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Chemical‐Free Pest Control by Dielectric Heating with Radio Waves and Microwaves: Thermal Effects
Author(s) -
Hoyer Christian,
Pfütze Christian,
Plarre Rudy,
Trommler Ulf,
Steinbach Steffen,
Klutzny Kerstin,
Holzer Frank,
Rabe Carsten,
Höhlig Björn,
Schmidt Detlef,
Roland Ulf
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201600712
Subject(s) - microwave heating , microwave , dielectric heating , electromagnetic heating , dielectric , thermal , materials science , pest analysis , electromagnetic radiation , nuclear engineering , environmental science , engineering physics , optoelectronics , electrical engineering , engineering , thermodynamics , physics , telecommunications , optics , biology , botany , electromagnetic coil
Thermal pest control with hot air is widely accepted as an alternative to chemical methods. However, it requires relatively long treatment times owing to the low thermal conductivity of wood. Direct dielectric heating that applies radio waves or microwaves has the advantage of more homogeneous heating. However, sound experimental data on this technique are currently rare. Therefore, the thermal treatment of wood‐destroying insects with radio waves and microwaves was studied with two model pests, Anobium punctatum and Hylotrupes bajulus , and with Tenebrio molitor as a reference. The secure elimination of pests was achieved, and the corresponding treatment time was in the range of a few minutes. Temperature profiles were more homogeneous when applying radio waves.