Que1 : What is a desiccant and what does it do?
Ans. : A desiccant is a drying agent. It adsorbs and holds particles of water to itself.
Que2 : What size desiccant do I need?
There are many factors that are used to determine the amount of desiccant to be used. Package size, packaged material properties, barrier material are the main factors to consider. To size the desiccant, contact us by phone or contact us by e-mail. To determine what size desiccant you need, please contact us by phone at 888-659-1377 or email firstname.lastname@example.org
Que3 : What are the three major types of desiccants?
1) Montmorillonite Clay- A calcium aluminum silicate type of hydrous clay which is ground, processed and bagged. It is a naturally occurring non-hazardous substance. Clay, the least expensive of all desiccants, is used in most industrial applications requiring humidity control.
2) Silica Gel- A form of silica manufactured from sodium silicate and sulfuric acid. Like Clay, Silica Gel is non-hazardous and is capable of adsorbing 40% of its weight in water vapor at 100% humidity. Silica Gel has a porous molecular structure that closely resembles a sponge, and has the highest capacity of any commercial desiccant for moisture adsorption.
3) Molecular Sieve- A manufactured crystalline version of Zeolite containing a network of uniform pores and empty cavities. Molecular sieve is derived from sodium, potassium or calcium alumina silicate. It is a non-hazardous material. Molecular sieve is the desiccant of choice for the most demanding and unique applications. Molecular sieve is the most aggressive and expensive of the primary desiccants.
*Carbon-Although not a desiccant, Carbon is often used alone or in blends in packaging applications where odor is an issue (i.e. vitamin packaging).
Que4 : What sizes are available?
Ans. : All three major types of desiccants are available in Pillow Pak from 0.25 gram to 14 gram and Unit Pak from1/6 unit to 80 unit (approx. 5.8 lbs.). Silica Gel and Clay are also available in bulk bags, as well as custom blends of two or more desiccants.
Que5 : How are desiccants best used?
Ans. : To be used most effectively, desiccants should be used within a closed/sealed moisture barrier or a rigid/sealed container. Humidity indicating cards are generally placed inside the container to show the humidity level and indicate when the desiccant needs to be replaced.
Que6 : How long will the desiccant last?
Ans. : It depends. Packaging and environment dramatically affect the lifetime of the desiccant. In a tightly sealed environment desiccants can last for years
Que7 : My cat, dog, child, wife, husband or myself just ate the desiccant, should I be worried?
Ans. : No. The desiccants are non-toxic and you should not have any ill effects. As always if you are having symptoms seek medical attention.
Que8 : If it's not harmful why do you print “Do not eat” on the package?
Ans : Because it's not food.
Que9 : What does a “Unit” refer to?
Ans. : A "Unit" is the quantity of desiccant required to fill the Military specifications (Mil-D-3464) for desiccant products. Under this specification, a "Unit" is the quantity of desiccant which will adsorb 3.00 grams of water vapor at 20% relative humidity or 6.00 grams of water vapor at 40% relative humidity. More precisely, a "Unit" of Clay is typically 33 grams, and a "Unit" of Silica gel and Molecular sieve is typically 28 grams.
Que10 : How are Desiccare's desiccants packaged?
Ans. : Desiccare packages desiccants in Tyvek® (heat sealed), Kraft paper (heat sealed), and Sewn Bags (non-woven rayon/Polyester blend).
Que11 : What are Humidity Indicating Cards (HIC Cards)?
Ans. : HIC cards are designed to measure the relative humidity within an environment. The humidity level is indicated by a color change of the dots from blue (dry) to pink (wet). The current humidity level is read at the lavender (between blue and pink) color dot.
HIC cards come in a variety of styles.
Que12 : What are Oxygen Absorbers?
Ans. : Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from the head space. The absorbers are used to protect food and pharmaceutical products that are sensitive to oxygen.
Que13 : Who are our customers?
Ans. : Electronic Parts, Computers, Pharmaceutical and Vitamin Packaging, Metal Parts, Food Packaging, Aerospace, Pet Foods, Leather Products, Metal Powders, Powdered or Beaded Glass, & Bulk Powdered Chemicals.