The influence on drying selectivity of the continuous-contact mode between a solid wetted with ternary mixtures and a gas stream was theoretically studied. The liquid mixtures, ethanol-isopropanol-water and water-ethanol-acetone, were used. A mathematical model describing a gas-phase-controlled process was developed, and the influence of the process variables was studied by simulations. In addition to the inlet composition of the moisture and temperature of the solid, gas composition has the most important effect on selectivity. Small changes of gas composition, either imposed or spontaneous, may modify completely the process trajectory. The extent of these effects depends on the ratio between the flow rates of inlet gas and liquid contained in the solid. Because of their effects on the evolution of temperature and composition, the operating pressure and energy sources other than convection are also useful in controlling the selectivity. Since all these variables determine the composition of the remaining liquid and thereby product quality, their influence should be predictable. The model may be a valuable tool for exploring the process, provided that drying is gas-phase-controlled.