Lab Desiccants and Drying Agents
Hygroscopic substances and drying agents for use in laboratory settings; drying agents are commonly used to keep other substances and samples dry, or to prevent moisture from forming on/in containers. Products include drying tubes, kits, etc.
Desiccants are typically chemicals or compounds that are hydroscopic (readily absorb moisture). Common desiccants include clays, silica gels, and calcium sulfate.
In the lab, desiccants are commonly used in desiccators and desiccator cabinets, with in-line air and gas drying columns, in absorption bulbs, U-tubes, glove boxes, sealed chambers, and wherever a dry environment is required. They are also used during transport, for storage, and maintaining materials and products ─ everything from clothing to electronics.
The moisture may come from a variety of sources:
- Water vapor in the air
- Moisture in packaging materials
- Moisture from permeation or leakage
Some desiccants contain an indicator or additive that produces a color change with moisture absorption. The indicator allows the user to see when the desiccant has absorbed its maximum amount of moisture and needs to be replaced or regenerated.
Some desiccants can be reused many times simply by heating them in an oven to allow moisture to evaporate. For indicating desiccants, one can also easily tell when the desiccant is again ready to use by the change back to the original color.
Desiccants may be available in a range of mesh or particle sizes. The Tyler Equivalent is a common type of mesh sizing and indicates the number of openings per linear inch of mesh. Common desiccant mesh sizes are 4, 8, and 10 to 12. Size 4 is typically used in gas phase applications; they are larger and less likely to break. Size 8 is smaller and can be more tightly packed.
Sigma Aldrich Fine Chemicals Biosciences Dextrin corn commerci2.5KG
DEXTRIN Dextrin corn commerci2.5KG
Medchemexpress LLC DL-erythro/threo sphinganine (d16:0) | 50731-08-3 | 98.0% | 1MG
DL-erythro/threo sphinganine (d16:0) | 50731-08-3 | 98.0% | 1MG
eMolecules Oakwood Chemicals Silica gel 40-60Angstoms 1kg 480169644 LC4025 0 000 112926-00-8 MFCD00011232 60 083 O2Si
Oakwood Chemicals Silica gel 40-60Angstoms 1kg 480169644 LC4025 0 000 112926-00-8 MFCD00011232 60 083 O2Si
Medchemexpress LLC Corn oil | 8001-30-7 | 1L
Corn oil extracted from the germ of corn can be used as a carrier for agent molecules
Electron Microscopy Sciences Silica Gel Canister, 100 per pack
This small container offers more desiccant in less space. It is ship-proof and possesses greater drying capabilities. Designed for use in bottles and small containers. Perfect for protecting against potency loss, odor formation, color changes, caking, mildew and condensation. Capsule shell is made from polyethylene with very fine mesh top and bottom. The canister contains 1 gram silica gel.
Electron Microscopy Sciences Silica Gel Packets 3 Gram, 1-1/16" x 2-1/16", 24.4 cubic inch Capacity
Silica Gel-Desiccant is a fast and extra moisture absorbing agent. Meets FDA specifications for food and drug product. Provides superior absorption. Remains dry at maximum saturation. Silica gel can absorb 15% of its weight in water vapor in two hours.
Dimensions: 1-1/16" x 2-1/16"
Capacity: 24.4 cubic inch
Gilson Company Inc Indicating Drierite, No. 4 Granules, 5 lb
Indicating Drierite is used to rapidly absorb water vapor from air and gases. Made from cobalt chloride impregnated granules, the blue Drierite crystals change to a distinct pink color when exhausted. Indicating Drierite can be regenerated in an oven for longer life or can be replaced as needed.
Petroleum Analyzer Corporation Kit, Drierite, Indicating, Refill, 10-20 Mesh, 1 lb.
Kit, Drierite, Indicating, Refill, 10-20 Mesh, 1 lb.
Research Products International Corp Mini-Desiccant Cartridge, 2 1/2 Inch Diameter, 6 per Package
Useful anywhere desiccation is needed, these cartridges contain inert, non-corrosive and non-toxic silica gel. They fit “Space Saver” desiccators, in addition to other plastic desiccators of similar size.
Clear polypropylene dish allows instant visual inspection of silica gel, which changes in color from blue to pale pink as it absorbs moisture
Highly porous mesh membrane covers the dish providing excellent moisture absorption
Desiccant can be easily regenerated by heating cartridges in a 50ºC (122ºF) oven overnight or at 100ºC (212ºF) for 6 hours
For more rapid drying, remove the membrane lid, transfer the spent gel crystals into a glass or porcelain dish, and place in a 150ºC (300ºF) oven for one hour
Individually foil sealed
Research Products International Corp Humidity Sponges, Single Use, 40 per Case
Humidity Sponges are ideal for providing dry conditions in laboratory applications. Humidity Sponges have a high moisture absorbency of up to 37% and one bag will maintain dry conditions inside a container with a two gallon volume.
The non-toxic desiccant is enclosed within a breathable polyethylene bag. Indicating material changes color to signal when full moisture capacity has been reached.