Upgrades to Microwave Systems and Components

Upgrades to a Microwave System will mean different things to different users. There are many Microwave Systems still operating with their original or many of their original parts. A well maintained and operated Microwave system should give many years of efficient operation, but when they tire, or a more efficient method of operation is found, then it may be time to upgrade.

Thermo Wave Technologies is at the cutting edge of Industrial Microwave design and application. We have developed a series of Upgrades to allow our customers to take advantage of some the latest advances in Microwave Technology within their current Microwave configurations.


System Upgrades

Including Refurbished Doors, Tunnels and Supports as examples. Thermo Wave has even completely stripped and rebuilt Tempering Tunnels for customers.

Thermo Wave System

Synthesized Polar System (SPS)

Thermo Wave has also developed the Polar Feed System, Called the SPS (Synthesized Polar System). Currently available in 2 variants (SPS Folded Feed and SPS Advanced Feed).

We take a systemic approach to the Microwave environment when determining placement of the feeds. This approach in conjunction with our Advanced Polar Technology has resulted in the most uniform circular microwave output in the industry today. These Feeds are already in use on cooking systems in the bacon industry and many Tempering and Boost Systems - and the results are outstanding. The SPS Folded Feed can be a direct replacement for rotating antenna feeds also.

Synthesized Polar System Diagram Synthesized Polar System Diagram- Folded Feed Synthesized Polar System Diagram- Advanced Feed

Power Supply (Transmitter) Upgrade

Increase Power from 30Kw, 40Kw or 50Kw Power Supplies (Transmitters) to higher power as required. Each Power Supply Upgrade would be different and Thermo Wave looks at each as case by case, depending what the customer needs are and the condition of the Power Supplies.


SYSTEM CONTROLS UPGRADE

Complete Control Box replacement is available to include the most up to date components and control methods.

Control System Features:

  • Integrated Enthalpy Calculator available for initial process baseline
  • Process parameters stored in a recipe system for rapid process setup
  • Full control of microwave power & conveyor speed
  • Complete control of all sensors, interlocks and displays
  • A Single monitoring Button to start up and shut down
  • Ethernet Port available for Plant wide communications allowing monitoring of System and data gathering on Maintenance and Production efficiencies. (Consult TWT for details)

Control System Highlighted Components:

  • UL508A Approved
  • 10" Allen Bradley Panel-View Plus 7 Touch Screen
  • Allen Bradley Compact-Logix L306 ER
  • Allen Bradley 3 HP Power-Flex 525 Conveyor Motor Drive
  • Wall Mounted Stainless Steel Box, Watershed Design, IP66 Rated
Control System Diagram 1 Control System Diagram 2

POWER SUPPLY (TRANSMITTER) CONTROL RETROFIT

Two versions available are:

  1. XC- Standard - Electronic Filament and Electromagnet (Solenoid) Control Upgrades
  2. XC-Complete – A Complete replacement of Power Supply Controls

XC-Standard

This is a Comprehensive Magnetron Control solution that can be used on any Raytheon, Amana, Ferrite or Amtek Power Supply. The XC-Standard will allow full control from a system level control via raise/lower signal, analog signal or networked communication. Additionally, this device including Solid State, Electromagnet and Filament Controls, uses the most advanced closed loop control algorithms in the industry.

Features of the XC-Standard Kit:

  • Self contained in a stand alone “Plug In” Box that mounts inside existing Power Supply
  • Built-In Stand-Alone Control
  • No External Control Loops Required
  • Custom Harness to integrate with the existing Power Supply Components
xc-standard xc-standard information

XC-Standard Dimensions: 12/8/15.5 inches

XC-Complete

This is a Complete Replacement Power Supply Control. The XC-Complete is a Filament and Electromagnet Control Device with Additional Controls and Interlocks for Internal Cooling and System Interface

Features of the XC-Complete Kit:

  • Completely Enclosed In Steel Box - Mounted Internally To Existing Panel
  • Filament Control
  • Electromagnet Control
  • Internal Cooling Controls
  • Interlock Controls
  • Allows Full Local Control
  • Selection of Remote Controls (Raise/Lower, Analog Signals, Ethernet/Modbus Communications)
  • Interlock and Power Supply Conditions can be communicated to a System or Plant Level Control System for Status Annunciation
xc-complete xc-complete information

XC-Complete Dimensions may vary


STEP START

Reduces voltage “Inrush” at start up. Many other advantages are detailed below including saving $$$$ due to demand charges.

The Step Start Upgrade is a notable development. As the name suggests, the Step Start allows the power supply’s high voltage transformer to “power up” in stages. This is a device designed to provide a reduced voltage at start up, reducing inrush.

Another benefit is that secondary voltage is also reduced, reducing the stress on diodes and Magnetron Tube. This in hand can improve the service life of tubes and diodes, which results in less down time and reduced maintenance costs.

Step Start System

What’s the right system for your job?

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