High-Power Microwave Energy in Industrial, Food, and Agricultural Processing: a Comprehensive Review

This book chapter provides a comprehensive review of mono-mode, multi-mode, and hybrid microwave heating techniques with a focus on their applications in industrial, food, medical, and agricultural processing. Key application areas discussed include drying, dehydration, pasteurization and sterilization, chemical synthesis, etching, extraction, pyrolysis, catalysis, drilling, metal joining, and certain medical treatments. The chapter begins by outlining the historical development of microwave technology, tracing its evolution from communication systems to diverse non-communication microwave heating applications. It then explores a range of high-power microwave (HPM) sources and systems, detailing their specifications and suitability for various thermal processing tasks. A thorough analysis and comparison of mono-mode, multi-mode, and microwave hybrid heating systems were presented, highlighting their respective advantages, limitations, and suitability for different processing needs. The mechanisms of microwave-material interaction and the principles of system calibration for accurate and efficient heating were also discussed in depth. Additionally, the chapter features a variety of practical examples demonstrating microwave heating techniques across food, agricultural, medical, and industrial sectors. Finally, it offers insights into emerging trends and potential future applications of microwave heating technologies, underscoring their growing significance in sustainable and advanced manufacturing.