The Facts

• Drying ovens are devices used to remove moisture from objects without cooking them. They are used for a variety of purposes, from sterilizing laboratory equipment to dehydrating foodstuffs such as raisins to extend their shelf life in the supermarket. Drying ovens are also used for preservation of flowers, as they can efficiently remove moisture without damaging the flower's shape or color.
  
  

Function

• A drying oven causes objects to dry out through evaporation. Drying ovens use convection heating, in which the object is heated through air currents. Water from the object escapes into the air, raising the humidity level and causing the semi-solid membranes inside the oven to absorb the water. The end result is that the oven removes water from the object being dried, leaving it dehydrated.
  
  

Features

• Drying ovens contain a system for forcing convection currents to develop, usually either a fan or turbine, which aids in the heating and drying process by ensuring that the hot air circulates. Many ovens also feature an adjustable ventilation system that allows the user to ensure that the system has an adequate supply of air.
  
  

Warning

• Drying ovens are not without their dangers. Due to the induced evaporation process, any materials containing a solvent that can be ignited when airborne should not be placed in the oven. As the object dries, the solvent will also be removed and made to disperse in the air. As the temperature in the oven rises, the solvent will quickly reach its combustion level and may cause the oven to explode.