Continuous method and apparatus for microwave-based dryer

1. A continuous process for drying a material containing an initial degree of water which comprises the steps of:

(a) driving a vehicle comprising a multi-mode microwave applicator over at least a portion of said material;

(b) exposing said portion of said material to said applicator having an air flow about said portion of said material;

(c) exposing said portion of said material to at least two sources of microwaves, said microwaves being in non-parallel alignment to each other for a period of time sufficient to dry said portion of said material to a lower degree of water;

said at least two sources of microwaves propagated from a bifurcated waveguide assembly;

said introduced microwaves, being 90° out of phase to each other;

said microwaves having a frequency between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz;

said microwave applicator further comprising a 3-port ferrite circulator to absorb any reflected microwaves; and

said bifurcated waveguide assembly having a microwave pressure window at an exit end comprising fused quartz to prevent any vapors in the applicator from returning through said waveguide.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said applicator is heated and operates between approximately 100° F. and 212° F.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein said applicator is heated by a heating means provided from combustion products of engine exhaust gas ducted into and out from the microwave applicator.

4. The process of claim 1 said frequency is approximately 915 MHz.

5. The process of claim 1 wherein said material is a roadbed.

6. The process of claim 1 wherein said material is concrete.

7. The process of claim 1 wherein material is an asphalt surface.

8. The process of claim 1 wherein said material is an agricultural field.

9. A drivable apparatus which comprises:

(a) a movable chassis comprising a microwave generator;

(b) at least one multi-mode microwave applicator in proximity to a material to be dried and in communication with said microwave generator via a waveguide;

(c) said applicator having an air flow about at least a portion of said material;

(d) said applicator having at least two sources of microwaves from said microwave generator, said microwaves being in non-parallel alignment to each other;

said at least two sources of microwaves propagated from a bifurcated waveguide assembly;

said introduced microwaves, being 90° out of phase to each other;

said microwaves having a frequency between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz; and

(e) a microwave energy absorber to absorb any reflected microwaves; and

(f) said bifurcated waveguide assembly having a microwave pressure window at an exit end comprising fused quartz to prevent any vapors in the applicator from returning through said waveguide.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said applicator is heated and operates between approximately 100° F. and 212° F.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said heated applicator is heated by a heating means provided from combustion products of an engine exhaust gas ducted into and out from the microwave applicator.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 said frequency is approximately 915 MHz.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said microwave energy absorber is a 3-port ferrite circulator.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 which further comprises an RF trap.