This project is funded by the "Klima- und Energiefonds" (the Climate and Energy Fund of the Austrian Republic) and carried out as part of the RTI initiative for industrial transformation.
The ImpreDry project aims to revolutionize the energy-intensive impregnation process for specialty papers, particularly phenolic resin-impregnated kraft papers, utilized in sectors such as construction, furniture, and electronics.
ImpreDry targets a 66% reduction in natural gas consumption and corresponding CO₂ emissions (up to 17,600 tons annually) by replacing conventional gas-fired dryers with optimized, digitally-controlled systems.
Central to this is the Digital Twin model, which enables adaptive control of drying processes for energy efficiency and precise resin curing. Real-time adjustments based on parameters like temperature, airflow, and solvent concentrations optimize the energy use while adhering to safety standards regarding flammable solvents.
Inline NIR spectroscopy will be implemented for real-time monitoring of curing kinetics, enabling data-driven control to ensure consistent product quality and operational safety. This project further innovates with ultrasound-assisted impregnation to improve resin permeation in paper substrates, reducing reliance on flammable solvents while maintaining impregnation quality. FUNDERMAX’s pilot implementation of IR heating and renewable heating will also serve as critical testing grounds for these sustainable adaptations, enhancing operational flexibility and energy efficiency.
Copyright: Fundermax GmbH
The Research Center for Non-Destructive Testing GmbH is member of the UAR Innovation Network and is supported by funding from the Province of Upper Austria and the European Union.