Selective Dielectric Heating of Insect Infested Grain for Improved Economy

The average radiofrequency power delivered to the grain waveform can be considerably reduced through pulse power application. The process of RF heating proposed by JR Technologies is one that generates high level pulsed power at frequencies which result in a significant dielectric property difference between grain and insect. Such differences have been experimentally demonstrated by S.O. Stuart, 1996). The result is a greater rate of heating experienced by the target object such that a lethal temperature is reached before significant heat dissipation in grain can occur. This method has the added advantage of causing heat shock. This is a physiological phenomenon whereby an insect will die quicker at a given temperature if that temperature is reached more rapidly (Beckett and Morton, 2003).

Major advantages for RF are the limited options for alternative rapid disinfestations and the fact that the technology is chemical-free which adds a premium to the product. There is also the added versatility of grain drying. The rough cost estimate using RF at this time is estimated at one to two cents per bushel.