VARIOUS TYPES OF SILICA GEL FOR ABSORPTION OF MOISTURE AND WATER DRYING

A Component which is capable of absorbing moisture and water is essential in the field of exporting the things which are more susceptible to a slight increase in humidity. Silica Gel is such a component, made up of Sodium Silicate and acts as  a desiccant or drier with microscopic pore size of 2.4 nanometers and a surface area of 700-800 square meters per gram which plays a main role in controlling humidity, as it has a high affinity to absorb water molecules from the surroundings. Also, Silica Gel has an infinite life because of its ability to absorb and Un-absorb the moisture; therefore it can be reconditioned and reused.  Silica Gel is inert and has no volatile components

Preservation in compressed air systems is attained only through Silica Gel desiccant. Since, Silica Gel has ability to convert from anhydrous state to hydrous state; it is doped with moisture indicators such as Methyl violet & Cobalt Chloride. Because of the impregnation of such indicators Silica Gel Desiccant exists in different colors, as a result of absorption of moisture and water.

Silica Gel can exist in both Silica Gel bead form, as well as Silica Gel crystal form. Silica Gel is a colorless solid, which is odorless and often interchangeable with silica xerogel which gives a granular form, which is purified and processed to attain Silica Gel bead form. To indicate the absorption of moisture, visually chemical indicators are impregnated in it, therefore various colored form of Silica Gel beads are available, depending on the absorption capacity of each. Blue Silica Gel crystals are developed by the coagulating the solution of silica acid. Silica Gel crystals are highly efficient, due to internal surface of about 800mz. 

Silica Gel Blue

Silica Gel on transfusion with Cobalt Chloride changes to Silica Gel blue in dry condition , but when becomes hydrated , it changes to Silica Gel Pink. It absorbs 5% of moisture and shows color variation depending on the absorption of moisture, i.e from blue to purple and to light red. Therefore, it is used as a desiccant in avoiding humidity damage. Silica gel Blue is also used as a Transformer breather as well as in Chemical Industries.

Silica Gel Orange

Since, Silica Gel blue was found to be hazardous and is presently replaced with Silica Gel Orange, with an alternative indicator methyl violet. In dry condition, Silica Gel orange remains in orange color, whereas changes its color to green when hydrated. It absorbs up to 2% of moisture and shows color variation depending on the absorption of moisture, i.e from light brown yellow to light brown green and then to blackish green. Therefore, it is used in the field of medicines, leather, and electrical appliances. Silica Gel orange is also used in Refrigeration and purification of power and air.

Silica Gel White

When Silica Gel is not transfused with and indicating agents, it exists in Silica Gel white form, which has an absorption of 5% of moisture and shows color variation depending on the absorption of moisture, i.e from white to semi transparent and then to non transparent. Therefore, it is used as a catalyst carrier, rust inhibitor and also as gas drier. Silica gel white is also used in Power industries as well as for drying of flowers and seeds.

Silica Gel Breathers for Safe Moisture Removal From Transformer Systems

What are Silica Gel Breathers?

Silica Gel Breathers are mainly used in the transformer sector, where maintaining optimum moisture levels is of utmost importance. That is why the transformer industry makes such wide use of Silica Gel Breathers as not only do they remove moisture molecules, but it is done in the most efficient and economic manner possible. When the transformers start functioning, the Silica Gel Breathers start their work by ensuring that no extra moisture molecules are present in the transformer so that it can function properly.

Talking about Silica Gel Breathers, this desiccant is usually manufactured from the best quality Blue and Orange Silica Gel as these two varieties are the most widely used in the transformer moisture removal process. Silica Gel Breathers (Orange and Blue) are mainly available in two varieties namely Clear View Type and Aluminum Type. Both these types of Silica Gel Breathers are equally capable of removing all moisture molecules in and around the transformers.

Functioning of Silica Gel Breathers Explained

Now that we have understood what are Silica Gel Breathers and their different types, it is time to understand how they function. This is explained in detail below. There are two uses of Silica Gel Breathers in the Transformer sector. One, removal of moisture molecules and the second, keep away all dust particles from the transformer as these can drastically affect the smooth functioning of transformers. Dust particles are known to bring many properly functioning transformers to a grinding halt.

The Silica Gel Breathers are manufactured as transparent hollow cylinder tubes, containing the chemically pure silicium salt or Silica Gel. This Silica Gel also comes attached with a cobalt indicator. Generally, this type of Silica Gel is known as the “indicating grade” of Silica Gel. When placed along side the transformers, these Silica Gel Breathers will successfully remove all the moisture surrounding the transformers.

When the Silica Gel crystals are absorbing the moisture, they are known to change colors. Different crystals will show different color changes. The deep blue Silica Gel will go completely dry while the light blue Silica Gel breather will retain some moisture even after the absorption process is over. In case of the pink Silica Gel crystals, they will be completely saturated with moisture once the entire process is finished. The pink crystals are known to retain absorbed moisture for nearly 30-40% of their own weight. This is one of the main reasons why Silica Gel is preferred as desiccants in the transformer industry as most of its weight can be held as moisture. Thus more moisture can be absorbed from the surroundings.

Extra care and precaution must be taken for the smooth functioning of Silica Gel Breathers in the transformer sector. This is done by the proper dehumidification of the Silica Gel crystals and removing dust particles from the air. Both these steps will ensure that the functioning of the Silica Gel breathers are not affected. Dehumidification is done by by heating the crystals in a ventilated oven at to 150 C. This is done till the color becomes blue again. The dust particles are removed by filtering the oil present in the oil cup.

For top quality Silica Gel Breathers, contact one of the best Silica Gel Breather suppliers in the country, Sorbead India. 

Five Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel as Dehumidifier Desiccants

Why Dehumidification is Important?

Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the surroundings. The presence of moisture can be harmful for products, especially pharma and food items, as they get spoilt after coming in contact with water vapour. Dehumidification is crucial for the storage and transportation industry as packed goods need to be sent to far away places and thus need to be free from moisture during that given period of time. If the packed goods come in contact with moisture then they will be spoilt and lead to heavy financial losses for the companies. Another benefit of dehumidification is that it helps to increase the shelf life of the product.

Dehumidification is generally carried out with the help of dehumidifying desiccants like Silica Gel, Molecular Sieves and Activated Alumina. Of these Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel is the most preferred as it is easily available and is highly cost-effective. Silica Gel dehumidifiers absorb moisture to reach a stable position and are very capable in removing moisture through direct absorption. Another reason why Silica Gel beads are so preferred is because the moisture absorbing Silica Gel is porous in structure and even when the water has been absorbed, the entire structure of the Silica Gel remains intact. As there is no change to the shape of the Silica Gel, it is economically viable as well as the Silica Gel molecules can be used over and over again.

Five Commonly Used Moisture-Absorbing Silica Gels

Now that we have come to know why Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel is the most preferred among all the dehumidifying agents, let us take a look at five of the commonly used Moisture Absorbing Silica Gels

1) Silica Gel White:

Think Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel, think Silica Gel white. Silica Gel White beads are the first choice when we want to use Silica Gel as a dehumidifying desiccant. Silica Gel White are the Non-Indicating Type of Silica Gel, which do not change colour when they have absorbed moisture. When they start taking in moisture, the white gels may turn hazy or milky white. As Silica Gel White can take in nearly 40% of its weight, it can absorb more moisture molecules when compared to other moisture absorbing Silica Gels.

2) Silica Gel Blue:

Another commonly used Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel is the Silica Gel Blue. While at the beginning of the dehumidification process, they will be blue in colour and as soon as the dehumidification process starts, it will start absorbing moisture and turn pink in colour. This will go on till all the moisture molecules have been absorbed.

3) Silica Gel Green:

Silica Gel Green is also widely used as a desiccant dehumidifier. The green color usually occurs when the originally orange color changes into green after the saturation process takes place. This form of Silica Gel is available in granular and beaded form.

4) Silica Gel Orange:

When one uses Silica Gel Orange, then as the moisture intake happens the colour will change from the initial orange to either pink/green/orange. This type of Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel works best as a dehumidifier desiccant.

5) Silica Gel Pink:

With this type of desiccant, the colour changes from pink to white when the saturation process is finished and no more moisture molecules can be absorbed.

Seven Important Uses of Indicating Silica Gel Blue Beads

Importance of Silica Gel Beads

Silica Gel is an important desiccant having wide use across many industries. The desiccant has a large surface area as well as many even-sized pores, which are useful in absorbing more moisture molecules across more area. Silica Gel is generally available in balls, beads and granular format. In their bead format, Silica Gel can be easily placed with different items like shoes, electronic and leather goods, food items etc. Silica Gel beads can be categorized into indicating and non-indicating. Indicating Silica Gel beads change colour when they become saturated while the non-indicating Silica Gel beads remain colorless. Indicating Silica Gel beads are available in pink, blue, green and orange colours. The reason why Silica Gel beads are important and much in use is because they are easy to handle, readily available and highly cost-effective.

Seven Major Uses of Indicating Silica Gel Blue Bead Sachets

Now let us take a look at some of the main uses of Indicating Silica Gel Blue Bead Sachets. Seven of these are given in detail below:

1) Humidity Absorption: This is the main use of Indicating Silica Gel. Silica Gel crystals find use across a wide range of industries like oil and natural gas, chemical, petrochemicals in removing moisture molecules, that may cause many problems. Silica Gel Indicating Desiccant ensures the smooth functioning of machinery without any moisture disruptions.

2) Large-scale dehydration: Silica Gel beads are the best choice if one wants to undertake dehydration on a large scale. They can absorb all the moisture from the large area as they have numerous even-sized pores.

3) Keeping transformers moisture-free: Silica Gel blue are widely used to keep transformers free from humidity as the latter’s presence is harmful for its functioning. Indicating silica gel are the best for this purpose as they will let one know immediately when the desiccant is completely saturated.

4) In air-conditioners: Silica Gel beads are also used in air-conditioners to maintain optimum moisture levels.

5) In households: Silica Gel beads have many uses in households to keep packed goods moisture free and ensure that packages are protected against moisture.

6) Keep tools moisture-free: Important tools are kept moisture free by placing them in Zip-lock bags containing Silica Gel sachets. These Silica Gel crystals will remove all the moisture from the tools, thus preventing oxidation.

7) Aviation industry: Lastly, they are used in the aviation sector to keep equipment humidity free. 

Non Indicating Silica Gel for Effective Dehumidification

What is Dehumidification?

Dehumidification is the process by which moisture is removed from any atmosphere. High levels of moisture can cause many problems not only packed goods but bring allergies into the house as well. A moisture-rich atmosphere is ideal for the growth of allergens, mold and bacteria. They survive and thrive the best in an environment filled with water vapour. Excess moisture usually can be seen on bedclothes, drapes, curtains and rugs in the home and this is where the allergens multiply in number. This is why removing moisture from our home and surroundings becomes very important.

Dehumidifiers and Their Uses

Dehumidification becomes easier with the help of a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier, as the name suggests, removes moisture from the atmosphere. These machines also help in controlling mold and bacterial growth. The dehumidifier works to remove all the excess level of moisture in the atmosphere, thus maintaining optimum humidity levels.

Dehumidifiers function by drawing air over cold coils, which will remove the moisture present in the air. After passing over the cold coils, the air moves over warm coils and is then released into the room. The air, which comes out of the dehumidifier will be devoid of any traces of moisture and thus prevent the growth of allergens and bacteria.

Dehumidifiers find great use in home having old people/young children as they are easily prone to allergies/asthma. The dehumidifiers in use at homes are capable of removing 10-50 pints water from the atmosphere, depending on relative humidity.

Non Indicating Silica Gel for Dehumidification

Desiccant dehumidifiers are commonly used by households and industries in keeping the atmosphere dry and moisture-free. In these dehumidifiers, the air is usually passed through a desiccant material like Silica Gel. For this purpose, companies mostly make use of Non Indicating Silica Gel. As Silica Gel beads do not need to cool air before the dehumidification process, Silica Gel dehumidifiers are ideal for sub-zero climates.

Desiccant humidifiers using non-indicating Silica Gel white beads are much in demand for keeping spaces nice and dry. The Silica Gel dehumidifier is so powerful that it can absorb all the moisture present in the air at one go. Desiccant dehumidifier usually find more use in smaller areas like bedrooms and kitchens. Non-indicating Silica Gel does not change color when it has become completely saturated with moisture like Indicating Silica Gel, which changes color from pink, blue or orange to white.