Silica Gel Desiccant

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.

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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