Drierite Desiccant: Desiccators
Seedburo dessicators are used for fast drying of prepared samples and as anaerobic culture jars. Dessicators are known for their speed, so they are essential for moisture control in many applications. The increased drying capacity of Drierite desiccants is due to a combined chemical and capillary action, making them highly effective in maintaining low moisture levels. Drierite (sulfuric acid, phosphorous pentoxide, calcium chloride and silica gel) can be used repeatedly and safely in Seedburo jars. For long term vacuum storage all surfaces must be clean and greased with a silicone-based vacuum grease (SD200G). Each dessicator comes with 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 changes from blue to pink in color and can absorb 6-10% of its weight in water depending on the relative humidity. Made from >98% CalciumSulfate 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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SD250P: SD250 DesiccatorReplacement230mm Porcelain Plate
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SD5: Drierite Indicating Desiccant, 8 Mesh, 5lb Jar
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SD200G: 5.3Oz Tube Silicone Grease
What is Drierite Desiccant?
Drierite desiccant is a naturally occurring mineral, gypsum (Calcium Sulfate), renowned for its efficiency in rapid drying. This all-purpose drying agent is adept at removing moisture from air, industrial gases, refrigerants, organic liquids, and solids. By maintaining a dry atmosphere in storage spaces, vaults, and commercial packages, Drierite desiccant protects hygroscopic materials and those susceptible to mildew, corrosion, rust, or other forms of deterioration caused by high humidity. Its versatility and effectiveness make it an indispensable tool in various industrial and storage applications.
What are Desiccators?
Desiccators are essential devices or materials designed to control humidity and prevent moisture contamination across a wide range of applications. By absorbing or removing moisture from the air, desiccators create a dry environment crucial for storing sensitive materials, equipment, and products. They are widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing to maintain a controlled atmosphere, thereby preventing damage and ensuring the integrity of stored items.
Characteristics and Benefits
Drierite desiccants offer several notable characteristics and benefits, making them an economical and versatile means of controlling humidity. They possess a high water capacity, capable of absorbing up to 6.6 weight percent water through chemical action, forming the hemihydrate of calcium sulfate. The capacity varies inversely with temperature and directly with pressure and the partial pressure of water vapor. Additionally, Drierite desiccants are reusable, providing a cost-effective solution for long-term humidity control.
Types of Desiccators
Desiccators come in various types to suit different applications. Indicating Drierite, for instance, changes color when it absorbs moisture, providing a visual cue for replacement. Non-indicating Drierite, on the other hand, does not change color. Desiccators are also available in different forms, such as granular, powder, or cartridge, allowing users to choose the most appropriate type based on their specific humidity control needs.
What are Dessicators?
Dessicators are devices or materials used to control humidity and prevent moisture contamination in many applications. By absorbing or removing moisture from the air, gases or liquids, dessicators create a dry environment which is critical in many industries where moisture can damage, deteriorate or contaminate products, equipment or materials. Whether in laboratories, storage facilities or industrial processes, dessicators are essential to ensure the integrity and longevity of sensitive items.
Types of Dessicators
There are many types of dessicators:
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Silica Gel: A porous, amorphous solid that absorbs moisture through capillary action. General purpose.
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Activated Alumina: A porous, ceramic material that absorbs moisture through a chemical reaction. Industrial applications.
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Molecular Sieves: Dessicators that absorb moisture and other gases based on molecular size. Specialized applications.
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Calcium Chloride: A hygroscopic salt that absorbs moisture through a chemical reaction. Dehumidification.
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Drierite: Made from gypsum (a natural mineral, Calcium Sulfate) Drierite absorbs moisture through chemical action and is used for its dependability and effectiveness.
Applications and Uses in Preventing Moisture Contamination
Dessicators have many applications across many industries:
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Industrial Processes: Dessicators dry industrial gases, refrigerants and organic liquids to ensure process efficiency and safety.
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Storage and Packaging: Dessicators maintain a dry environment in storage spaces, vaults and commercial packages to protect contents from moisture contamination.
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Laboratory: In laboratories dessicators are used to dry air, gases and liquids to get accurate and reliable results.
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Pharmaceutical and Food: Dessicators control humidity and prevent moisture contamination in pharmaceutical and food products to preserve their quality and shelf life.
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Aerospace and Defense: Dessicators are used to control humidity and prevent moisture contamination in aerospace and defense applications to ensure the reliability and performance of sensitive equipment.
Advantages in Humidity Control
Drierite desiccants excel in humidity control, offering rapid drying of air, industrial gases, and organic liquids. They can achieve air drying to a dew point of -100°F and reduce moisture in organic liquids to the low ppm range. These desiccants are highly effective in preventing moisture contamination in storage spaces, vaults, and commercial packages. Their reliability and efficiency make them a vital component in various industries, ensuring optimal humidity control and protection of sensitive materials.
Desiccator Forms and Efficiency
Drierite desiccants are available in multiple forms, including granular, powder, and cartridge. The granular form ranges from powder to 4 mesh (1/4 inch drierite granules), ideal for removing the last traces of moisture from organic liquids and as an additive in polymer formulations. The cartridge form is specifically designed for drying displacement air entering storage drums, achieving a dew point of -100°F. The efficiency of Drierite desiccants is notable, with moisture remaining in gases dried with Drierite at 25°C - 30°C being as low as 0.005 mg/liter, ensuring high performance in moisture control applications.
Dessicator Forms and Efficiency with Drierite Desiccants
Dessicators come in many forms: granules, powders and cartridges. The efficiency of a dessicator is determined by its water capacity which is the amount of moisture it can absorb. For example Drierite dessicators have a water capacity of 10-14% for gases and 6.6% for liquids. The capacity varies inversely with temperature and directly with pressure and the partial pressure of water vapor. Knowing these factors will help you choose the right dessicator for your application.
Maintenance and Replacement
Regular maintenance and replacement of dessicators is important to get optimal performance. For example, Drierite changes color from blue to pink when it becomes saturated with moisture, so you know when to replace it. This visual indicator prevents moisture contamination by ensuring you replace the dessicator promptly and maintain a dry environment.
Choosing the Right Dessicator
Choose the right dessicator for your application and needs. Consider:
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Water Capacity: How much moisture can the dessicator absorb.
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Efficiency: How fast the dessicator absorbs moisture.
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Temperature Range: The temperature range the dessicator works in.
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Pressure Range: The pressure range the dessicator works in.
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Partial Pressure of Water Vapor: The dessicator’s ability to absorb moisture in the presence of water vapor.
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Economical and Versatile: The cost and versatility of the dessicator in many applications.
By considering these you can choose the right dessicator for your needs and get optimal performance against moisture contamination.