droogwerk

Droogwerk is a term used in Dutch-language industry and crafts to describe work conducted in a dry state or a dry-processing sequence, as opposed to processes that involve liquids or high moisture. The word combines droog (dry) and werk (work). In general, droogwerk denotes activities whose purpose is to remove moisture or to prepare materials for subsequent steps in a dry environment.

Applications span multiple sectors. In woodworking, lumber is dried through air-drying, kiln-drying, or other moisture-control methods to improve dimensional stability. In food processing, drying methods such as air-drying, tray-drying, or spray drying produce shelf-stable products. In textiles, dry finishing involves moisture removal and surface treatment. In mining and mineral processing, ores and concentrates may be dried prior to transport or further processing. In construction, dry trades—installations carried out in dry conditions—are contrasted with wet trades.

The term is primarily used in Dutch-language contexts and appears in technical manuals and industry guidelines. Its exact scope varies by region and sector, and there is no single universal definition. It is typically used descriptively rather than as a formal discipline, serving as a practical label for workflows centered on moisture control and dry processing.

Related concepts include drying, dry processing, kiln drying, and dehumidification.