Silica Gel Desiccant

Chunwang

The Leading Manufacturer of Silica Gel Desiccant

18years Famous Desiccant Brand

We are a professional silica gel desiccant manufacturer with 18 years of professional industry knowledge and a modern industrial plant of 15,000 square meters.

Qualification Certificate

We had passed the ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015, BSCI, GMP and Walmart audits. Our products comply with RoHS certification and other certificates.

Safe Materials

The desiccant raw materials have been optimized, do not contain DMF, and comply with RoHS and Reach standards.

Excellent Services

Our sufficient production capacity ensures delivery dates, and complete supervision system ensures product quality. Work with a professional shipping team to ensure safe delivery..

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What is Silica Gel Desiccant?

Silica gel is a "desiccant", which means that it's used to keep things dry. Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide - a compound naturally found in sand - and has small particles that can absorb large amounts of water. Therefore, desiccant silica gel packets are put in store-bought products to prevent damage due to humidity.

Container Desiccant Super Dry Of REACH Compliant

How does Silica Gel Work?

Silica gel can absorb up to 40% of its weight at high humidity levels. Its moisture absorbing capacity is based on large surface area created by surface pores and by interstitial micro pores that contain capillary channels. Polar water molecules drawn into the channels by capillary action are stored there until released. Silica gel can be used to maintain a specific relative humidity level (e.g., a low level as a desiccant) or to maintain an RH range (e.g., levels between 40 to 60% RH). Before use, the gel must be conditioned to the desired RH.

Characteristics of Silica Gel Desiccant

High Adsorption Capacity

Silica gel is known for its high adsorption capacity, meaning it can adsorb and hold onto moisture more effectively than many other desiccants.

Non-corrosive

Unlike some other desiccants, such as calcium chloride, silica gel is non-corrosive and will not damage or degrade the materials it comes into contact with.

Non-toxic

White, non-indicating silica gel is also non-toxic, making it safe for use with some foods and pharmaceutical applications. However, this is not true of blue indicating silica gel.

Regenerable

Silica gel can be regenerated for reuse by heating it to remove the moisture it has adsorbed. This makes it a cost-effective option for applications where desiccants need to be replaced frequently.

Versatile

Silica gel is available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, making it a versatile desiccant that can be tailored to a wide range of applications.

Different Types of silica Gel

DMF Free Crystal Silica Gel Desiccant Canister

White Non-Indicating Silica Gel

White non-indicating Silica gel is a desiccant with a very high purity level, owing to a high vapor capacity and an equally high drying efficiency.

White Silica gel is also nonreactive, which means that its color will remain white even after absorbing moisture. Its large surface area enables it to be used to keep sensitive products like medicines and electronics safe from moisture.

Silica Gel Desiccant For Preserving Flowers

Blue Indicating Silica Gel

Blue indicating Silica gel is popular for having a high-water affinity and contains cobalt chloride, which gives it its distinctive electric-blue color. This silica gel is reactive and will change its color from blue to pink on reaching its maximum absorbing capacity.

This color-change is useful in indicating that it's time to reactivate it with heat and draw out the moisture. Once, dry, the beads turn blue again, ready to be reused. This type of Silica gel should not be used with edible items like medicines because of the high cobalt chloride content, which is poisonous.

2 Gram Indicator Silica Gel Desiccant Safe For Dietary Supplement

Orange Indicating Silica Gel

Orange indicating Silica gel gets its color from its high content of methyl violet, a toxic and poisonous compound that helps the gel beads to change their color from orange to green on reaching maximum capacity.

Much like the blue gel, once the gel is green, it can be reactivated by heating, and ready to be used again once its dry and back to its natural orange color.

Cylinder Silica Gel Capsule Desiccant 1g

Common Uses of Silica Gel Desiccants

●Electronics packaging
●Pharmaceutical packaging
●Food storage
●Shoe boxes
●Handbags and luggage
●Jewellery and metal preservation
●Document preservation
●Artefact conservation
●Window condensation reduction
●Flower drying
●Gas purification
●Chromatography
●Aircraft equipment preservation
●Marine vessel storage

Steps to Dry Out & Reuse Silica Gel Repeatedly

Oven Method

• Preheat an oven to 275 degrees
• Lay the silica gel packets flat
• Bake for several hours
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven
• Store the cooled silica gel packet in an airtight container

Microwave Method

• Place the silica gel in a microwave safe container
• Heat the silica gel for three to five minutes
• Examine the silica gel for color change
• Continue checking it for color change
• Store the cooled silica gel packet in an airtight container

Comparison Chart: Oxygen Absorbers vs. Silica Gel

Feature/Aspect	Silica Gel	Oxygen Absorbers
Primary Function	Moisture removal	Oxygen removal
Durability/Lifespan	It can be regenerated and reused	Single-use (non-regenerable)
Risks & Limitations	Doesn't address oxygen content	Targets only oxygen
Risks & Limitations	Ingestion hazard	Potential vacuum in packaging
Cost Implications	Initial costs might be higher, mitigated by reusability	Costs vary by capacity; it may be more cost-effective for oxygen control
Material Composition	Made from silicon dioxide	Often contain iron powder
Indication of Saturation	Some types change colour when saturated	No direct indication; often rely on package condition
Environmental Considerations	Reusable nature may reduce environmental impact	Non-biodegradable; require proper disposal
Common Applications	Electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, leather goods	Food preservation, pharmaceuticals

Certificate

We had passed the ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015, BSCI, GMP and Walmart audits. Our products comply with RoHS certification and other certificates.

Common Problems

Q: What is desiccant silica gel used for?

A: Silica gel is a desiccant, or drying agent, that manufacturers often place in little packets to keep moisture from damaging certain food and commercial products.

Q: What happens if silica gel gets wet?

A: If you totally immerse silica beads in water, they make a popping sound and some of them break apart.

Q: What are the side effects of silica gel desiccant?

A: A few varieties of silica gel come coated with cobalt chloride, which is considered toxic. Swallowing a large amount at once is not too dangerous, but it may cause nausea and vomiting. For that reason, experts recommend calling a poison control center if you swallow a "do not eat" packet, just to be safe.

Q: Can I use silica gel to dry my phone?

A: Silica Gel usually comes in a porous bag within a perforated box. Put the bag and the phone in a ziplock bag together. If you buy loose silica gel just put it in the plastic bag, then put the phone on top of it. Try not to get the grains of silica gel in the openings on the phone, as it will be hard to get out.

Q: What is the difference between silica gel and desiccant?

A: Desiccant is a drying agent. It induces or sustains a state of dryness (desiccation) in its vicinity. It absorbs and holds humidity to itself. Silica gel is a a pure, vitreous, porous form of silicon dioxide made from sodium silicate.

Q: What if my dog ate a silica packet?

A: If a dog is known to have eaten a sachet of silica gel, feeding it a high fibre diet may hasten elimination of the product. If any clinical signs develop or you suspect there could be a bowel obstruction, contact your veterinarian.

Q: Should I keep silica gel in luggage?

A: Yes, the silica gel actually absorbs moisture, meaning it comes in handy around the house. For example, you can add them into smelly gym bags, your underwear drawer or even your suitcase when there's a wet swimsuit in there, where it will absorb moisture and keep smells at bay.

Q: Can I put silica gel packets in my closet?

A: Protect your clothing, shoes, and handbags by placing silica gel packs in shoeboxes, garment bags, and throughout your closet. There is no risk in using them—the more you have, the more humidity they can soak up, and the more they will protect your clothes! Don't let your favorite leather jacket decay.

Q: What is the disadvantage of desiccant?

A: The performance will drop once the desiccant begins to become saturated. Humidity indicators are not precise; colors may not begin to change until the air quality exceeds 20% relative humidity. Replacement cartridges require constant servicing and can be costly.

Q: How do you know if desiccant is still good?

A: If it never reaches the desired dew point or doesn't hold it for long, then it's probably time to change the desiccant. Pull the desiccant beads out and squish them between your fingers. If they are very brittle and crumble upon doing so, they're bad and need to be replaced.

Q: What happens if you eat one silica gel packet?

A: The short answer is nothing. Silica gel is non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-reactive with ordinary usage. It's certainly not poisonous. These small clear beads or pellets are a highly porous form of silicon dioxide, basically, sand.

Q: Should I remove desiccant?

A: If you're concerned about accidentally swallowing the desiccant in your container, ask your pharmacist before removing it, especially if it's a container with several months’ supply of capsules that you'll have for a while. Throwing out the desiccant could, over time, compromise the quality of the drug.

Q: What is the lifespan of a desiccant?

A: We recommend that a desiccant be replaced once every three years for open-cycle systems and once every two years for closed-cycle systems. A desiccant may degrade more quickly depending on the environment where it is used. Dew point temperatures offer a good indication for when to replace your desiccant.

Q: How toxic are desiccant packs?

A: The packets contain either granular silicic acid, which resembles sand, or tiny gel beads. Silica gel is non-toxic, meaning that it is not poisonous if eaten.

Q: What are the disadvantages of silica gel desiccant?

A: The dehydration caused by swallowing silica gel may irritate the throat and nose, stomach pains, vomiting, constipation, and nausea. You should seek medical attention if: The silica gel beads are blue or pink (i.e., coated in cobalt chloride). You have vomited repeatedly or can't keep food down.

Q: How long do silica gel desiccant packets last?

A: While desiccant bags don't have a set expiration date, most desiccant bags last between 1 and 3 years. Outside factors, such as the environment they're exposed to, can shift this timeframe as well.

Q: Can you put silica gel packets in the fridge?

A: Due to the amount of humidity in a fridge, the packs would have to be replaced in a very short period, 2-3 days probably. They can, however, be redried by placing in an oven at 200 degrees or less for a few hours, opening the oven door occasionally to let the steam escape.

Q: Can you use too much desiccant?

A: The quantity of desiccant to be used is important because an insufficient quantity will not provide the required protection, while excessive use of desiccant may lead to over-drying and an unnecessary increase in product cost. In many cases, overuse of desiccant is not a problem for product quality.

Q: What should you do if silica gel gets in your eyes?

A: ‌Silica gel can irritate your eyes. Therefore, you must rinse your eyes with lukewarm water, occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids, for at least 15 minutes.

Q: Can I dry silica gel in the sun?

A: A slow but effective method used in many institutions over the years involves exposing the gel to the air of a controlled room, space or chamber which has the desired RH. In the field, silica gel moisture has even been removed by exposure to the sun on a dry day.

As one of the leading silica gel desiccant manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale quality silica gel desiccant at competitive price from our factory.