Desiccator Jar: All-in-One Desiccators
Seedburo desiccators are for fast drying of prepared samples and as anaerobic culture jars. Each desiccator, an annealed jar, comes complete, fully assembled with all parts including a porcelain plate. Each desiccator has a specimen plate. Desiccants such as sulfuric acid, phosphorous pentoxide, calcium chloride and silica gel can be reused in Seedburo jars. For long term vacuum storage all surfaces must be cleaned and greased with a silicone-based vacuum grease (SD200G). Each desiccator has a porcelain plate.
Drierite Indicating DesiccantThis desiccant is made from gypsum (calcium sulfate) and is a general purpose drying agent. As it absorbs moisture the desiccant turns blue to pink in color and can absorb 6-10% of its weight in water depending on the humidity. Made from >98% Calcium Sulfate and < 2% Cobalt Chloride.
Parts
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SD250: 250mm Glass Desiccator (Large) With Porcelain Plate (230mm dia.)
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SD200: 200mm Glass Desiccator With Porcelain Plate (190mm dia.)
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SD200P: SD200 Desiccator Replacement 190mm Porcelain Plate
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SD250P: SD250 Desiccator Replacement 230mm Porcelain Plate
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SD1: Drierite Indicating Desiccant, 8 Mesh, 1lb Jar
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SD5: Drierite Indicating Desiccant, 8 Mesh, 5lb Jar
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SD200G: 5.3Oz Tube Silicone Grease
What is a Desiccator?
A desiccator is a sealed container that maintains a dry environment, necessary for storing sensitive materials or equipment. By controlling humidity and preventing moisture from entering, desiccators keep the contents dry and free from moisture damage. They are used in many industries including laboratory research, pharmaceuticals and electronics where a dry environment is critical for the integrity and longevity of materials and equipment.
Desiccator Design
Desiccators are designed to be dry and stable. They consist of a jar or container with a lid, desiccant material and sometimes a specimen plate or cover knob. The jar (glass, plastic or stainless steel) is the main body of the desiccator and is the sealed space for storage, with specific measurements such as inside diameter and inside height to ensure precise specifications. The desiccant material (silica gel) absorbs moisture from the air inside the jar to keep the environment dry. The cover knob is for easy opening and closing of the lid and the specimen plate is a flat surface to hold materials or equipment.
Types of Desiccators
There are several types of desiccators:
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Glass Desiccators: Made from borosilicate glass, these desiccators are for laboratory use as they can withstand high temperatures and provide clear visibility of the contents.
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Plastic Desiccators: Made from durable plastics, these desiccators are general purpose and are often cheaper than glass ones.
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Stainless Steel Desiccators: Made from corrosion resistant stainless steel, these desiccators are for use in harsh environments where durability and chemical resistance is critical.
Components of a Desiccator: Porcelain Plate
A desiccator consists of:
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Jar or Container: The main body of the desiccator (glass, plastic or stainless steel) is the sealed space for storage.
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Desiccant Material: Silica gel or Drierite to absorb moisture from the air inside the jar to keep the environment dry.
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Specimen Plate: A flat plate or tray (porcelain) to hold materials or equipment inside the desiccator.
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Cover Knob: A knob or handle to open and close the desiccator lid.
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Finely Ground Flanges: Some desiccators have finely ground flanges to ensure a tight seal between the lid and the jar to prevent moisture from entering.
How Desiccators Work with Silica Gel
Desiccators work by using a desiccant material to absorb moisture from the air to keep the environment dry. Desiccant materials like silica gel or Drierite attract and hold moisture molecules so they don’t enter the jar. When the desiccator is sealed the desiccant starts to absorb moisture from the air inside. As the desiccant becomes saturated it changes color, so you can see how well the desiccant is working and keep the environment dry.
Uses of Desiccators for Moisture Control
Desiccators are used in:
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Laboratory Research: To store sensitive materials and equipment like chemicals and biological samples to keep them dry and stable.
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Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical industry desiccators are used to store medicines and medical devices to protect them from moisture that can affect their effectiveness.
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Electronics: To store electronic components and equipment to prevent moisture damage that can affect their performance.
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Food and Beverage: To store food and beverages like coffee and tea to preserve their flavor and aroma by keeping them dry.
In short, desiccators are the key to a dry environment, the design and components are the key to achieving that. Now you know how desiccators work and their uses, your materials and equipment are safe and stable, moisture free.
Choosing the Right Desiccator Jar
When choosing a desiccator jar, consider the following:
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Size: Choose a jar that is big enough for your specimens or samples, but not so big that it’s hard to handle. Our 200mm and 250mm glass desiccators are popular for laboratory use, big enough to hold plenty but not too big to be cumbersome.
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Material: Glass desiccators are best for laboratory use, as they are non-reactive and easy to clean. Look for jars made from high quality, annealed glass that can withstand extreme temperatures. This means durability and reliability in any laboratory environment.
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Plate: A porcelain plate is necessary to keep the environment dry inside the jar. Look for jars that come with a specimen plate or buy a separate porcelain plate for your desiccator. The plate provides a stable surface for your samples and helps distribute the desiccant evenly.
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Desiccant: What type of desiccant do you need for your application? Our Drierite indicating desiccant is a popular choice, it changes color from blue to pink as it absorbs moisture. This visual indicator helps you see how well the desiccant is working and when it needs to be replaced.
By considering these you can choose the right desiccator jar for your laboratory needs and keep your specimens and samples dry and stable.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To keep your desiccator jar working properly, maintenance is required. Here’s how:
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Cleanliness: Clean the jar and porcelain plate with a soft cloth and mild detergent to prevent contamination. This will keep your samples intact and the desiccator working properly.
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Desiccant Replacement: Replace the desiccant regularly, depending on the humidity in your laboratory. Our Drierite desiccant can absorb 6-10% of its weight in water depending on the relative humidity. Check the color change from blue to pink to know when it’s time to replace.
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Sealing: Make sure the jar is sealed properly with silicone grease to prevent moisture from entering the jar. A sealed jar keeps the environment dry and your samples moisture free.
By following these tips you can keep your desiccator jar in good condition and it will provide a dry and stable environment for your laboratory needs.
Safety Precautions and Handling
When handling desiccator jars be careful to avoid accidents and safe use. Here’s how:
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Handle with Care: Desiccator jars are made of glass and can break. Handle them with care. Always support the jar from the bottom and don’t move suddenly.
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Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t expose the jar to extreme temperatures as it can cause the glass to break. Gradual temperature changes are safer and will maintain the integrity of the jar.
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Use Protective Gear: When handling desiccants wear protective gear, gloves and safety glasses to prevent exposure to moisture. This will protect you from potential hazards and safe handling of the desiccant materials.
By following these safety tips you can avoid accidents and safe use of desiccator jars in your laboratory.
Benefits and Features
Using a desiccator jar in your laboratory has many benefits and features:
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Dry Environment: Desiccator jars are designed to keep the environment dry, which is necessary for storing sensitive specimens or samples. This will keep your materials intact and long lasting.
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Moisture Free: By using a desiccant you can prevent moisture from contaminating your specimens or samples. This is critical for your laboratory work quality and reliability.
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Easy to Use: Desiccator jars are easy to use and low maintenance. Just clean and replace the desiccant and you’ll have a dry environment for your samples.
By using desiccator jars you can enjoy these benefits.
Summary
In summary, choosing the right desiccator jar for your laboratory is key to a dry environment and moisture free. Consider size, material, plate and desiccant to choose the right jar for your application. Maintenance and safety precautions are also important to safe and proper use. With the right desiccator jar you can have a dry environment and moisture free in your laboratory and keep your specimens and samples intact and long lasting.