METHODS FOR DRYING CERAMIC GREENWARE USING AN ELECTRODE CONCENTRATOR

摘要

Methods for drying ceramic greenware in a manner that substantially compensates for otherwise non-uniform drying are disclosed. The methods generally include partially drying a piece (22) of greenware such that its end portions (22E) are drier than its middle portion (22C). The method also includes further drying the piece with radio-frequency (RF) radiation (88) generated by an electrode system (130) by conveying the piece through the electrode system. The electrode system has a main planar electrode (131E) with a longitudinal axis (AE), and an electrode concentrator (131C) formed thereon or attached thereto. The electrode concentrator has a central section (140) that runs in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the electrode and is configured so that when the piece is conveyed through the electrode system, the electrode system concentrates more RF radiation at the center portion of the piece than at the end portions of the piece.