Container discharge apparatus and method employing microwaves

摘要

PCT No. PCT/AU86/00391 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 24, 1988 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 24, 1988 PCT Filed Dec. 22, 1986 PCT Pub. No. WO87/03865 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 2, 1987.Apparatus and method for enabling viscous fluids to be discharged from a container. The container is provided with an outlet positioned for gravity discharge of the contents. Microwave energy is delivered to an inlet opening of the container for the purpose of heating the stored fluids in a controlled area which includes the inlet and outlet. The microwave energy is effective to heat the viscous fluids to a flowable state while fluids are simultaneously discharged from the outlet. The energy level can be controlled based on the level of viscous fluid in the tank so that the viscous fluid is not overheated.