An applicator for high-power rock comminution using microwave technology in the megawatt range

Abstract

Abstract The mining industry is heavily dependent on energy-intensive processes, such as rock breakage, which leads to significant operational costs. This paper explores microwave-assisted rock breakage as an innovative method to enhance the efficiency of comminution within the mining industry. It introduces a system that employs a Klystron microwave power source with a maximum output of 7.5 MW, using a $\mathrm{TM}_{010}$ single-mode cavity at 3 GHz, to channel energy inside a specially designed rock cavity. The paper emphasizes the importance of designing an efficient microwave cavity for this system, focusing on the cavity’s design and simulation. Through both simulated results (using HFSS software) and experimental observations, the study reveals the promising application of microwave technology in the field of mining. The simulated frequency response of the designed cavity (S11) is −22 dB, it demonstrates significant potential for reducing both energy consumption and associated costs. Additionally, the designed cavity is fabricated from aluminum and filled with polyether ether ketone material. The measured frequency response (S11) of the cavity at 3 GHz is −17 dB.