Device for treating foodstuffs e.g. fruit, tea leaves with microwaves - comprises microwave source above conveyor of foodstuff, and element under source to deflect waves back to conveyor
A product travelling on a conveyor (4) passes under a microwave source (1), and an element (7) on the opposite side of the conveyor (4) to the microwave source (1) deflects the microwaves passing through the product, and the space surrounding the product, back into the region of the conveyor (4). A set of microwave sources (1) may be arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveyor (4) and their microwave ducts (3) located so that they provide an even treatment of the product. The ducts (3) may open into a common outlet duct (3'), or the sources (1) may be fitted directly into the common duct (3'). A number of similar sets (9) of microwave sources (1) may be provided along the length of the conveyor (4). USE/ADVANTAGE - The process is used to treat biological products such as potatoes, vegetables, fruit, tealeaves etc. by exposure to high-energy.
