Steamdry

Work packages

Work Packages 1 & 2: Management

This work package is dedicated to the comprehensive management, administration, coordination, and execution of the project. It guarantees that the project advances, and objectives are met in alignment with the stipulations outlined in the Grant Agreement (GA) and the expectations set forth in the call.

Work Package 3 – Transition Pathway Towards Energy-Efficient Drying

Work Package 3 focuses on the transition pathway towards energy-efficient drying in the context of the broader project. The objectives include creating a vision for shifting current dryers to utilize Superheated Steam Drying (SSD) technology. The tasks encompass evaluating existing dryers in various industries, developing a simplified model for SSD dryers, establishing technical and safety requirements for technology conversion, and exploring the utilization of heat produced by the steam dryer. Through these tasks, the WP aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and energy-efficient drying process, aligning with the project’s overarching goal of achieving up to a 40% reduction in energy consumption in papermaking production.

Work Package 4 – Green Drying Process – Shifting Away from Fossil Energy Sources

Work Package 4 centers on developing a green drying process that shifts away from fossil energy sources by designing an efficient superheated steam drying system. The objectives include concept development, boundary condition assessment, and dynamic modeling of the superheated steam pilot. This work aims to maximize energy efficiency and guide pilot plant experiments. Additionally, WP4 investigates the effects of steam drying on product quality, focusing on mechanical properties. The results contribute crucial insights into the viability and sustainability of the proposed drying process, aligning with the broader objectives of the SteamDry project to revolutionize papermaking production and reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.

Work Package 5 – SSD Process Requirements for Efficient Superheating

Work Package 5 is focused on refining and optimizing the superheated steam drying (SSD) process. The primary objectives revolve around validating the concept for heat recovery within the SSD processes. The tasks include generating training data for process automation, updating the dynamic model with measured data from pilot trial runs, optimizing heat recovery based on pilot experience, refining dynamic procedures, and creating a simplified potential assessment tool for industry. Through these tasks, WP5 aims to enhance the efficiency of the SSD process, incorporating insights from pilot trials and dynamic modeling, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient drying system.

Work Package 6 – Prevention of Fibres and Air Entering the Closed Superheated Steam Loop

Work Package is dedicated to the prevention of fibres and air infiltration into the closed superheated steam loop in the paper drying process. The primary goal is to design the paper dryer to minimize the entry of fibres and air, ensuring the efficiency and integrity of the superheated steam system. Through advanced modeling of the drying process involving paper and pulp web, the project aims to develop a dynamic physical model for gas mixing, incorporating paper web rheology and verifying the model with experimental data. Tasks also include studying the effect of boundary layer properties on fibre flux, analyzing the impact of steam flow on fibre and paper web properties, creating an experimental setup for validation, and exchanging models for optimization. Ultimately, WP6 aims to enhance the understanding and control of the drying process, contributing to the overall success of the SteamDry project in revolutionizing papermaking production.

Work Package 7 – Removal of Fibres and Air from the Closed Superheated Steam Loop

Work Package 7 focuses on the critical task of ensuring the appropriate quality of superheated steam in the closed-loop system by effectively removing fibres and airT. his work package comprises multiple tasks. It addresses the reduction of fouling in both recirculating and surplus steam streams, employing hybrid modeling and experimental validation to assess unit operation effectiveness. The development of cleaning models and their qualitative impact on cleaning procedures is explored, with subsequent coupling to fouling models for long-term scheduling and optimization. The implementation of these models in a feedback control system, frequently re-optimized through automated experiments, forms a crucial aspect. Additionally, digital twinning is introduced through a user interface, serving as a monitoring and adjustment environment, while data and model sharing are emphasized for streamlined accessibility and collaboration within the project. Overall, WP7 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the superheated steam loop throughout the SteamDry project.

Work Package 8 – Integration of novel digital technologies

Work Package 8 aims to leverage novel digital technologies to achieve maximum energy reduction in the steam drying process. The work involves conceptualizing a digitalization infrastructure, implementing hardware/software tools for data management, creating digital twins for major components, and developing a cross-process automation and energy management system. The aim is to streamline operations, optimize energy consumption, and enhance overall efficiency. The package also includes the development of an anomalies detection system to identify and address issues, ensuring a smoother and more effective implementation of the SteamDry project.

Work package 9 – Piloting of the SSD process

The main goal is to conduct trials using modified pilot dryers, demonstrating the viability and efficiency of the SSD process. The focus includes the pre-design phase, detailed design, procurement, construction of the pilot dryer, and subsequent startup with pilot-scale drying trials. These activities aim to identify potential challenges, optimize the process, estimate resource requirements for full-scale implementation, and assess environmental and safety considerations. The outcomes of the trials will contribute valuable data for further refinement and potential adoption of the SSD technology.

Work package 10 – Environmental and techno-economic assessment of the SSD

Work Package 10 (WP10) has a two-fold objective: to conduct a techno-economic assessment (TEA) and develop a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for the proposed superheated steam drying (SSD) technology. The TEA involves evaluating the technical parameters and economic aspects of SSD, considering factors like production costs, payback period, and net present value. The LCA methodology follows standardized procedures to quantify the environmental impacts associated with the SSD process, considering inputs, outputs, and emissions. The goal is to assess the feasibility, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of implementing the SSD technology on a larger scale. Additionally, the WP10 evaluates the flexibility potential of SSD in different electricity markets, providing a comprehensive analysis of its economic, environmental, and operational aspects.

Work package 11 – Up-scaling strategy of the developed solution

Work Package 11 focuses on developing a comprehensive up-scaling strategy for the superheated steam drying (SSD) technology. The objectives include outlining steps for successful product launch, determining pricing and marketing strategies, and establishing a timeline for scaling up production and entering new markets. The tasks within WP11 encompass market entry options, evaluating potential retrofit cases, and formulating strategies for reaching target customers. Additionally, there is a focus on market entry through a rebuild, involving planning, resource identification, and overcoming potential barriers. The concept development includes layouts for the new superheated dryer and a training plan to transfer expertise gained during the piloting phase. Finally, the operational environment prototype concept is prepared, taking into account feedback and finalizing the design for larger modular production series. The ultimate goal is to ensure a smooth transition to industrial-scale implementation of the SSD technology.

Work package 12 – Business cases for product manufacturers and technology suppliers

Work Package 12 aims to evaluate the business potential of the superheated steam drying (SSD) concepts developed in the project. The main focus will be in demonstrating the deployment in the EU in the short- to medium-term by the participating product manufacturers and technology suppliers. The objective is achieved by assessing generic business cases to obtain EU-wide theoretical potential, and by developing specific business cases for product manufacturers and technology suppliers. These involve evaluating targeted processes, technical possibilities, barriers, and conducting cost-benefit analyses for short- and medium-term implementation of the developed concepts.

Work package 13 & 14 – Communication, Dissemination, IP & exploitation

In the initial phase of the SteamDry project, Work Package 13 is dedicated to communication, dissemination, intellectual property (IP), and exploitation planning for the first 12 months. The primary goals involve establishing effective communication and dissemination strategies, creating a common project identity, and preparing preliminary plans for disseminating and exploiting the project’s results. Activities include raising awareness through an introductory video, press releases, newsletters, and brochures, as well as organizing an initial workshop to sensitize partners and update the exploitation strategy with a focus on intellectual property considerations. Following this setup phase, Work Package 14 takes over from months 13 to 42, focusing on the implementation and monitoring of the communication, dissemination, IP, and exploitation strategies. The overarching objectives are to make project results visible, known to stakeholders, and linked to related initiatives while maximizing the transferability of results and recommending protection routes for generated IP. Throughout this period, the project team actively engages in disseminating results and managing intellectual property to ensure a successful and impactful project outcome.