Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Experimental and Numerical Characterization of the Radio-Frequency Drying of Textile Materials [PDF]
AUTHORS	M. Baginski, L. Riggs, F. German and M. Reed 1989 24 1 14-20
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Abstract The experimental and numerical characterization of radio frequency drying of textile materials is investigated here. The study focuses on modeling, via a numerical simulation of the electromagnetic phenomenology, the experimentally determined thermal and electrical behavior of a 1/10 scaled version of a prototype industrial drying system. A wet dyed fabric (50% water by weight) is placed parallel to a 21-element drying system, contained within an approximately rectangular metal structure. Internal dielectric drying of the material is induced by molecular motion which produces heat, caused by rapid electric field reversals. The experimental system is designed to facilitate efficient power transfer, using a 10 Kw 22 MHz power generator. The variance in the material's drying rate is inferred from the post processing coloration (wicking effect). It is described and contrasted to that implied by a series of computer simulations. A finite element routine serves as the basis of the computer modeling. Preliminary results show good agreement between the simulated and experimentally determined data and hence, suggest the role computer simulations may play as an industrial process predictor. Key Words: RF drying, Dielectric drying, Textile materials, Finite element analyses, Arc-over, Modelling