Ill. The MicroGen is installed between the compressor and pneumatic tools, machinery, or instrumentation so that air can be dried and filtered. The dryer's generator, similar to those in home microwave ovens, emits microwave energy at 2.45 gigahertz. This microwave energy is quickly absorbed by water molecules beginning at the top of the dryer tank and moving down through the dessicant bed. A separator, coalescer, and final filter remove solid particulates and oil, and automatic valves ensure proper drainage.
Operators select the regeneration time depending on compressed air usage.
For larger compressed air demands, a single- tower, automatic unit dries 50 to 120 scfm, drying compressed air sufficiently to operate up to eight spray guns for as long as eight hours. An automatic seven-day timer enables operators to set the MicroGen's operation for a scheduled period. The MicroGen requires only a standard 115-volt grounded outlet current. It consumes approximately 10 amps of electrical power during regeneration and a purge loss of less than 2 percent only for the regeneration time. Because the MicroGen relies on microwave energy, it eliminates the risk of fire hazard posed by heater elements.