Real-Time Characterization of Phosphate Powder With Microwave Sensor: Investigating the Impact of Temperature

Abstract

Temperature control in the industrial use of phosphate ensures chemical stability, which affects product quality and process efficiency. This study introduces a novel approach employing a microwave sensor with a double-hexagonal complementary split-ring resonator (DH-CSSR) for real-time control and monitoring of industrial phosphate powders, focusing on temperature-induced variations. Operating within the 0.1-4-GHz frequency range, the sensor detects shifts in the resonance frequency of the S-parameters, which are indicative of alterations in the dielectric properties of the phosphate powder as a function of temperature variations. A comparative evaluation with simulated outcomes, incorporating permittivity values ascertained through a coaxial probe at diverse temperatures, establishes a robust congruence between experimental and simulated datasets. Root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.44, 2.2, and 3.28 for the first, second, and third resonances, respectively, underscore the sensor's precision in mirroring the actual conditions of phosphate powder encountered during storage and transportation. Such accuracy underscores the sensor's potential in accurately representing real-world conditions of phosphate powder, thus facilitating the optimization of crop yield through enhanced management of phosphate powder characteristics.