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Millimeter Wave Material Separation System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

S. Birken
Affiliation:
Energy Separation Systems, Clifton Park, NY
K. Birken
Affiliation:
Energy Separation Systems, Clifton Park, NY
K. Connor
Affiliation:
ECSE Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
G. Scheitrum
Affiliation:
Litton Systems EDD, San Carlos, CA
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Abstract

A new process is in development that uses high power millimeter wave energy to separate specific components from a composite material stream. The component to be separated from the material stream must have a combination of high loss tangent and low permittivity with respect to the other materials involved. In this case, when the material is subjected to a high power, high frequency RF source, the desired component can be vaporized and extracted without transferring significant heat to the remaining material. Since absorption increases significantly with frequency, it is important to use a millimeter wave source. A vacuum pump with sufficient pumping speed can transport the vaporized component for collection. The bulk material can either be collected or recycled through the system for further extraction.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1996

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