Microwave-based material processing systems and methods

A microwave-based material processing system, comprising:

• an enclosure;
• a material receiving chamber within the enclosure for receiving a feedstock material;
• a microwave applicator chamber located downstream of the material receiving chamber and within the enclosure, the microwave applicator chamber adapted to receive microwave energy from a microwave source for irradiating a moving supply of the feedstock material;
• and
• a vibratory conveyor for receiving feedstock material from the material receiving chamber and transporting the feedstock material through at least the microwave applicator chamber.

A microwave-based material processing method, comprising:

• providing a microwave-based material processing system, the system comprising:
• a microwave applicator chamber for irradiating a moving supply of the feedstock material with microwave energy, and
• a vibratory conveyor located to receive feedstock material and adapted to transport the feedstock material through the microwave applicator chamber,
• providing feedstock material to the vibratory conveyor,
• operating the vibratory conveyor to transport feedstock material through the microwave applicator chamber and irradiating the feedstock material for at least a portion of time that the feedstock material is located within the microwave applicator chamber;
• and
• transporting solid or semi-solid byproducts of irradiation out of the microwave applicator chamber using the vibratory conveyor.

A microwave-based scrap tire conversion system, comprising:

• an enclosure sealed against outside air intrusion;
• a material receiving chamber within the enclosure for receiving shredded or pulverized scrap tire feedstock material;
• a microwave applicator chamber located downstream of the material receiving chamber and within the enclosure, the microwave applicator chamber adapted to receive microwave energy from a microwave source via one or more waveguides and to irradiate a moving supply of the scrap tire material;
• a cooling chamber located downstream of the microwave applicator chamber;
• a material discharge port associated with the cooling chamber;
• a vapor extraction mechanism for removing at least some of any gaseous byproducts of irradiation that are produced within the microwave applicator chamber;
• a liquid separation mechanism for separating from solid portions of the irradiated scrap tire material at least some of any liquid byproducts of irradiation;
• and
• a vibratory conveyor located to receive scrap tire material from the material receiving chamber, adapted to transport the scrap tire material through the microwave applicator chamber, and adapted to transport solid byproducts of irradiation through the cooling chamber and to the material discharge port.