Method for microwave drying of ceramics

An apparatus for microwave drying of a ceramic, comprising

• a microwave cavity in which a ceramic is placed and dried;
• an adjustable power microwave source for directing microwave power into the microwave cavity;
• a microwave power control system comprising:
• (1) a reflected power detector for detecting the microwave power reflected from the cavity and for comparing the measured reflected microwave power value to a preset reflected microwave power output value which comprises an upper and lower preset value and encompasses a value that is approximately 10% of the total maximum power output of the adjustable microwave power source, and producing an output signal indicative of the difference between the measured reflected power value and the preset reflected microwave power value;
• and,
• (2) a microwave power controller that receives the output signal from the reflected power detector and adjusts the power of the microwave so that the reflected power output signal is maintained between the upper and lower preset reflected microwave power value encompassing approximately 10% of the total maximum power output of the adjustable microwave power source.