Sensordry

Sensordry is a term used in industrial process engineering to describe a sensor-driven drying technology that integrates real-time moisture measurement with closed-loop control to optimize drying operations. It combines sensing of residual moisture with adaptive control of drying parameters such as temperature, airflow, pressure, and vacuum to achieve consistent product quality while reducing energy use.

Technology and operation: Systems typically incorporate moisture sensing elements (capacitance-based or near-infrared sensors), temperature sensors, and sometimes infrared thermography. The sensor data are processed by a control unit that runs algorithms such as PID, feedforward, or model predictive control to determine the necessary adjustments to drying conditions. The approach enables real-time stop criteria when target moisture is reached and can be integrated with plant-level data systems (SCADA, MES).

Applications: Sensordry has been applied across sectors including electronics manufacturing (PCB and wafer drying), pharmaceuticals, food processing, wood and paper, textiles, and packaging. It is valued where precise moisture control impacts product performance or shelf life.

Benefits and limitations: Benefits include reduced energy usage, shorter cycle times, improved uniformity, lower defect rates, and better traceability. Limitations include upfront equipment costs, sensor calibration needs, maintenance requirements, and the need for process-specific modeling to achieve optimal results.

History and market: Sensordry concepts emerged with advances in sensor technology and industrial automation. Variants are offered by multiple vendors as modular modules or turnkey systems. See also: moisture sensor, drying process, closed-loop control.