Drying & thickening

Whether or not you should use drying or thickening depends on the end product. If the end product can be pumped, it involves inspissation, and, if the end product cannot be pumped, it involves drying.

Drying is a process in which water is removed from a solid product. The water can be removed mechanically or by applying heat. Mechanical removal of water is the cheapest method. However, it is only applicable down to a certain minimum water content. The remaining water must be extracted by means of heat (typically hot air). This is a very energy-intensive process. Drying is typically applied in order to increase storage shelf life of organic matter by reducing the water content to below 10 %, which prevents decay.

Thickening is applied in order to concentrate a product; for instance with the purpose of reducing transportation costs. A product is often thickened before it is dried.