Silica Gel Desiccant Latest News
According to health professionals most silica beads found in silica gel desiccant sachets are non-toxic and don’t present the same risk as silica dust.
About Silica Gel Desiccant
- Silica gel desiccants are common moisture adsorbing agents used throughout many industries worldwide.
- The silica gel desiccant removes excess moisture from the air.
Composition of Silica Gel Desiccant
- It is made of silicon dioxide (like most sands or quartz) which is a hydrophilic or water-loving material.
- Some variants of silica gel contain a moisture-sensitive dye. One particular variant is based on cobalt chloride.
Working of Silica Gel Desiccant
- The beads are porous on the nano-scale with pore sizes only 15 times larger than the radius of their atoms.
- These pores have a capillary effect, meaning they condense and draw moisture into the bead similar to how trees transport water through the channelled structures in wood.
- In addition, sponge-like porosity makes their surface area very large. A single gram of silica gel can have an area of up to 700 square metres.
Application of Silica Gel Desiccant
- It can be used in safeguarding sensitive and effective raw materials like electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, or precision instruments.
- It is used as a drying agent in industrial gases, and dehydration processes
- It is very useful in the control of moisture levels in the manufacturing, packaging, or storage of automotive parts and vehicles.
- It prevents the formation of rust and corrosion.
- It is used in air conditioning systems i.e one can use silica gel in automotive air conditioning systems to soak up excess moisture and keep your humidity levels at optimal levels.
Source: DTE
Silica Gel Desiccant FAQs
Q1: What happens if you put silica gel in water?
Ans: Some types of silica gel will "pop" when exposed to enough water.
Q2: What is the chemical name for silica gel?
Ans: silicon dioxide
Q3: Why are silica gels used?
Ans: Silica gel is used to prolong a food product's shelf life.
