13 - Refractance window drying: principles, applications, and emerging innovations

Abstract

Refractance window drying technology is a variation of the technology of conductive hydro drying technique and provides a better scope for the development of high-quality products. It has many advantages over preexisting drying technologies. It has evidenced benefits as a result of being a nonthermal technique, in which dehydration occurs through the heat transfer modes along with the light refraction principle. The self-limiting concept of this technique avoids overheating, which is most suitable for thermally labile products. By applying this technology, enhanced drying rates can be achieved with a short processing period at a low product temperature. The simple and one-of-a-kind design feature of the refractance window dryers will promise cost-effective, energy-efficient, moisture reduction, quality retention, and ease of operation as well as maintenance. Emerging applications of this technology provide insights into this technology beyond the removal of moisture content and preservation, such as matrix-type encapsulation of active compounds, color retention, enhanced quality, and improved functional properties of dried products.