Microwave plasma applications in automotive and food industries

The emissions from transport vehicles have dramatically increased over the last 30 years and huge sums of money are being invested in the reduction of vehicle pollution. The current method for treating these gasses is using a catalytic converter, which has a honeycomb of porous ceramic. Once the catalyst has been heated to over 300 0C the unwanted molecules are ripped from their compounds and stick to the catalyst where they bind with other similar atoms and are then released into the atmosphere. In addition, the internal combustion engine does not burn with 100 % efficiency, some of the, non-burnt fuel causes the release of hydrocarbons (HC) and due to inadequate mixing with the air molecules exit the engine as carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally the combustion combines nitrogen with oxygen to form oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The food industry, however, is keen to have new techniques that improve the safety and/or shelf life of food products without the use of preservatives. There is considerable interest in developing UV light and ozone (03) treatments to enhance shelf life. A microwave radiation device that is a novel source of germicidal UV and 03 suitable for the food industry has been developed, which offers speed, cost and energy benefits over existing sources. This presentation address the potential use of the microwave plasma technologies and its effective use against vehicles and particulates as well as the reduction of bacteria in food in order to increase their shelf life.