Technology changes are happening rapidly and keeping up with the advances can be a challenge for any business. One of AURI’s key roles is making the agricultural processing industry aware of new technologies that could increase their efficiency or offer them new opportunities.
A dryer technology event in Benson brought together dozens of people interested in how various new technologies could impact their operations. The event introduced Minnesota agri-processors to innovative equipment that could help their businesses.
“One of the hurdles that we see, working with agricultural-processing or renewable-energy clients, is the need for efficient drying technologies for crop residues or coproducts,” says Alan Doering, head of AURI’s coproducts lab in Waseca.
Doering and fellow scientist Kevin Hennessy identified four companies with innovative drying technologies, including cyclone, microwave and membrane systems and a tri-phase, high-efficiency dryer.
Dryer company representatives presented information to more than 40 ag processors at the event. Most were interested in efficient drying methods to help them cut costs and create new products.