| 摘要 |
An apparatus and method for thawing particulate material, such as coal, stored in gondola-type containers, such as rail cars, wherein the container is positioned in a shielded and grounded enclosure, and is engaged by a shielded hood having an open face matching the dimensions of the open face of the container to form a microwave cavity between the hood and the container. Plural magnetrons are located in the hood, and are energized upon formation of the microwave cavity, to emit microwave radiation into the material in the container, whereby the material is heated and thawing thereof takes place. Prior to formation of the microwave cavity, the top surface of the container open face is thoroughly cleaned, and during energization of the magnetrons, gases released by the particular matter being heated are evacuated from the microwave cavity. After energization of the magnetron for a selected period of time, the shielding hood is removed from the gondola-type container, and the container is then processed to an adjacent discharge cite exterior to the RF shielded enclosure. The apparatus and process is virtually entirely automated under the control of a centrally located microprocessor.
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