|
Moisture can wreak havoc by promoting the growth of fungi and mold that can deteriorate raw material and finished goods alike. The effects can be countered using desiccants that absorb moisture so as to keep the ambient air dry to a certain level. Some examples of desiccants would be silica gel, indicating silica gel, clay, molecular sieves, and activated carbon (activated charcoal). All of these materials are unique in that they absorb moisture, keeping your products and processes safe from the detrimental effects of moisture. If you have an industrial process, you will likely need to purchase bulk desiccants such as silica gel packets. Purchasing in bulk not only translates into significant cost savings, it also takes care of your short term desiccant requirements. With this, you don’t have to waste time and efforts on placing recurring orders. In certain applications, a combination of two or more desiccants might need to be used. The process will thus benefit from the best attributes of both of these desiccants. An Overview of Types of Desiccants and Their Uses
Here is a brief glance at some of the most commonly used types of desiccants in industrial and commercial processes: - Silica gel packets: Packets of silica gel can simply be placed at the desired location and they instantly begin to adsorb atmospheric moisture present in their immediate vicinity. This particular desiccant is essentially a synthetically manufactured form of silicon dioxide. You might often spot hard, transparent granules of silica gel that are often placed with leather goods, electronic items, and sometimes with food stuff.
- Indicating silica gel: This desiccant is similar to regular silica gel, with the only difference being that indicating silica gel changes color as it reaches its full adsorption potential. Indicating silica gel packets can then the replaced with a fresh packet or the silica gel can be regenerated for further use.
- Molecular sieve: It is among the more expensive desiccants, but it is also among the most aggressive. This desiccant is derived from calcium alumina silicate. The unmatched adsorption features result from a highly intricate network of pores that are present in this desiccant.
- Activated carbon: This is one of the most commonly used materials for effective odor removal, especially in the food and beverage industry. It is often mixed with other desiccants before it is packed.
Bulk desiccants are available in various forms—they could be packed in sacks or filled in drums. The size of these bulk packets could range from 1 gallon to large sacks of 2000lbs. The desiccants can then be packaged as and when the need arises. The market also features several desiccant manufacturers that offer customized options such as custom silica gel packets. The packets could have custom grades and mesh sizes. I am into moisture absorption and moisture control industry for more than 10 years. Read my article educating you uses of desiccants and moisture absorber.
Related Articles -
silica, gel, packets,
|
