Continuous microwave pilot plant for almond disinfestation: preliminary tests

Abstract

This paper outlines the development of a contin-uous microwave-assisted pilot plant for almond disinfestation. A coupled thermal and electromagnetic model was defined in order to predict the temperature profile inside the treatment chamber. Then, a microwave apparatus having five generators suitably placed along the treatment chamber was numerically investigated. Therefore, to test the efficacy of microwaves in pest control of stored almonds, a pilot plant was developed and preliminary tested under variable operating conditions.