Abstract: The present application describes an industrial drying apparatus for drying board precursor to form gypsum board, wherein the industrial drying apparatus comprises at least one electric heater. Use of the industrial drying apparatus and a method of drying a precursor board to form a gypsum board using the industrial drying apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present application describes an industrial calciner for particulate material, wherein the industrial calciner comprises: a calcination vessel; and a gas supply system in fluid communication with the calcination vessel, the gas supply system configured to supply a flow of calcination gas to the calcination vessel, wherein the industrial calciner further comprises at least one electric heater configured to heat the calcination gas, the industrial calciner further comprising at least one humidity modifier and a humidity control system for controlling the output of the at least one humidity modifier. Use of the industrial calciner and a method of calcining particulate material with the industrial calciner are also described.