Safety
Using patented applicator design geometries and devices such as chokes or attenuating tunnels, AMTek Microwaves reduces microwave leakage from system entry and exit points to virtually non-detectable levels in our microwave mixer heating vessels. Chokes are used around doors, windows and seams to prevent microwave leakage. This poses no threat of electromagnetic energy to the health and safety of equipment operators. As a further precaution, all AMTek control systems are supplied with safety interlocks and leakage detectors that shut down power instantaneously in the event of equipment malfunction.
In addition microwave exposure limits are promulgated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Mesh screening is used to shield windows and view ports to prevent eye injury. All equipment enclosures, access panel doors and inlets are typically sealed with metal braid or other conductive gaskets. Thermal switches that sense overheating will shut off the power.
Microwave Myths
Microwaves leak unsafe levels of electromagnetic energy. This is a myth. The FDA limits the amount of microwave energy that can leak from an oven. The limit is far below the level known to harm people. Our microwave equipment is inspected and tested on a regular basis. Microwave energy decreases dramatically as you move away from the source of electro-magnetic energy. In industrial settings the transmitter device is typically located away from the processing equipment.
Microwaves can cause damage to pacemakers.
Modern pacemakers are shielded from stray electro-magnetic forces and have a backup mode that takes over if a really strong electro-magnetic field disrupts the main circuit’s programming.
Microwave heating can be an issue because of uneven heating. Its true that microwaves will have slight issues with temperature uniformity. However, with our new microwave mixer vessel, gentle agitation stirs the material. Heat is applied volumetrically. Therefore heating the volume of a material at substantially the same rate is possible. Since the rate of heating is not limited, the uniformity of heat distribution is greatly improved.
Many people believe microwaves cook from the inside out. This is also untrue. Actually heating the volume of material at substantially the same rate is possible. This is known as volumetric heating. Energy is transferred through the material electro-magnetically, not as a thermal heat flux. The microwaves heat the product at the surface and deep into the product until the microwave energy is absorbed.