Alikuivaaminen

Alikuivaaminen is a term used in Finnish industry to describe an insufficient drying of a material, where the material retains moisture above the target level. It represents a state between raw moist material and properly dried product and is considered a quality and safety concern in many processes.

The term is applied in several sectors where moisture content is critical, including food processing (such as grains, seeds, and dried fruits), wood processing (lumber and wood fibers), textiles, and pharmaceuticals. In these contexts alikuivaaminen can affect shelf life, texture, stability, and storage properties, as well as process efficiency and product consistency.

Measurement and indicators: moisture content is typically determined by standard methods such as oven-drying or in-line moisture meters. Indicators of under-drying include higher-than-expected moisture readings, residual surface dampness, inadequate weight loss during drying, and failure to meet specified moisture targets.

Causes of alikuivaaminen can include insufficient drying time, inadequate heat or air flow, high initial moisture, large or heterogeneous batches, and equipment limitations or malfunctions. Environmental factors like high ambient humidity and uneven material distribution can also contribute.

Consequences include accelerated microbial growth and mold formation, quality degradation (texture, color, flavor), reduced shelf life, clumping or caking in powders, and in some cases corrosion or corrosion-related spoilage in packaging and storage systems. In finished goods, under-drying can lead to rework, recalls, or increased waste.

Prevention and remediation focus on optimizing the drying process: adjusting temperature and airflow, ensuring uniform material exposure, using pre-drying or conditioning steps, calibrating sensors, validating via routine moisture testing, and enforcing clear moisture specifications with targeted re-drying when needed.

See also: moisture content, drying process, under-drying, oven-drying method.