Ear on Processing
Vacuum and freeze drying with DEVEX's Nick Slater
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- DEVEX specializes in thermal process engineering, with a focus on drying, extraction, and evaporation technologies.
- Uncertain tariff policies can significantly impact project timelines and customer investments in the process engineering sector.
- Energy efficiency and tailored solutions are critical in the design of drying equipment to improve product shelf life and reduce operational costs.
- The Institute of Briquetting and Agglomeration serves a diverse range of industries and promotes collaboration on processing techniques.
Summary
Introduction to DEVEX and Thermal Process Engineering
In this episode of Processing Proves, Nate Todd interviews Nick Slater, the new Business Development Manager for DEVEX, a company specializing in thermal process engineering. Nick explains that DEVEX offers technologies in three main categories: drying, extraction, and evaporation. They serve key industries including food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The discussion elaborates on their vacuum dryers, as well as tray and belt dryer configurations to meet varying client needs.
Market Awareness and Tariff Uncertainty
Nick shares his main goals as the new Business Development Manager, focusing on raising market awareness for DEVEX in the U.S. He discusses the challenges posed by uncertain tariff policies under the Trump administration, noting how they affect project timelines and customer decisions in the process engineering sector.
Challenges of Drying Processes
Nick talks about the complexities of drying products like fruits, vegetables, and instant foods. He highlights important factors for product shelf-life and moisture content during drying. With insights into energy efficiency, he notes DEVEX's commitment to recycling energy in their processes to keep costs down. They also offer R&D lab testing for customers to develop tailored drying solutions.
Institute of Briquetting and Agglomeration (IBA)
In addition to his role at DEVEX, Nick serves as the Executive Director of the Institute of Briquetting and Agglomeration (IBA). He outlines the IBA's mission to promote the exchange of information related to processing and agglomeration techniques. The diversity of IBA's member companies includes sectors such as mining and pharmaceuticals, and Nick provides insight into their upcoming conferences and the international reach of their membership.
Sponsors
- Processing Magazine · You can find Nick's article on our website at www.processingmagazine.com
Show notes
DEVEX's new US business development manager discusses his goals amid tariff uncertainty, challenges of vacuum and freeze drying, and his side role as executive director of the Institute of Briquetting and Agglomeration.
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