Radio frequency (RF) heating is akin to microwave heating but utilises another part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Instead of the 2450MHz (or 900MHz) frequency used for microwave heating, RF uses frequencies of 13, 17 or 40MHz.

The longer wavelength of radio frequency compared to microwave energy means that radio frequency processing can give better penetration and better heating uniformity throughout a product. Engineering of RF systems can also be simpler than microwave units.

Applications of radio frequency heating are broadly similar to those of microwave heating. There are subtle differences between the two techniques making radio frequency heating more appropriate the microwave heating in a number of instances.

Radio frequency heating is used extensively in polymer and food processing, as well as many other industries, for applications such as enhanced drying, curing, welding, melting / defrosting and baking.

C-Tech Innovation has designed, developed and commissioned specialised RF processing equipment in all these sectors. The benefits of RF heating can often be maximised through combining the use of RF with other energy sources, such as hot air, infra-red and radiant heat, and once again C-Tech Innovation has vast experience of developing such combinations and developing specialised equipment to demonstrate these effects.