The Economic Advantages of Microwave Energy in the Paper Industry^*

Abstract

Detailed engineering studies on the energy balance profile, which resulted in the establishment of related per area energy costs in the drier section of a hypothetical 300-ton-per-day paper machine, have been converted into an economic model. Based upon these data, a conceptual design on of an equivalent paper machine in which microwave energy is substitued for more con ventional energy in selected areas has been made and an equivalent economic model developed. The comparison of these economic models is then used to demonstrate the relative merits of microwave energy as a useful source of power in paper manufacture. This comparison shows that while capital cost is somewhat increased, the overalI operating cost is decreased. Significant advantages include a more uniform moisture profile, and a substantially shortened paper machine length.