The mineral drying industry is evolving and at TEMA Process, we embrace this development and step up to our role. Where the sector has long relied on experience and manual adjustments, we are now taking the next step with artificial intelligence (AI). This technology is changing the way minerals are dried worldwide and offers our customers benefits that go beyond efficiency: higher product quality, lower costs, and a more sustainable way of working.
At TEMA Process we don’t see AI as a distant promise, it’s a reality that is already making a difference today. With our innovative software, we bring predictability, reliability, and energy efficiency to a process that has traditionally been complex and variable. In doing so, we actively contribute to a development that will become the new standard in mineral drying over the coming years.
From Experience to Data-Driven Certainty
Traditionally, operators relied on their knowledge and experience to set parameters such as temperature, airspeed, and moisture content. While this often worked well, variations in raw materials, weather conditions, or human interpretation frequently led to differences in output. This sometimes meant higher energy consumption or inconsistent product quality.
About twenty years ago, this began to change with the introduction of PLC technology. This allowed processes to be controlled more reliably and consistently, as settings and parameters could be recorded and monitored more effectively.
Today, we are taking the next step: moving from PLC control to AI intelligence. With AI, things can be done differently. Our software analyzes thousands of measurement points simultaneously and automatically adjusts settings based on real-time data. This makes the drying process more stable, predictable, and energy efficient. Where manual adjustments were previously required, AI now largely takes over. Operators can focus on process optimization rather than constant monitoring.
AI as a Copilot
While PLC software ensures reliable process execution, AI continuously thinks along about how these processes can become even more efficient and economical. AI is not a replacement for the operator, but a digital copilot. The system constantly monitors the installation, signals potential issues, or automatically intervenes when needed. Deviations are detected and corrected more quickly.
The result: a stable and reliable process, consistent product quality, and lower operational costs. For our customers, this also means a reduced dependence on variables such as experience or staff availability. Especially in a sector facing a shortage of qualified operators, AI offers a valuable and future-proof solution.
Efficiency and Sustainability Hand in Hand
With smart software and the integration of heat pumps and electric heaters, the most economical energy source (gas or electricity) can be continuously selected. Quality is paramount, but sustainability is also becoming increasingly important. Energy is one of the largest cost factors in mineral drying and a major concern due to growing regulatory and climate pressures. AI allows for smarter energy use, reducing both costs and the ecological footprint of the process.
At TEMA Process, we see this as a crucial step. Efficiency and sustainability do not have to be in conflict, in fact, they reinforce each other. Using less energy saves money and contributes to a more sustainable future.
Practical Example: Smarter Real-Time Control
Imagine a dryer suddenly receiving a batch of raw material with varying moisture content. In a traditional setup, the operator might notice this too late, risking inconsistent product quality or higher energy consumption.
With AI, this happens in real time. The system immediately detects the deviation and automatically adjusts temperature and airspeed. The result: consistent quality output without wasting energy or materials. This isn’t a vision of the future; it’s happening today in installations equipped with our software.
Looking Ahead: Self-Learning Dryers
What we achieve with AI today is just the beginning. In the future, we expect drying installations to autonomously adapt to new product streams. We also see significant potential in predictive maintenance: detecting wear or faults before they occur to prevent costly downtime.
Our software continuously learns from both historical and real-time data, translating insights directly into concrete actions in the drying process. The result is an installation that is not only smarter but also more reliable and sustainable.
Leading the Change
AI is still in the early stages in the mineral drying industry. Yet it is clear to us that artificial intelligence will become the new standard within a few years. Companies that invest in smart solutions today will have a competitive advantage tomorrow.
At TEMA Process, we are proud to be leading the way. Our innovative AI software empowers customers worldwide to optimize efficiency, reduce energy use, and maximize output; setting the benchmark for the future.
