Microwave technology has been used extensively in the food processing industry since the 1950's.
Applications of its use vary from cooking & sterilization/pasteurization to drying & product formation.
The utilization of microwaves for high-value chemical production is a relatively new but extremely exciting breakthrough.
Localized, intense energy input allows for rapidly increased reaction rates, extreme temperature processing and plasma reforming capabilities.
Microwave energy produces an internal pressure gradient inside the product which causes water to flow from the interior to its surface. This ensures steady and even treatment, at desirably low temperatures whilst maintaining product rigidity and re-hydration potential.
Many pharmaceutical products are currently processed at low temperatures under vacuum due to their temperature-sensitive nature. Traditional vacuum drying technology is often extremely time consuming and the drying stage can often be a processing bottleneck. With the addition of low-temperature microwave heating, drying rates can be increased with no adverse effect on the product.
Micrea are currently investigating various waste streams for recycling potential. Acknowledging the Scottish government's pledge for a 33% food waste reduction by 2025, we believe our microwave drying technology could be an extremely useful aid in producing valuable additives, chemicals, and nutritional products from a variety of waste streams.