The first stage begins with the visual examination of the object and the verification of any critical points and related actions to be undertaken;
The second stage is that of the treatment: the object is placed inside the treatment chamber, the technician sets the time (not more than a few minutes), the power and the maximum temperature threshold to be measured in real time, during irradiation, inside the object. The power of the microwave source is regulated according to the volume and the weight of the object to be treated using specific protocols. The technician then starts the irradiation process. The software activates the safety systems, seals the reverberation chamber and switches on the warning light which signals the generation of microwaves. A fiber optical thermometer measures the internal temperature of the treated object in real time and, once the pre-set temperature has been reached, the microwave generator shuts down and the door is unlocked allowing the technician to enter the interior of the chamber and remove the disinfested object.
The system is also fitted with an infrared thermometer with which the technician can measure the temperature of the surfaces. This dual system of temperature monitoring (interior and exterior) allows for a more accurate verification of the uniformity of the temperature of all parts of the object and confirmation of disinfestation once the lethal temperature has been reached.
The third and final stage of the process is the removal of the object at the end of the treatment and storage in a designated area remote from possible infestation.
In addition to this technique, another approach can be adopted for fixed surfaces such as beams, panelling, parquets, roofs, lofts etc … using the portable device, described in the section “Microwave treatment”.
