Method and apparatus for rapid drying of coated materials with close capture of vapors

A system for drying coated materials with microwave radiation, comprising:

• a chamber for receiving the coated material, the chamber configured to produce a resonant electromagnetic mode when microwave radiation is introduced into the chamber such that the microwave radiation substantially dries at least a portion of the coated material, comprising:
• a body, the body comprising an inner surface, the inner surface comprising a substantially conductive material;
• and
• a front wall and a rear wall, both the front and rear walls comprising inner surfaces, wherein the inner surfaces of the front and rear walls comprise a substantially conductive material, and wherein the front and rear walls are configured to be substantially reflective of microwaves;
• wherein the body, the front wall, and the rear wall together define a cavity, and wherein an interior volume of the cavity and a volume of the elongated member are predetermined such that the interaction of the microwave radiation with the body, the front and rear walls, and the elongated member produces the resonant electromagnetic mode during use;
• and
• a microwave generator for generating the microwave radiation during use.

A system for drying coated materials with microwave radiation, the coated materials being substantially coated with a solvent, comprising:

• a substantially cylindrical chamber for receiving the coated material, the chamber configured to produce a resonant electromagnetic mode when microwave radiation is introduced into the chamber such that the microwave radiation substantially removes the solvent from the coated material during use comprising:
• an inner surface, the inner surface comprising a substantially conductive material;
• a front and rear wall, both the front and rear walls comprising inner surfaces, wherein the inner surfaces of the front and rear walls comprise a substantially conductive material, and wherein the front and rear walls are configured to be substantially reflective of microwaves;
• an elongated member oriented in a central portion of the chamber, the elongated member comprising a substantially non-conductive material;
• a slot for allowing the passage of a coated material through the chamber;
• and
• an opening configured to allow the removed solvent to pass out of the chamber;
• a microwave generator for generating microwave radiation;
• and
• a waveguide for conducting the microwave radiation from the microwave generator to the chamber.