Definition:
Drying: It is defined as final removal of liquid from solid by vaporization with aid of heat.
Application:
1) In pharmaceutical industry it is used as a unit process in the manufacture of granules which can be dispensed in bulk or converted into tablets or capsules.
2) Drying can also be used to reduce the bulk and weight of the material, thereby lowering the cost of transportation and storage.
3 ) It helps in the preservation of crude drugs of plant from mould growth, which occurs due to presence of moisture.
4) It helps in the size reduction of crude drugs. The presence of moisture in the crude drug does not allow it to get powdered easily.
5) Drying is also used in the processing of materials eg. the preparation of dried aluminium hydroxide, the spray drying of lactose and in the preparation of solid extract.
6) Improves solubility of product, when powder is dried it gets solublised fast.
7) Drying ensures free flowing of powders.