Implementing Desiccants into Your Process
Moisture can create an environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. Moisture can also cause rust and damage to electrical components. When shipping or storing products, moisture needs to be controlled to keep products unspoiled. Desiccants offer a very effective solution to control levels of moisture especially in containers and packaging.
Different types of desiccants
There are a wide variety of desiccants. Each desiccant has unique features and can serve multiple purposes. Understanding the benefits of each desiccant can help you determine the best for your application. Here are some popular desiccants and their common uses and benefits:
| Desiccant Name | Uses and Benefits |
| Silica Gel | Protect documents and photos Adsorbs moisture and humidity |
| Activated Carbon | Filters impurities from water Purifies air from chemicals Removes odors |
| Activated Alumina | Binds with toxic substances Industrial water purification |
| Molecular Sieve | Used for drying gas streams Helpful in cryogenic operations |
| Gas Phase Air Filtration | Installed inside filters to purify air Used to remove odors in storage |
| Sorbead | Protects against moisture Widely used in packaging market |
| Air Breathers | Control fluid system contamination Traps dirt as tiny as 2 microns |
| Oxygen Absorbers | Increase the shelf life of food Prevents growth of mold |
| Organoclay | Remove heavy metals from water Adsorbs about 70% of its weight |
Monitoring Humidity
Understanding the level of humidity is an important factor when using desiccants. Containers can come in contact with temperature changes typical during transportation of products. These temperature changes will increase the humidity level within containers. To monitor the level of moisture, humidity cards can be placed within the containers. They are capable of detecting humidity within a variety of packaging materials and allow for visual verification when humidity is too high. Humidity cards used in conjunction with a desiccant can ensure products reach their destination with no moisture damage.
Finding the Necessary Amount
The amount of desiccant needed will depend on both the volume of the container and the type of desiccant used. To determine the volume of your container you need to multiply length by width by depth. To convert from cubic feet to gallon, multiply by 7.47. With the volume of your container, you now can use one of our Requirements Charts to help you determine the required amount of desiccant.
If you still need assistance, please contact us and our expert staff at Delta Adsorbents will recommend the best solution for your moisture control needs.