ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Microwave processing and AI: Breakthrough technologies
Dr. Lou A. Honary, President, WAVEtek Process Technology, LLC Ensieh Modiridovom, PhD Student, University of Texas at San Antonio
Introduction
Disruptive technologies: Disruptive technologies are often the result of recent breakthroughs that would not have been possible just a few years earlier. Artificial intelligence is rapidly finding utility in many applications, particularly those that are science based and produce predictable results. But it becomes more difficult to benefit from the capabilities of artificial intelligence applications where the presence of artisans or human experts are required. One such area is cooking or processing products that require complex reactions. Processing grease, for example, in general is referred to as an art because beyond the mechanics of measuring and adding the ingredients, the artist grease maker takes into account many variables and adjusts the process. Variables include the ambient temperature, non-uniformity of raw material batches, size of the batch and other like parameters. In those cases, the expert grease maker relies on history and know-how to heat more gradually, for example in order to reduce foaming, or to hold the mixture longer to allow for a more complete reaction. Similarly, a master chef in the kitchen may repeatedly stir or adjust the heat based on observed vapors, texture, taste, and consistency. In this case too, if one is to merely add the ingredients from the recipe but lacks the expertise to adjust according to observation and experience, the outcome may be different.
10
Until the invention of microwave-based grease processing that was patented in 2012 the idea of rapidly adjusting the temperature of a large vat of grease within a fraction of a degree was deemed impractical. Now, microwave operated vessels have improved in sophistication and temperature control thus providing the breakthrough needed for incorporation of AI in the processing of products.
In this article, the concept of using an array of sensors that mimic the senses of smell and taste, to monitor and control the cooking processes is explored . Combined with AI algorithms and accurate temperature control that is possible with microwave processing, the process industry is entering a new era of AI based process control that promises more efficient, more predictable, and better produced products.
Background: The use of microwaves for processing biobased greases has been reported in several published articles by this author in the Lube Magazine. Since 2010 one grease manufacturing company in the United States has been using and continues to use microwaves for processing biobased greases. This year Patterson Industries (Canada) presented a paper at the 92nd annual meeting of the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) on the successful production
LUBE MAGAZINE AR TIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DECEMBER 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28
