R&D activities for dryers have focused on the advancement of belt drying systems. New sizes have been developed and an entire new design based on a solid concrete casing introduced to the market.

Development of the belt drying system for drying bark, saw dust, and other types of biomass using waste heat from thermal processes was also started. The Andritz EcoDry system was further optimized.

The new drive system for centrifuges has proved its long-term reliability. This technology will now be transferred to other centrifuge sizes.

The medium-term program to rationalize and standardize the Andritz, Bird and Humboldt products continues. This includes modernization of designs, cost reductions, and improvement of performance. Research work continues in order to broaden the applications for centrifuges and rotating filters.

The program to merge the filter press designs of Ritterhaus & Blecher and NETZSCH Filtration, in order to combine the advantages of both designs at optimum costs, is almost complete.