How To Use Desiccants?

Desiccants are most effective when used within a sealed moisture barrier package or in a rigid, sealed container. A controlled environment is essential for optimal absorption of trapped water vapours inside the packaging. If a large amount of new moisture from the outer environment starts getting inside the container or packaging, desiccants as moisture control products will not ensure the best results. Optimum humidity control should use a humidity indicator card in conjunction with desiccants. The humidity indicator card placed inside the packaging helps the user to monitor the humidity levels. Once there is a colour change, it is an indication to replace the desiccant. There are a wide variety of products that helps with moisture control; therefore, it is crucial to pick the right desiccant.

Different Desiccants for Different Conditions

The quantity and type of desiccants required will depend on the volume of the sealed container. The packaging material used is also a factor in deciding the type of desiccants that will be most effective. Apart from choosing these considerations, the most critical component is the quantity of moisture that requires absorption and the rate of the absorption process in the packaging. Overall storage and shipping conditions impact the results and the humidity and temperature requirements of the product. Generally, the type of desiccant can significantly impact its absorption rate capacity and cost. Activated Clay has a lower absorption, offering 28% by weight absorption capacity. On the other hand, Silica Gel is a moderate desiccant with a medium absorption capacity by weight at 38%. Molecular Sieve Fast is an active desiccant offering the highest absorption rate capacity by weight at 20%.

There are various desiccant products in the market, including Activated Carbon, Silica Gel, Molecular Sieve, and calcium sulfate. All of them are effective for different places and different purposes. However, the trick is knowing which desiccant is the right kind for use in each scenario. For example, salt is a conventional desiccant; however, it can lead to corrosion issues when contacted in metal objects. Therefore salt is not recommended for use together with metal objects.

How Are Desiccants Used?

The desiccants operate on a single principle: to absorb atmospheric moisture. The term absorption refers to weak intermolecular forces. They are also known as drying agents that can facilitate multiple absorption layers by attracting thin moisture molecule layers from the air to their surfaces. Some of these products follow the mechanism of capillary condensation with tiny pores. These pores eventually get full of water molecules.

The Utility Of Desiccant Products

Desiccants are great to use in conditions with low evaporation rates and high humidity in the surrounding atmosphere. Desiccants are also known as dehumidifiers because they are excellent in absorbing excessive moisture in the air, helping to keep the air dry.

Transportation of Goods

There are commercially developed desiccants that are often used in packaging while shipping products. Products shipped over long distances often face temperature changes and moisture-related issues.

Activated Carbon Desiccants

Carbon is well known for its characteristic of extracting impurities. One of the essential qualities of activated carbon as a desiccant is eliminating any foul odour in the enclosed container or packaging, such as basements, garages, and storerooms.

Natural Desiccants

Desiccants are useful in commercial setups and are equally crucial for protecting domestic products. For example, pulses, spices, and other food items may get rotten if exposed to moisture. If these items come in contact with any moisture, it can lead to the generation of germs and the formation of lumps. Many people have been using rice as a natural desiccant source to prevent damage to food items. Putting a small quantity of rice in a spice jar will protect the spice from getting soaked in moisture for longer. Similarly, salt is another effective natural desiccant.

Preserve Chemicals

Some susceptible chemicals will react to form compounds if they come into contact with moisture. Therefore, it is critical to use the right desiccants to store chemicals.

Five Everyday Uses of Desiccants

Here are five of the most common uses of desiccants for everyday life.

Drying Out Electronics

If a phone is damaged by water by accident, using desiccants is an optional alternative to a hairdryer. The intense heat from the dryer may damage the electronics. Remove the memory card, SIM card, and battery from the device and put them in an airtight container filled with as many desiccants as possible. Seal the packaging tightly and leave it overnight. Silica gel or molecular sieves are recommended desiccants for such scenarios.

Gym Bags

Desiccants can be used in gym bags to prevent odours, mildew, and mould. Gym clothing and towels can smell after prolonged use. Keeping a small quantity of desiccant in a gym bag will help improve this problem.

Slowdown Silverware or Jewelry Tarnishing

Although desiccant will remove moisture from the air, it cannot prevent silver jewellery or silverware from tarnishing. Still, it will slow down the entire process drastically.

Preventive Measure against Rusting

Rusted tools are the worst nightmare for mechanics. A desiccant can help absorb moisture in the surrounding atmosphere that may otherwise harm the tools.

Storage in Basement

Basements are notoriously known for being the dampest places in a house. Therefore if a household has a storage area in the basement, having a couple of container desiccants in the storage compartments will protect it from moisture in the air.