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:
- Dr. Jewe Schröder (Danone): Bridging fundamental spray drying research with industrial application.
- Prof. Séverine Vessot Crastes (University of Lyon): Challenges in freeze drying of pharmaceuticals and biological materials.
- Prof. Stefan Heinrich (Hamburg University of Technology): Modeling and control in spray granulation.
- Prof. Grzegorz Musielak (Poznan University of Technology): Hybrid drying methods – opportunities and challenges.
- Prof. Maike Baltussen (Eindhoven University of Technology): Modeling droplet size in drying systems.
- Martin Tukker (JOA Air Solutions): Improving emission control and heat recovery in drying processes.
- Prof. Stefan Topfl (Osnabruck University & ELEA GmbH): Product quality under pulsed electric field drying.
- Dr. Benjamin Zuhlsdorf (Danish Technological Institute): Decarbonizing industrial drying through electrification.
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)
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
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
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.
