Well, I do not remember exactly but I do remember times when I wondered what they were, I opened them and put a couple of diamonds in my tongue I think my father told me to just to feel how they stick to it. Well, the majority of the time, these tiny packs which we find are silica gel desiccant packs used to absorb moisture, but there are more types of desiccants with many more and diversified used. In the next article I will discuss about the main ones so continue reading.
Silica Gel
The most known and used sort of desiccant manufacturers in india. It is a natural occurring mineral known as silicon dioxide SiO2 which is purified and processed to beaded or granular form. As temperature goes above 100°F, the rate of moisture absorption will slow down but it will still work. Silica gel works best at room temperatures and higher humidity 60- 90% RH and will drop the relative humidity at a container down to approximately 40 percent RH. It is widely utilized in pharmaceutical and food applications since it is the only desiccant accepted by FDA for direct contact with these products.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon or activated charcoal how it is also called is different from normal charcoal since it moved through an activation process and it is also free of fossil fuels which are poisonous. Its surface area is dramatically increased in the activation process which adds the exceptional absorbing ability. Activated carbon has the ability to absorb toxins, pollutants or chemical spills when used in agriculture. It is great medicinal qualities used to treat infections and colic, diarrhea, open wounds, spider bites or bees, ants and scorpion bites, food poisoning. Additionally, it treats drug overdose, gas, diabetic ulcers, heartburns and indigestion. As it possesses such excellent absorption capacity, activated carbon can also be used for air and water filters. It will absorb gases and odors, plastic fumes, cigarette smoke, furniture glues, carpet odors, bacteria and viruses. Activated charcoal filters out harmful components from water such as chlorine, copper or carbohydrates.
Molecular Sieve
Molecular sieves are porous synthetic desiccants which have a very strong affinity for moisture molecules. When compared with the other desiccants, the distinguishing quality of the molecular sieve arrangement is that the uniformity of the pore size openings in the crystal lattice structure. Part of the production process, the pore size on the molecular sieve particles is controlled allowing the choice of a product that can absorb water, nevertheless exclude many other molecules, such as volatile organics, which could be present in the bundle or others that may absorb a wide assortment of molecules in addition to moisture. Molecular sieve can maintain moisture to temperatures well beyond 450°F 230°C, and due to its high affinity for moisture, molecular sieve can bring the relative humidity in bundles down as low as 10 percent RH. There are quite a few other kinds of desiccant packs used for different applications but perhaps this article gave you some introduction to the main ones. Before using these, ask your desiccant provider for more specific details so you will be safe.