System and method for distributing chemicals through a fibrous material using low-headspace dielectric heating
AssigneeInstitute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
InventorsSujit Banerjee, Earl Malcolm
Life of this patent
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Abstract
System and method for diffusing chemicals rapidly and evenly into and through fibrous material, such as wood. Chemicals are introduced into the fibrous material by applying the chemicals to the fibrous material. After treating the fibrous material with the chemicals, the fibrous material is maintained under low-headspace conditions. Thermal energy or dielectric heating, such as microwave or radio frequency energy, is applied to the fibrous material. As a result, the chemicals are able to distribute evenly and quickly throughout the fibrous material.
Claims47
An improved method for diffusing a chemical into a fibrous material, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a chemical to a fibrous material;
- (b) placing the fibrous material in a low-headspace environment;
- and
- (c) irradiating the fibrous material with dielectric heat until the chemical is diffused into the fibrous material.
An improved method for diffusing a chemical into a fibrous material, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a chemical to a fibrous material;
- (b) placing the fibrous material in a low-headspace environment;
- (c) irradiating the fibrous material with thermal heat;
- and
- (d) irradiating the fibrous material with dielectric heat until the chemical is diffused into the fibrous material.
A system for diffusing a chemical into a fibrous material, comprising:
- a chemical treater for applying a chemical to a fibrous material;
- and
- a dielectric heater for irradiating the fibrous material with dielectric heat until the chemical is diffused into the fibrous material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.