title: Microwave disinfestation of bulk timber.
abstract: 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.
authors: Applied Electromagnetism Group, ITACA Research Institute, Technical University of Valencia, Spain.
authors: Pedro Jose
authors: PJ
authors: Plaza
authors: Angela Tatiana
authors: AT
authors: Zona
authors: Raul
authors: R
authors: Sanchís
authors: Juan Vicente
authors: JV
authors: Balbastre
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Martínez
authors: Eva Maria
authors: EM
authors: Muñoz
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Gordillo
authors: Elías
authors: E
authors: de los Reyes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008872:Microwaves; D014934:Wood