Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a desiccant and why can it control moisture?
A: A desiccant is a hydrating agent which attracts moisture from the atmosphere. It adsorbs and holds particles of water to itself.

Q: What are major types of desiccants?
A: There are three types of commonly used desiccants:

1) Silica Gel: A form of silica manufactured from sodium silicate and sulfuric acid. Silica Gel has a porous molecular structure that closely resembles a sponge and is capable of adsorbing 40% of its weight in water vapor at 100% humidity. The most proper atmosphere for Silica Gel to work is 20-32, RH60-90.
2)Montmorillonite Clay: A calcium aluminum silicate type of hydrous clay which is ground, processed and bagged. It is a natural occurring non-hazardous substance. Clay, the least expensive of all desiccants, and is used in most industrial applications requiring humidity control. It should be used under 50.
3) Molecular Sieve: A manufactured crystalline version of Zeolite containing a network of uniform pores and empty cavities. Molecular sieve is derived from sodium potassium or calcium alumina silicate. Molecular sieve is able to work even above 230, however its absorption rate is low and non-degradable.

Fiber Desiccants totally differ from these traditional desiccants , they are derived from natural plant fiber and natural mineral, both 100% degradable, no harm to human beings and the environment. Fiber desiccants' adsorption capacity is much higher than above three types of desiccants.

Q: How are desiccants best used?
A: To be used most effectively, desiccants should be used within a closed/sealed moisture barrier, or a rigid/sealed container. Humidity indicating cards are generally placed inside the container to show the humidity level and indicate when the desiccant needs to be replaced.

Q: How can desiccant work when it's inside a package ?
A: The materials used to make desiccant packages are specifically chosen to be breathable. Water vapour passes through them to be adsorbed by the desiccant.

Q: What kinds of benefits can be applicable for the goods by using desiccants?
A: Most damage to stored valuables and supplies is caused by humidity trapped within the enclosed storage area itself... be it a safe, gun or camera case, tool box, storage container, silver drawer, whatever. Humidity trapped within enclosed space turns into almost imperceptible condensation which causes irreparable damage:
rust, corrosion, tarnish of tools, electronic and valuable equipment mildew, fungus, mold, odor, spoilage spotting, toning, stains, gum damage, cracks to stamp collections and valuable documents shortened "shelf-life" of photographic film, batteries, fogging of lenses deterioration of foods, medicines, etc.

Q: How to calculate the necessary dose of desiccants ?
A: It depends on the protected space size, packaging materials, surrounding atmosphere, how well the package is sealed, shelf life of the target goods, and etc.. We will recommend the desiccant size and package form according to all of these information.

Q: How are desiccants packaged?
A: Desiccants are packaged in Tyvek (heat sealed), Kraft paper (heat sealed), and PE canisters.

Q: How should we store desiccant packets remaining in opened packages?
A: If desiccants are left in the atmosphere, they absorb water vapor in the air and lose their drying capacity. Close the plastic bag containing the remaining packets tightly, e.g., with a rubber band, and store in a dry, cool, shady place.

Q: Who are our customers?
A: Oversea Shipping Containers, Electronic Parts, Computers, Pharmaceutical and Health Products, Metal Parts, Food Packaging, Aerospace, Pet Foods, Leather Products, Metal Powders, Powdered or Beaded Glass, Bulk Powders, Libraries, and Antique Reservation.

Q: What does a "unit" refer to?
A: A "Unit" is the quantity of desiccant required to fill the Military specifications for desiccant products. Under this specification, a "Unit" is the quantity of desiccant which will adsorb 3.00 grams of water vapor at 20% relative humidity or 6.00 grams of water vapor at 40% relative humidity. More precisely, a "Unit" of Clay is typically 33 grams, a "Unit" of Silica gel and Molecular sieve is typically 28 grams, and a "unit" of Fiber desiccant is 18 gram.

Q: What's the difference between adsorption and absorption?
A: Adsorption and absorption are two different things. Absorption is when a substance is chemically integrated into another. When you drink a glass of water, you are absorbing it, as the water becomes part of you. Adsorption is when one substance is being held inside another by physical bonds. If you spill a glass of water on your shirt, it is adsorbed as the fibers will hold the water until heat dries out the shirt.

Q: What is saturation and equilibrium capacity?
A: Although technically they are different situations, for most practical purposes these two terms cover the point at which a desiccant no longer adsorbs moisture. Saturation is when the desiccant is full and even if there were moisture molecules to pick up, the desiccant could not do it. Equilibrium capacity is when the desiccant has pulled so much moisture out of the air that the air retains a stronger hold on the moisture molecules than the desiccant can exert. At equilibrium capacity, adding more desiccant will not bring the Relative humidity any lower.

Q: What is Relative Humidity ?
A: Air will always contain water vapour. At any given temperature there will be a saturation point at which no more moisture can be retained (any excess will condense). The Relative Humidity of air is the actual moisture content expressed as a percentage of this saturation content. The aim of using desiccant is to keep the Relative Humidity at levels below 50% of the saturation capacity. At these levels, corrosion and mould growth will not be promoted. Problems are often caused if the temperature drops as the saturation content of air at the new temperature becomes much lower.