For the starters, silica gel is a synthetic amorphous, porous or granulated product. It has a hard irregular bead crystal appearance. It is used for various applications in varying industries. It is created by the chemical reaction between Sodium Silicate and Sulphuric acid.
Advantages of using silica gel as a desiccant
- Silica gel is non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive and odorless.
- It can be reused by regenerating and has a very high lifetime, if stored air-tight. Heating the gel would remove the absorbed fluid and thus it can be reused.
- It can absorb about 40% of its own weight.
- It is inert to other materials.
- The absorption capacity is 35% higher than that of other clay desiccants.
- It can be packed in varying sizes for different applications.
- When it comes to weight and efficiency, silica gel is a better choice than other desiccant.
- The physical features of the product do not change on absorbing the fluid. In some cases, the beads are made to turn to another color, to indicate the presence of fluid.
