Using Superheated Steam in Drying and Sterilization

It seems counterintuitive to use water vapor in a process to remove water or to heat materials that can be damaged by moisture, but such processes exist and can offer advantages. Superheated steam drying is discussed by Prachayawarakorn and Soponronnarit (2010). Steam sterilization has been previously discussed in this column (2007). Here we will summarize those sources and describe a specific application.

Superheated Steam
Superheating simply means heating vapor above its boiling point at a giv…