New Steam Drying Technology Could Cut Industrial Energy Use by Up to 80%

Today, most industrial drying systems rely on hot air heated by burning natural gas. Unlike ordinary steam, superheated steam is heated beyond its boiling point so it contains no liquid water. The heat pump captures low-temperature heat from the drying process and raises it to a higher temperature so it can be used again. Together, the combination of superheated steam, heat pumps, and smart controls can reduce energy consumption by as much as 80%, offering a major opportunity to cut industrial carbon emissions. Pilot systems using superheated-steam spray drying are already operating, bringing the technology one step closer to widespread industrial use.