A flexible RF applicator for heating viscous lossy products such as foods

A helical RF industrial applicator was evaluated for heating minced meat flowing in a hollow tube. Heating was homogeneous inside the product, although the product was highly lossy due to its high electric conductivity. The homogeneity was much better than could be obtained with microwave heating. A high power density, up to 5 kW/liter, can be deposited inside the product with 95% efficiency.