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.
Cole-Parmer Drierite Drying Tube, 300 mL/min, 4/pk
Drierite Drying Tubes measure 8"L x " OD and come filled with 30 grams of indicating Drierite. Tubes dry to a dew point of 100degF with a flow rate up to 300 mL/min. Acrylic construction with polypropylene end caps. Inlet/outlet ports accept " to 3/8" ID tubing; 20 micron Porex filter is in each end.
Sorbent Technologies Inc Activated Alumina Spheres, 1/8in, 3.2mm, 5kg
The activated alumina spheres are very porous, have a high surface area, and do not change form. They will not soften or disintegrate when immersed in liquids. When used to adsorb water, they act as an efficient desiccant. Molecules with the highest polarity are preferentially adsorbed. In the absence of irreversible fowling, they may be regenerated by heating to a temperature between 177-316C. Applications: Drying and purification of organic liquids and gases; adsorption of heavy metals such as fluorides, phosphates, arsenic acids, and humic acids; purification of processing liquids, industrial water, and waste water by removing highly polar compounds such as: TBC, alcohols, ethers, etc.; removal of acids formed from the degradation of transformer oils, lubricating oils, & refrigerants; removal of residual halides and water during the manufacture of chlorinated and/or fluorinated hydrocarbons, yielding a non-corrosive product.
Cole-Parmer Humidity Sponge, Regenerable; 3" X 3" bags, 40 bags/pk
Humidity sponges meet all drying requirements. One bag will retain 16% moisture in a container with a volume of two gallons (476 cu. in.) The sponges are non-toxic and are Class M3.5 cleanroom-compatible.
METTLER TOLEDO 3P INDUSTRIAL Silica gel 170 grade | 7631-86-9 | MFCD00011232
Silica gel 170 grade | Mol Wt: 60.08 | 7631-86-9 | MFCD00011232
WA HAMMOND DRIERITE COMPANY DRIERITE, INDICATING 8 MESH 25 LB DRUM, STOCK# 23025
Indicating Drierite is impregnated with cobalt chloride. Indicating Drierite is blue when dry and changes to pink upon absorption of moisture. The color change is pronounced and clearly visible. This makes Indicating Drierite valuable when it is necessary to know with certainty that dryness is being maintained and to signal when the drying agent should be replaced. It has the same efficiency as Regular Drierite, and somewhat greater capacity due to the desiccating effect of the cobalt chloride. It can be regenerated repeatedly for reuse. It should be noted that Indicating Drierite should not be used for the drying of ammonia, NH3, since ammonia reacts with inorganic chlorides. Efficiency: The moisture remaining in gases dried with Drierite at 25° - 30° C is 0.005 mg./liter, (data verified by the National Bureau of Standards). Air is dried to a dew point of -100° F. There is little change in efficiency at temperatures up to 100° C. Typical Analysis: ≥ 98% CaSO4, <2% CoCl2
Sigma Aldrich Fine Chemicals Biosciences Soda lime p.a., with indicator, pellets | 8006-28-8 | MFCD00134094 | 1KG
Soda lime p.a., with indicator, pellets | 8006-28-8 | MFCD00134094 | 1KG
MULTISORB STRIPPAX PACKET 3.5G 4000/CS
This item has a minimum order quantity of 6 cases per supplier requirements.
MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL 20cc O2 and H2O Absorber
PHARMAKEEP KD-20, Packet, 4000 pcs/carton, >20 ml oxygen absorption capacity, >0.15 g moisture absorption capacity, 26 mm x 62 mm
Cole-Parmer Essentials Humidity Sponge, Indicating; 3" X 3" bags, 40 bags/pk
Humidity sponges meet all drying requirements. One bag will retain 16% moisture in a container with a volume of two gallons (476 cu. in.) The sponges are non-toxic and are Class M3.5 cleanroom-compatible.
Sigma Aldrich Fine Chemicals Biosciences WHATMAN DESICCANT PK 1G 100/PK
NC3856033 WHATMAN DESICCANT PK 1G 100/PK
Andwin Scientific HUMIDITY INDICATOR CARD
The Humidity Indicator Cards are ideal for use as spot indicator. Humidity is less than 30% if the spot is in the "blue" condition. As humidity becomes greater than 30%, the spot will transform from "blue" to "pink"