Microwave disinfestation of bulk timber.
In this paper a complete microwave system for bulk timber disinfestation is developed and tested. A commercial FEM simulator has been used to design the applicator, looking for structures providing uniform field distributions, which is a factor of capital relevance for a successful treatment. Special attention has also been given to the reduction of electromagnetic energy leakage. A dual polarized cylindrical applicator with a corrugated flange has been designed. The applicator has also been numerically tested emulating some real-life operating conditions. A prototype has been built using two low-cost magnetrons of 900 W and high power coaxial cables and it has been tested inside a shielded semianechoic chamber. The tests have been carried out in three stages: validation of the applicator design, determination of the lethal dosage as a function of the insect position and the maximum wood temperature allowed and statement of safe operation procedures.
Plaza
Pedro Jose
PJ
Applied Electromagnetism Group, ITACA Research Institute, Technical University of Valencia, Spain.
Zona
Angela Tatiana
AT
Sanchís
Raul
R
Balbastre
Juan Vicente
JV
Martínez
Antonio
A
Muñoz
Eva Maria
EM
Gordillo
Javier
J
de los Reyes
Elías
E
D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008872:Microwaves; D014934:Wood