ORLANDO, Fla. – Bühler released a new software to help pet food and treat processors manage the drying process without intensive labor, claiming it can increase annual energy savings by thousands of dollars. The cloud-based digital service is designed to improve yield and reduce energy costs as well as the environmental footprint of thermal processing.

“Leveraging the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud technology, we can make our expertise available to our customers at every stage of the drying process and drive real change,” said Paul McKeithan, head of digital services, Bühler. “MoisturePro uses Microsoft’s Azure IoT cloud platform technologies to build an intelligent drying solution with real-time, continuous moisture management.”  

MoisturePro can detect real-time moisture levels and make precise adjustments throughout the drying process by using sensors and algorithms. As the product is discharged through a chute, data from moisture sensors is relayed to the dryer control software. Control algorithms continuously adjust production parameters, so that the optimum moisture content is achieved and maintained throughout while ensuring food and feed safety. Real-time data and dynamic reporting show meaningful correlations that support decision making.

Bühler said the software reduces moisture deviation, improves yield and reduces energy consumption. A net increase of 1% in moisture gain in final product water content can represent a return on investment of $300,000 a year for a typical feed dryer operation. This can translate to an annual energy savings of $20,000 according to Bühler.

“The use of digital technologies has revolutionized food and feed processing,” McKeithan said. “These changes have driven huge improvements in quality and efficiency. Now, we are leveraging connectivity to drive the next revolution.”

Bühler is a thermal process engineering and technology company for food, feed and industrial materials. Its sustainability goals include reducing 30% of waste and 30% of energy consumption in its customers’ processes by 2020.

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