Rotary microwave applicator for rapid drying and uniform heating.

Abstract

With the increasing demand for sustainable fuel solutions and efficient waste management, biofuels have emerged as a vital renewable fuel resource. This study presents a rotary microwave applicator designed to rapidly dry high-moisture biofuel materials, such as brewers' spent grain and sorghum distillery residue, by utilizing recycled factory waste. The applicator leverages microwave technology to achieve efficient moisture removal through selective heating of polar molecules, supporting resource efficiency manufacturing while addressing the heat accumulation issues prevalent in conventional methods. In addition, the system demonstrated consistent and uniform heating, as evidenced by the even roasting of coffee beans, which exhibited nearly no color variation inside and out. This uniform heating capability enhances the drying process and overall processing efficiency in biomass fuel applications. The results underscore the potential of this microwave applicator to advance biomass fuel production and contribute to more sustainable fuel manufacturing processes.