 5, le maintien à l'arrêt (pour une utilisation en monomode du dispositif 1) ou le mouvement (pour une utilisation en multimode du dispositif 1) du tambour 3.Finally, the device 1 comprises means for managing its operation. In particular, these means for managing enable control of the power of the modules 6, the movement of the support 5, the holding at a standstill (for use in monomode of the device 1) or the movement (for multimode use of the device 1 ) of the drum 3.

Tel que mentionné ci-dessus, l'invention concerne, également un procédé de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes.As mentioned above, the invention also relates to a method of heat treatment of products by microwaves.

Selon l'invention, ce procédé est mis en oeuvre par le dispositif 1 décrit ci-dessus.According to the invention, this method is implemented by the device 1 described above.

En particulier, ce procédé comporte une étape consistant à introduire, par au moins un des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes à l'intérieur d'au moins un volume délimité par une des surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 et par un des côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3, parallèle à une telle surface plane (20 ; 20' ; 20"), ceci lorsque le tambour est immobile par rapport à l'enceinte.In particular, this method comprises a step of introducing, by at least one of the microwave application modules 6, microwaves within at least one volume delimited by one of the plane surfaces (20; 20 ', 20 ") of the chamber 2 and one of the sides (31; 31'; 31") of the drum 3, parallel to such a flat surface (20; 20 '; 20 "), when the drum is motionless in relation to the enclosure.

A ce propos, on observera que ce procédé est mis en oeuvre lorsque les côtés (31 ; 31' ; 31") du tambour 3 sont parallèles aux surfaces planes (20 ; 20' ; 20") de l'enceinte 2 ce qui peut être garanti par le moyen de positionnement mentionné ci-dessus et que comporte le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention.In this regard, it will be observed that this method is implemented when the sides 31, 31 ', 31 "of the drum 3 are parallel to the plane surfaces 20, 20', 20" of the enclosure 2, which can be guaranteed by the positioning means mentioned above and that comprises the device 1 according to the invention.

Un tel procédé permet, avantageusement, un fonctionnement dudit dispositif 1 en monomode.Such a method advantageously allows operation of said device 1 in monomode.

Bien entendu, au cours d'un tel procédé, le support 5 est mis en mouvement afin d'assurer la circulation des produits à traiter à l'intérieur du dispositif 1, plus particulièrement à l'intérieur dudit espacement 4.Of course, during such a process, the support 5 is set in motion in order to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1, more particularly inside said spacing 4.

L'invention concerne, également, un autre procédé de traitement thermique de produits par micro-ondes mis en oeuvre par le dispositif décrit ci-dessus.The invention also relates to another method of thermal treatment of products by microwaves implemented by the device described above.

Cet autre procédé consiste, d'une part, à assurer la rotation du tambour 3 autour de son axe 30 et par rapport à l'enceinte 2 et, d'autre part, à introduire, par au moins un des modules 6 d'application de micro-ondes, des micro-ondes à l'intérieur de l'espacement 4 défini entre cette enceinte 2 et ce tambour 3.This other method consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum 3 around its axis 30 and with respect to the chamber 2 and, on the other hand, in introducing, by at least one of the application modules 6 microwaves, microwaves within the spacing 4 defined between the chamber 2 and the drum 3.

Un tel procédé permet, avantageusement, un fonctionnement dudit dispositif 1 en multimodes et d'assurer le brassage d'ondes à l'intérieur dudit espacement 4.Such a method advantageously allows an operation of said device 1 in multimodes and to ensure the mixing of waves within said spacing 4.

Là encore, le support 5 est mis en mouvement afin d'assurer la circulation des produits à traiter à l'intérieur du dispositif 1.Again, the support 5 is set in motion to ensure the circulation of the products to be treated inside the device 1.

A ce propos, on observera que, selon une première variante de ce procédé, on confère au tambour 3 et au support 5 un mouvement avec une même vitesse.In this respect, it will be observed that, according to a first variant of this method, the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with the same speed.

Cependant et selon un mode de réalisation préféré de ce procédé, on confère au tambour 3 et au support 5 un mouvement avec des vitesses différentes.However, and according to a preferred embodiment of this method, the drum 3 and the support 5 are given a movement with different speeds.

Ce procédé permet, avantageusement, d'une part, d'adapter la durée de traitement des produits (en intervenant sur la vitesse du support 5) en fonction des caractéristiques de ces produits et, d'autre part, de s'adapter au besoin de traitement thermique des produits (en intervenant sur la vitesse du tambour 3 et, donc, sur le brassage des ondes).This method advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, to adapt the processing time of the products (by acting on the speed of the support 5) according to the characteristics of these products and, on the other hand, to adapt as necessary heat treatment of the products (by acting on the speed of the drum 3 and, therefore, the mixing of the waves).

Finalement, on observera que la présence des moyens de gestion permet, avantageusement, d'assurer un fonctionnement du dispositif 1 uniquement en monomode, uniquement en multimode, mais également en multimode ainsi qu'en monomode (notamment de manière alternative) et de passer de l'un à l'autre au cours d'une période de traitement.Finally, it will be observed that the presence of the management means advantageously makes it possible to operate the device 1 only in single mode, only in multimode, but also in multimode as well as in monomode (in particular in an alternative manner) and to switch from to each other during a treatment period.

Claims (16)

  1. A device (1) for heat treating products by means of microwaves, said device including :
    - an enclosure (2) ;
    - a drum (3) extending along an axis (30) and at least a portion of which is mounted inside the enclosure (2) ;
    - a spacing (4) defined between the enclosure (2) and the drum (3);
    - a support (5), at least partly positioned in said spacing (4), and designed to receive and transport the products to be treated ;
    - at least one module (6) for applying microwaves to the products to be treated, such a module (6) being designed to introduce microwaves into said spacing (4) ;
    - wherein :
    - the drum (3) adopts the shape of a prism, extending along the axis (30) of the drum (3), and including a plurality of sides (31 ; 31' ; 31") extending parallel to the axis (30) of the drum (3) ;
    - the enclosure (2) includes internally a plurality of planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") each oriented towards one (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the sides of the drum (3) and extending parallel to such a side (31 ; 31' ; 31") of this drum (3).
  2. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drum (3) includes at least eight sides, even ten sides.
  3. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum (3) is movable in rotation about its axis (30).
  4. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (2) includes a plurality of juxtaposed elements (21 ; 21' ; 21") each including one of the planar surfaces (20; 20' ; 20") oriented towards a side (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the drum (3) and arranged so as to at least partially surround the drum (3).
  5. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one element (21) is movable with respect to at least another, namely juxtaposed, element (21').
  6. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (5) is made of a material transparent to microwaves and includes, on the one hand, a cylinder (50) inside which the drum (3) is positioned and, on the other hand, a belt (51) positioned on the periphery of the cylinder (50), so as to define with this cylinder (50) a cavity for receiving the products to be treated.
  7. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (5) includes a coil wound around the drum (3), straight tubes provided for on said drum (3) and a circular reactor provided for on said drum (3).
  8. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the support (5) is movable around the drum (3) or with this drum (3).
  9. The device for heat treating (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drum (3) and the support (5) are dissociated and are movable independently from each other and/or with a speed different from each other.
  10. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the drum (3) and the support (5) are slidable with respect to at least a portion of the enclosure (2).
  11. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module or modules (6) for applying microwaves each include a waveguide (60) extending towards the spacing (4) defined between the drum (3) and the enclosure (2) and designed to introduce microwaves into this spacing (4) in a direction corresponding to the direction of displacement of the products to be treated and/or parallel to one of the planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") of the enclosure (2).
  12. The device for heat treating (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) includes, upstream and/or downstream of the module or modules (6) for applying microwaves, at least one means (7) for trapping the waves, which the enclosure (2) includes, and which is formed of a cavity extending parallel to the axis (30) of the drum (3), ending into the inside of the enclosure (2), and having an omega-shaped cross-section.
  13. The device for heat treating (1) according to claim 12, wherein the means (7) for trapping the waves is interposed between two planar surfaces (20 ; 20'; 20"), which the enclosure (2) includes.
  14. A method for heat treating products by means of microwaves, wherein this method is implemented by means of the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and includes a step consisting in introducing, by means of at least one of the modules (6) for applying microwaves, microwaves into at least one volume delimited by one of the planar surfaces (20 ; 20' ; 20") of the enclosure (2) and through one of the sides (31 ; 31' ; 31") of the drum (3), parallel to such a planar surface (20 ; 20' ; 20"), when the drum (3) is immobile with respect to the enclosure (2).
  15. The method for heat treating products by means of microwaves, wherein this method is implemented by means of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and consists, on the one hand, in ensuring the rotation of the drum (3) about its axis (30) and with respect to the enclosure (2) and, on the other hand, in introducing, by means of at least one of the modules (6) for applying microwaves, microwaves into the spacing (4) defined between this enclosure (2) and this drum (3).
  16. The method for heat treating according to claim 15, wherein a movement at different speeds is imparted to the drum (3) and the support (5).
EP14734862.7A 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device Active EP3005833B1 (en)

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FR1354820A FR3006545B1 (en) 2013-05-28 2013-05-28 DEVICE FOR THERMALLY PROCESSING MICROWAVE PRODUCTS AND THERMAL PROCESSING METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE
PCT/FR2014/051256 WO2014191681A1 (en) 2013-05-28 2014-05-28 Device for heat treating products by means of microwaves and heat treatment method implementing such a device

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PL3005833T3 (en) 2018-01-31
WO2014191681A1 (en) 2014-12-04
EP3005833A1 (en) 2016-04-13
FR3006545B1 (en) 2015-07-17
US10292214B2 (en) 2019-05-14
RU2015155652A (en) 2017-06-30
US20160105931A1 (en) 2016-04-14
CN105379417A (en) 2016-03-02
RU2658637C2 (en) 2018-06-22
FR3006545A1 (en) 2014-12-05
ES2642068T3 (en) 2017-11-15
CN105379417B (en) 2018-10-30
RU2015155652A3 (en) 2018-05-16

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