Primary processing

Physical pre-treatments are based on physical principles whithout significantly changing the chemical structure of the feedstock. A change in the overall chemical composition might occur due to physical separation of different substances.

Drying (evaporation)

Air drying

Dehydration process that involves the evaporation of water under an oxygen atmosphere. The exchange of oxygen with low humidity accelerates this process but may lead to an (unwanted) oxidation of the product.

Nitrogen drying

Dehydration process that involves the evaporation of water under an nitrogen atmosphere. The exchange of nitrogen accelerates this process. Since nitrogen is an inert gas unwanted reactions such as oxidation of the product are avoided.

Freeze drying

Also known as lyophilisation. The technology represents a low temperature dehydration process that involves freezing the product, lowering pressure, then removing the ice by sublimation.