Silica Gel & Desiccators

Silica gel and desiccators are key solutions for controlling moisture and humidity, protecting products from damage caused by excess moisture. Commonly found in packets, silica gel absorbs moisture to prevent mould, corrosion, and spoilage across various applications. Desiccators further enhance humidity control, creating dry environments ideal for sensitive storage and laboratory settings. Together, these tools support long-term preservation and product integrity.

Silica Gel

Silica gel, a porous form of silicon dioxide, is a powerful desiccant known for its ability to lower relative humidity (RH) levels by absorbing moisture from the air. Typically packaged in small, breathable sachets, silica gel is widely used in product packaging to protect items from moisture damage during storage and transport.

In electronics, it prevents harmful condensation; in food packaging, it preserves freshness by managing moisture levels. Silica gel also serves well in archival storage, protecting documents and photos from humidity-related damage. Its versatility makes it a trusted solution for creating dry environments across various industries.

Silica Desiccators

A desiccator is an airtight container designed to protect moisture-sensitive materials from humidity. Typically made of glass or plastic, desiccators create a controlled, low-humidity environment to prevent moisture-related degradation or reactions in stored items.

Inside the desiccator, a desiccant — such as silica gel, calcium chloride, or activated alumina — is often placed in a bag at the base to absorb any moisture in the air. This setup is essential in laboratories for preserving sensitive substances like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and hygroscopic samples. Additionally, desiccators are used in industrial applications to safeguard moisture-sensitive electronic components and optical devices, ensuring stability and longevity.

Types of Desiccators

• Silica Gel Desiccator: Uses silica gel as the primary desiccant to control moisture levels, ideal for general-purpose moisture protection across various applications.
• Molecular Sieve Desiccator: Contains molecular sieve desiccants, which offer rapid and efficient moisture absorption, suitable for environments requiring ultra-low humidity levels.
• Humidity Indicator Plug: A plug with built-in humidity indicators, allowing users to monitor the desiccator’s internal humidity levels, ensuring the environment remains optimal for moisture-sensitive items.

Packaging Options for Desiccants

• Packets: Small, breathable packets containing silica gel or other desiccants commonly used in product packaging to protect items like electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals from moisture during storage and shipping.
• Sachets: Slightly larger than packets, sachets are ideal for controlling humidity in enclosed spaces with multiple or larger items, such as archival storage boxes or containers of sensitive materials.
• Desiccant Bags: Larger desiccant bags are suited for industrial or bulk packaging, protecting goods stored in larger crates or containers from moisture-related damage.
• Canisters: Rigid canisters filled with desiccants, often used in settings requiring secure desiccant placement, such as pharmaceutical containers or electronics storage.
• Humidity Control Capsules: Small capsules that combine desiccants with humidity indicators, providing both moisture absorption and visual humidity monitoring, ideal for precision storage environments.

Composition of Silica Gel Desiccants

Silica gel desiccants are made from silicon dioxide, a compound found in natural sand, processed to create a porous, granular structure with an extensive surface area. This unique composition allows silica gel to absorb significant amounts of moisture, making it an effective desiccant for humidity control. Non-toxic and chemically stable, silica gel is ideal for applications requiring moisture absorption without affecting the surrounding materials. It is available in various forms, such as beads or crystals, and is often packaged in breathable materials to allow efficient air contact.

Applications of Silica Gel Desiccants

• Storage of Moisture-Sensitive Items: Silica gel is commonly used to protect items vulnerable to moisture, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and packaged foods. Placing silica gel packets or sachets in packaging ensures these products stay dry, extending their shelf life by preventing mould, corrosion, and degradation.
• Laboratory Use: In labs, silica gel desiccants maintain low humidity levels in desiccators to preserve chemicals, samples, and sensitive equipment. By absorbing moisture, silica gel helps prevent unwanted reactions and degradation, making it essential for controlled environments in scientific research and storage.
• Moisture Control in Enclosures: Silica gel packets are used in enclosures housing sensitive equipment, such as control panels or circuit boards, to protect against humidity-related malfunctions. This application is crucial in industries like telecommunications and manufacturing, where stable environmental conditions are critical.
• Preventing Condensation in Optical Devices: Optical equipment like cameras, microscopes, and telescopes benefit from silica gel, as it prevents condensation that could cloud lenses or damage internal components. By reducing humidity, silica gel enhances device performance and longevity in varying environmental conditions.
• Drying and Moisture Removal: Silica gel is effective for drying and removing moisture from small, enclosed spaces, making it helpful in maintaining dry conditions in storage units, cabinets, and shipping containers. Its moisture-removal capabilities are essential for industries dealing with delicate materials.
• Preservation of Documents and Artefacts: In archives and museums, silica gel maintains optimal humidity levels for preserving paper documents, artwork, and artefacts. Absorbing excess moisture protects these items from mould, yellowing, and deterioration, ensuring long-term preservation in controlled storage conditions.

Delivery Information

RS provides a seamless ordering experience for silica gel and desiccator products, and related tools like humidity data loggers and temperature controllers, featuring trusted brands such as EUROSTAT, SCS, RS PRO, and HellermannTyton. With next-working-day delivery across Singapore for online orders (Terms & Conditions apply), RS ensures fast, reliable service. For full details on delivery options and fees, please refer to our Delivery Information page.