Recent Developments in Smart Drying Technology

With advances in computer, control, and sensing technologies, it is now possible to design smart dryers for certain products. In this article, a generalized definition of smart (or intelligent) drying technology is proposed and discussed. Recent developments in smart drying technology for fresh foods are reviewed. Such technology can be cost-effective in detecting and monitoring various food quality parameters which vary with time of the drying process, thus controlling the conditions of drying and producing high-quality products. Some important categories of smart drying technology are listed and discussed; these include biomimetic systems, computer vision technology, microwave dielectric spectroscopy, near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonic techniques, electrostatic sensor technology, and control systems for the drying environment. Several applications of these smart drying technologies are analyzed. Key factors leading to the success of smart drying technologies are discussed. Developments, challenges, and applications that represent a major step toward the development of drying technology are presented.