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Tag: Sustainability

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SteamDry Midterm Conference: Advancing Energy-Efficient Industrial Drying

Monday, 10 November 2025 | 13:30 – 16:30 CET | Online

Register here.
Check the agenda here.

Join us for the SteamDry Midterm Conference, a key milestone in our Horizon Europe–funded journey to revolutionize industrial drying with cleaner, smarter, and more energy-efficient steam-based technologies.
Over three hours, leading experts from across Europe will share progress, pilot results, and new concepts designed to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in industrial drying processes.

Aligned with SteamDry’s mission, the conference will address energy efficiency, process digitalization, steam purification, equipment design, and life-cycle sustainability — key topics driving innovation in the transition to low-carbon, circular manufacturing.

This virtual event brings together leading experts from research and industry to discuss the project’s progress, share pilot results, and explore pathways toward sustainable industrial drying solutions.

 What to Expect

The conference will feature presentations and discussions from our project partners, covering:

 Why Attend?

Discover how the SteamDry project is:

  • Reducing energy consumption in industrial drying processes.
  • Integrating digital tools for process optimization.
  • Supporting the EU’s transition toward sustainable, circular industry solutions.

This event is an opportunity to engage with researchers, technology developers, and industrial stakeholders working toward a more energy-efficient and climate-resilient future.

 Registration

Participation is free but registration is required.

Agenda

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Life Cycle Assessment in the SteamDry Project: Every Step Counts

In the pursuit of more sustainable industrial processes, every step counts—especially when it comes to understanding environmental impact. That principle underpins the SteamDry Project.

One of the key contributors to this effort is José Luis Ares Sainz, a PhD student at the University of Santiago de Compostela. His work centres on applying a robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental performance of the steam drying process.

Understanding Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment is a structured methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product or process—from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal. Defined under ISO 14044, the LCA process is composed of four main steps:

  1. Goal and Scope Definition
    This step involves clearly defining the purpose of the study and the system boundaries. For the SteamDry Project, this includes specifying the functional unit (e.g., one tonne of dried paper) and the scope (e.g., from dryer input to output).
  2. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
    This phase collects data on the energy and material flows into and out of the system. It includes mass and energy balances that form the foundation for later analysis.
  3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
    At this stage, data from the inventory is translated into measurable environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, and pollution indicators.
  4. Interpretation of Results
    The final step is analysing the findings to draw meaningful conclusions and identify opportunities for improving environmental performance.

LCA Within the SteamDry Project

The SteamDry Project integrates LCA as a central component of its assessment framework, particularly within Work Packages 5 and 7. The research team is tasked with developing and applying a comprehensive LCA model tailored to the specific context of superheated steam drying technology. This includes:

  • Performing sensitivity analyses to understand how changes in variables affect the outcomes.
  • Identifying the life cycle stages with the highest environmental impact.
  • Exploring alternatives to address potential sustainability challenges.

In addition to LCA, the project team is also working on dynamic modelling approaches, incorporating real experimental data from the steam drying system. These efforts are complemented by Work Package 10, which focuses on equipment-specific modelling to validate the assumptions and improve the accuracy of the environmental assessment.

A Dual Approach to Sustainability and Viability

One of the core objectives of the SteamDry Project is to demonstrate the potential for up to 100% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional drying technologies. To support this, the project takes a dual approach: combining economic feasibility studies with comprehensive environmental analysis.

By integrating detailed modelling and life cycle thinking, the project provides valuable insights into both the comparative advantages and the limitations of superheated steam drying technology. This dual perspective allows stakeholders to assess not only whether the technology works, but also whether it meets environmental and economic expectations.

By placing Life Cycle Assessment at the core of its development strategy, the SteamDry Project demonstrates how engineering innovation can be aligned with sustainability goals. The ongoing work provides a roadmap for developing and validating cleaner technologies through rigorous scientific analysis, ensuring that each step contributes meaningfully to a more sustainable future.

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Engineering the Future of Drying: Inside SteamDry’s Digital Core

The SteamDry project is pioneering the future of sustainable web material drying in the paper and pulp industry through the implementation of superheated steam drying (SSD). At the heart of this transformation lies a robust and forward-looking IT concept—designed to support simulation, monitoring, optimization, and control of the entire drying process.

Smarter Models for a Greener Industry

SteamDry’s IT concept outlines a comprehensive suite of models, from static and dynamic simulations to advanced drying physics and fouling detection. These models form the foundation for digital twins that replicate real-time operations of dryers, heat exchangers, steam cleaners, and more. The digital twins will enable near real-time optimization, predictive analytics, and anomaly detection.

A Future-Ready Data Infrastructure

A dedicated data platform complements the existing automation systems at VTT’s pilot plant. This platform is equipped to store time-series and asset data, leveraging PostgreSQL with TimescaleDB for high-efficiency logging and retrieval. Modular APIs built on modern protocols like HTTP and MQTT allow seamless integration of sensor data, model outputs, and control recommendations.

From Recommendations to Real-Time Control

SteamDry’s agent-based control algorithms focus on multi-objective optimization—balancing energy consumption, product moisture content, and overall process efficiency. Initially, operators will manually implement suggested setpoints. As the system matures, direct control interfaces may enable autonomous adjustments, closing the loop between digital insights and physical action.

Built on Open Standards, Geared for Flexibility

The IT architecture prioritizes flexibility and interoperability. The use of open-source technologies like Grafana for visualization, Keycloak for identity management, and Docker/Kubernetes for deployment ensures a scalable and adaptable system. APIs follow the OpenAPI and AsyncAPI standards, encouraging collaboration and future expansion.

Digital Twins Driving Sustainability

This IT concept is more than a technical framework—it’s a critical enabler for environmental and economic impact. By coupling digital models with live data and intelligent controls, SteamDry aims to cut energy use, reduce emissions, and support the transition to a circular and decarbonized industry.

What’s Next

As the project advances, the IT concept will evolve. Integration of coupled simulations, advanced user interfaces, and new control strategies are expected to enhance the digital ecosystem. SteamDry continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial drying through innovation grounded in solid digital infrastructure.

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SteamDry Consortium Meets in Wageningen to Advance Clean Drying Technologies

From July 9 to 11, the SteamDry consortium gathered in Wageningen, Netherlands, for a dynamic three-day meeting focused on accelerating the transition to clean, energy-efficient drying technologies. The agenda was packed with technical presentations, group work, and a hands-on excursion, reflecting the project’s momentum and collaborative spirit.

Day 1: Technical Insights and Collaboration 

The meeting kicked off on July 9 with a warm welcome in Wageningen, followed by a series of presentations from key work packages. VTT opened with an overview of WP1 on the management of concept development and WP3 on creating a transition pathway towards energy-efficient drying. The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) highlighted progress in WP4, focused on replacing fossil-based drying with green alternatives. 

Wageningen Research (WR) presented critical innovations in WP6 to prevent fiber and air contamination in the closed-loop superheated steam system—an essential step for system reliability. After a short break, the consortium participated in a productive group session (WP11) led by Valmet to evaluate upscaling concepts. Later in the day, the University of Twente (UT) and the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) presented cutting-edge work on steam sealing for web-like materials (WP7) and the integration of digital technologies (WP8), respectively. 

The day concluded with a safety briefing for the upcoming site visit to Smurfit Westrock Parenco. 

Day 2: Industrial Integration and Impact Evaluation 

On July 10, the consortium began the day with an excursion to Smurfit Westrock Parenco in Renkum—a highlight of the event. This advanced recycled-paper mill, producing over 385,000 tonnes per annum of packaging paper from 100% recovered fiber, showcases industry-leading sustainability practices. The visit provided valuable real-world context for how SteamDry technologies could be applied at scale. 

In the afternoon, VTT presented progress on WP9 (piloting of the Steam Superheated Drying (SSD) process), followed by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) assessment of its environmental and techno-economic performance (WP10). Group work led by the Fundación Empresa-Universidad Gallega (FEUGA) explored IP strategy and exploitation plans (WP14), laying the groundwork for securing innovation results. Valmet and Metsä Group presented on the upscaling strategy (WP11) and business case development (WP12), and FEUGA closed with WP13, highlighting communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities. 

Day 3: Business Planning and Research Infrastructure 

The final day, July 11, opened with a general assembly meeting. Metsä led group work on initiating business cases (WP12), followed by VTT’s session on pilot layout evaluation and trial planning (WP9). A break allowed participants to regroup before touring the facilities at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research—a partner institution supporting innovative biobased solutions. The consortium wrapped up the event with a networking lunch, reflecting on a productive and energizing gathering. 

Looking Ahead 

The Wageningen meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s shared commitment to reshaping industrial drying processes with sustainable and economically viable solutions. With valuable input from all partners, hands-on industrial insights, and collaborative planning for future pilots and business models, the SteamDry project continues to pave the way for clean tech in the circular economy. 

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SteamDry at Eurodrying 2025 – Join Us in Wageningen

We’re pleased to announce that SteamDry will be participating in Eurodrying 2025, held from 6–9 July 2025 in Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Organized by Wageningen University & Research and the Working Party on Drying, this 9th edition of the European Drying Conference will take place on the vibrant international university campus in Wageningen.

This premier international conference brings together researchers, professionals, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in drying and dewatering technologies. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, share knowledge, and help shape the future of the field.

What to Expect at Eurodrying 2025
  • Keynote talks from leading academic and industry experts.
  • Oral, pitch, and poster presentations on the latest research and innovations.
  • Interactive sessions that encourage discussion and collaboration.
  • Technical excursions to state-of-the-art facilities in Wageningen and across the Netherlands.
Featured Keynote Speakers

This year’s extended lineup includes thought leaders from across Europe, covering a range of topics critical to the future of drying:

For full details and to register, visit: www.eurodrying2025.nl

SteamDry Contributions – Advancing Drying Technology with Research & Industry Collaboration

SteamDry is proud to present three oral contributions at Eurodrying 2025, showcasing the project’s commitment to driving sustainability, energy efficiency, and data-driven innovation in drying technologies. Each contribution represents a collaborative effort between leading research institutions and industry experts from across Europe.

1. Driving Sustainability and Feasibility for Drying Technologies in the Paper, Wood, and Food Industries through Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis

Presenter: José Luis Ares Sainz, USC

Partner: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)

Time: 09:30

This study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of drying technologies across the paper, wood, and food sectors, which together account for a significant share of industrial energy use. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), the research identifies sustainable alternatives, highlighting superheated steam drying as a promising cross-sector solution with high energy savings potential. The study provides a much-needed quantitative framework for comparing drying methods and supporting strategic industrial decision-making in line with EU sustainability goals.

2. Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Paper Production by Superheated Steam Drying

Presenter: Sabrina Dusek, AIT

Partners: Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) & Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH

Time: 10:00

This contribution focuses on optimizing the energy efficiency of paper drying by replacing traditional hot air drying with superheated steam and integrating heat recovery concepts. Using process simulations in IPSEpro, the team evaluates multiple configurations, identifying energy-saving potentials of up to 70% compared to conventional systems. The findings underline the crucial impact of steam pressure and temperature on efficiency and provide guidance for developing practical, cost-effective retrofits for the paper industry.

3. A Data-Driven Model as a Simulation Platform for Reinforcement-Based Dryness Control of a Pilot Paper-Making Machine Using Active Learning

Presenter: Andreas Wolff, BFI

Partners: VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI), Germany & VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Time: 14:50

This presentation introduces a data-driven control system for drying processes in paper production, based on reinforcement learning and active learning strategies. The project involves building a simulation platform using real-world data from VTT’s pilot plant, modeling both impingement and through-air drying. By leveraging machine learning techniques such as Lasso regression and Gaussian process modeling, the team aims to develop a smart control system that can dynamically optimize drying conditions to balance product quality, energy efficiency, and production rates—paving the way for fully electrified, CO₂-neutral drying operations.

These contributions reflect SteamDry’s mission to support the transition toward more sustainable, efficient, and digitally controlled drying technologies for European industry. We look forward to sharing insights and engaging in meaningful discussion at Eurodrying 2025.