What is the primary element in an absorption drying method that liquefies solids?

The primary element in an absorption drying method that liquefies solids is a deliquescent drying agent. This type of drying agent is capable of absorbing moisture from the surrounding air, causing it to dissolve and form a liquid solution. Deliquescent materials have the ability to absorb water vapor until they reach a point of saturation, at which point they transform from a solid state into a brine solution. This characteristic is utilized in absorption drying processes to effectively reduce the moisture content of solids by turning atmospheric moisture into a liquid form.

While desiccants are also used for drying purposes, their primary function is to adsorb moisture without transitioning into a liquid state; they can hold water vapor on their surface rather than absorbing it fully like deliquescent agents do. Mechanical dryers generally operate on different principles, using heat or airflow to remove moisture, and do not rely on chemical absorption. A condensate collector serves to gather liquids that form during various drying processes, but it does not play a direct role in liquefying solids through absorption. Therefore, the feature specific to deliquescent drying agents makes it the correct choice for this question.