Microwave applicator for intensive timber radiation to modify wood structure

Abstract

The practical application of microwaves for wood modification with the aim to increase wood permeability for liquids and gases requires high intensity power, applied in short bursts to provide the required degree of the modification. Industrial facilities require high microwave (MW) power levels in order to deal with large volumes of timber. These requirements demand the development of special MW applicators. New high power MW installation operating at 0.922 GHz (power 30-300 kW) has been built for sawn and round timber modification. To obtain the desired energy distribution within the timber, a special round MW applicator (diameter 350mm) suitable for various wood species, has been designed..