Radio Frequency Co., Inc.

For evaluating new applications, RFC has a state-of-the-art hybrid RF/convection heating system in its testing laboratory. The OmniTherm Simulator was recently developed by RFC for conducting product trials to define the necessary parameters to heat or dry materials under production conditions. It is a fully instrumented system which can apply both RF and convection heating under a wide variety of conditions. Through the use of this advanced hybrid RF heating system scale-up requirements can be accurately determined to meet the production goals desired. The Macrowave OmniTherm Simulator is a fully instrumented conveyorized heater-dryer which can apply RF and convection heat to doughs, cookies, crackers, etc. under a wide variety of conditions. This system permits RFC to design Macrowave production systems based on tests which simulate the passage of material through a full-scale production system. It has exceptional versatility and can be configured to simulate virtually any production processing system which can utilize RF heating or drying. * For each test, the appropriate electrode array, either a flat plate applicator or staggered through-field applicator can be quickly installed. * Its conveying system utilizes a flat belt for processing discrete products or a troughed belt for bulk materials. Conveyor belts of various materials and constructions are available so the type best suited to the application is utilized. * A sequence of different power levels, heating durations and relaxation times to simulate the passage of material through a multizone system can be initiated by the touch screen panel of its programmable logic controller. * Other programmable features include air temperature and direction of air flow and RF pulsing for each of the simulated heating zones. A PLC touch screen provides readouts of air temperature, belt speed, and RF power level. A strip chart recorder with six configurable inputs enable real time recording of process and material statuses. The OmniTherm? Simulator tests provide the accurate scale-up data to determine the configuration of the Macrowave system that will be technically and economically best suited to meet full-scale production and quality goals.