Modification and Refurbishment of Cober 18kW Microwave System
Initial Problem
This microwave system, originally manufactured by Cober Electronics in the 1990s, had seen extensive use and suffered from poor maintenance. It was in extremely poor condition and scheduled for decommissioning. Many critical components, including the microwave generators, had been stripped or were no longer functional. The oven cavity exhibited structural damage, including holes in the metalwork and severe deformation in the electrical heater section.
Objective
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Restore the system to full operational condition.
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Replace all damaged, stripped, or obsolete components with modern equivalents.
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Extend the service life of the equipment while preserving its core structural framework.
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Ensure the refurbished system meets modern performance and safety standards.
MES Solution
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Fully stripped all components and assemblies from the system.
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Removed oven cavity, fiberglass insulation, and frame; thoroughly inspected and cleaned.
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Repaired significant damage to the oven cavity by removing corroded sections and welding in new aluminized steel plates.
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Reinsulated the frame with new Thermafiber felt and reinstalled the repaired cavity.
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Removed all legacy wiring; installed new wiring ducts and electrical wire throughout.
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Completely rebuilt the main control cabinet with updated circuitry.
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Mounted three newly refurbished 6-kilowatt microwave generators.
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Installed all new WR340 waveguide sections from generators to oven cavity.
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Replaced the belt conveyor system with new components.
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Installed two new 36-kilowatt electrical heaters and blower assemblies for the convection hot air system.
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Integrated new interlock and protection circuits to safeguard equipment and operators.
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Performed full system testing and ensured microwave leakage remained within safe operational limits.
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Provided a 1-year warranty covering parts and labor.
Results
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Fully restored and upgraded system with a 18-kilowatt microwave power output.
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Improved heating performance and operational safety.
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Readily available replacement parts simplify long-term maintenance.
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Delivered a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new system.
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Complete documentation and additional project photos available upon request.
Before
After
