Feasibility study on using microwave sensing technique to analyse silver-based products

Abstract

This paper reports on the feasibility of using a novel and robust microwave sensing technology to detect and analyse various Silver based products such as Silver Nitrate and Silver Oxide. The focus of the investigation is to differentiate between the two products, identify the contamination and change in the sample size. A microwave sensor designed previously in house has been utilised to carry out this initial study to analyse the capability of microwave sensing technique to carry out the analysis. The change in the microwave spectra are used as an indicator of the difference in the silver products and any contamination they may have. The results and their detailed repeatability confirm the viability of using microwave sensing technique as a potential method to analyse various silver products. The curves obtained from the material response to microwaves are distinguishable and can be related to the materials' properties. The study suggests a design and development of a bespoke unit as a dedicated analysis tool and to address any anomalies arising from the current feasibility.This will have a huge industrial benefit in terms of cost reduction and time associated with the industrial analysis.

A Proof of Concept Study on Utilising a Non-invasive Microwave Analysis Technique to Characterise Silver Based Materials in Aqueous Solution

“…The behavior of silver oxide samples on the other hand was found similar to the [ 28 ] in the case of S 11 measurements. The influence of the aqueous solution itself is minimal, specifically in the case of S 11 measurements (microwave response) for silver oxide and the microwave frequency change shows the strong characteristic response of silver oxide powder as noticed in [ 28 ]. Silver compounds such as silver oxide is insoluble in aqueous solution (water) and extremely stable [ 29 ].…”

“…The trend in the frequency change for both the S 21 and S 11 observed in the currents study, the results of which are presented in Sects. 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 , was different to [ 28 ] in the case of silver chloride for both the S 11 and S 21 measurements. The behavior of silver oxide samples on the other hand was found similar to the [ 28 ] in the case of S 11 measurements.…”

“…3.2.1 and 3.2.2 , was different to [ 28 ] in the case of silver chloride for both the S 11 and S 21 measurements. The behavior of silver oxide samples on the other hand was found similar to the [ 28 ] in the case of S 11 measurements. The influence of the aqueous solution itself is minimal, specifically in the case of S 11 measurements (microwave response) for silver oxide and the microwave frequency change shows the strong characteristic response of silver oxide powder as noticed in [ 28 ].…”

“…Previous study by Ateeq et al [ 28 ] has shown the study of microwave interaction with silver based products in the form of powders such as silver oxide and silver nitrate. The trend in the frequency change for both the S 21 and S 11 observed in the currents study, the results of which are presented in Sects.…”

Design and implementation of a non-invasive real-time microwave sensor for assessing water hardness in heat exchangers

“…Permittivity is basically a measurement of the response of a dielectric medium to the applied microwaves that can be detected through its changing electric field. It depends on the material's ability to polarise in response to the applied field [21]. The two primary parameters that define permittivity are known as dielectric constant and dielectric loss of material [22].…”