Rapid continuous, and selective moisture content equalization of nuts, grains, and similar commodities

摘要

A microwave exposure chamber is used to process an agricultural commodity. A microwave waveguide connects a microwave source to an exposure region. Sensors measure temperature characteristics of the agricultural commodity as it passes through and exits the exposure region. Heat delivery is controlled by increasing or decreasing the power level of the microwave source and by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the agricultural commodity passes through the exposure region. The microwave exposure chamber removes moisture at a higher rate from high moisture portions of the commodity so as to equalize the moisture content and improve the processing and storage characteristics of the commodity. Also, a method of separating the skin of an agricultural commodity from the agricultural commodity is done by varying temperature through the use of microwave power and the length of electromagnetic exposure time.