Microwave drying and the green properties of high-voltage porcelain insulators

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the effects of microwave and convection conditions on the drying behavior of a test samples of porcelain. The study used a statistical methods to predict microwave energy consumption, tile moisture content, surface temperature, drying time, and relative humidity. The study found that porcelain insulator of weight of 15 kg need a natural drying of 5-7 d and tunnel drying of 5-7 d for the removal of 15-18% moistures. The study revealed that microwave drying is an cost-effective and easy method to change the moisture content and the rate of drying in clay plates. The study also revealed that microwave drying can be used to dry ceramic honeycombs, electroporcelain insulators, large insulating block, large-format grinding wheels, and high porous ceramic materials. The study confirmed that microwave drying in 16 kW furnace required 12-15 h at 0.4 kW microwave power for a porcelain disk insulator.