The laser technology developed by Worcester Polytechnic aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the drying stage of the paper-making process.
Nov 15, 2024
A university in Massachusetts, US has developed laser technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from a key industrial process in Maine’s paper and pulp industry.
The laser technology developed by Worcester Polytechnic involved the dispersion of laser energy over a large area to evenly dry materials like paper pulp. This helped in significant reduction of carbon dioxide emitted during the drying stage of the paper-making process, a major contributor to the overall industrial emissions.
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The method aimed to avoid compromising the quality of the dried materials. For the paper industry, maintaining the tensile strength of the paper was crucial, while in the food industry, preserving sensory qualities were vital. Researchers have conducted extensive tests to ensure these quality parameters were not affected.
The initiative, which recently received a grant of USD 2.75 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, reflected a broader commitment to environmental sustainability in the industrial sector.
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The project underscored the importance of innovation in achieving sustainable industrial practices. As industries across the world looked for ways to decarbonize their operations, this collaboration between technology developers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders would be crucial in realizing these ambitious goals.
