Students from Saint Martin's University in Lacey have come up with an idea to slash energy usage within the paper- and pulp-drying industry.

Their research project involves a paper-dryer concept based exclusively on flat ceramic infrared electric emitters.

By design, less heat is lost during the drying process with infrared technology over conventional steam dryers, thus making paper production more energy-efficient. Since the drying process is a major source of energy consumption for paper mills, increasing efficiency would help mills save energy and money.

Implementation of the technology, the students say, could be done either by building new infrared dryers from the ground up or by retrofitting existing steam dryers.

The project was funded by Puget Sound Energy as part of a multiyear utility grant to the Independent Colleges of Washington.

The students presented their research earlier this month at the 14th International Heat Transfer Conference in Washington, D.C.