Silica gel is basically a composition of silicon dioxide in amorphous form. So, it produces small and hard irregular beads or granular which look like crystals. It helps in absorbing moisture or odor. The absorption is possible because of the micro pores present in its structure. It not only absorbs the moisture but its interlocking feature locks them inside which results in change of shape and color of the granular. Moisture is easily absorbed in the granular because it possesses lower vacuum pressure than the surrounding air. Absorption stops when the level of pressure inside the granular as well as outside is equal. Silica gel is available in two types, one is indicating and the other is non-indicating. Under the indicating category comes orange and blue silica gel and white is the non-indicating type. By indicating silica gel it means that the granular changes its color after they fully saturates.
Monday, 7 April 2014
Friday, 4 April 2014
Some of the unique features possessed by silica gel breather for transformers are that its body and cup is made up of unbreakable transparent polycarbonate plastic. Finishing of the body is done strongly with CRCA sheets which are joined with rubber gasket and stud to the body. It has special refining method and does not require continuous maintenance as there are less chances of air leakage. The only function of the breathers is to remove the moisture content completely from the air. It also helps to remove the dust particles. Silica gel breathers are hollow cylindrical tubes which are then filled with silica gel granules made up of pure silicone salt and if the granules are of indicating type it is mixed with cobalt indicator.
Undoubtedly silica gel is rated as the best desiccant. There are many factors which makes silica gel as more demanding. One of them is the reusability factor. As it cannot be used loosely, it is used in packets. The size of the packet depends on the requirement. You must have seen small packets in the leather jackets, shoes etc. It is also used in shipping containers as the product most of the time comes in contact with moisture at the time of transportation. Silica gel is also used in breather transformers in factories. Breathers are said to be an efficient way of controlling moisture. In factories these transformers are used to control moisture obtained by big machineries. Moisture is generated because of sudden cooling and heating of machines. Silica gel for breather transformer is also classified into two categories - Clear view type silica gel breather transformer and aluminum body silica gel breather transformer.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
There is various type of air drying desiccants available in the market. The most popular and widely used desiccant is silica gel. It also comes in three variants that is orange, white and blue. Among the three orange and blue are termed as the color changing gel. This is because after absorbing moisture, the granules changes its color indicating that the desiccant granule is contaminated and needs to be replaced. Another reason which makes it more popular is that once it is fully contaminated it can be reused again by heating it over 300oC. The other type of desiccant is molecular sieves. Its properties are quite similar with that of silica gel. Advantage of using it over other desiccants is that its absorption speed is more and has more resistance against contamination.
Friday, 28 March 2014
The best thing to use silica as desiccant is that it can be reused even after it is fully contaminated by heating it over certain temperature. One drawback that these desiccants have is that it cannot be used loosely. Usually it is used by packing them in small packets. But what about huge containers? In that situation huge silica gel Canisters are used.
Whenever you are making for desiccants always choose those which have successfully undergone the FDA standards. This makes it safe that they can be used in close contact with drugs or food items. But still in any case a basic layer is required. In the canisters you have the advantage to use a single desiccant individually or you also have the option to use it in combination with some other desiccant. Like silica gel and activated carbon can be used in combination where silica gel is best in absorbing moisture and activated carbon is used to absorb odor. These canisters are available in various sizes. Advantage of using these canisters is that it can be customized according to the requirement. It is absolutely safe to use desiccant canisters as it has welded ends which provide more structural strength. And those welded ends have the capacity to stay sealed even in extreme pressure.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Desiccant like Silica gel cannot be used loosely. It has to be packed in form of packets. Now, the sizes of the packets differ from time to time. According to the requirement these silica gel packets are given shape and size. Like, when you purchase a leather jacket you must have seen a small packet somewhere in its pocket. That is a desiccant packet which is put in to absorb that pungent odor obtained from the jacket. This was all about small packets, but what about places like big electronic factories where sudden heating and cooling produces huge amount of moisture. That much moisture is sufficient to promote corrosion or rusting activity. So, at such places huge places breather transformers are used.
Silica gel being the ideal desiccant among all the other desiccants is the best product to be used as an absorbent in these breathers. Breather transformers are the best tool which provides an efficient and an economic way to control the level of moisture which enters the electronic equipment. Breathers are available in various quantities but people usually use then up to the capacity of 2000 Kva.
Monday, 17 March 2014
Among all the desiccants, silica gel is rated as the best one. It is basically amorphous form of silicon dioxide. These are hard irregular beads which has high capacity surface area to not only absorb water molecules but also lock it inside them. It is available in three variants that is blue, white and orange. Among them Blue and orange are the indicating types. It changes its color to indicate that they are fully contaminated and are now ready to be replaced with the fresh ones. Also these beads should never be used in direct contact with any food or pharmaceutical product. The best thing about the gel is that once it is fully contaminated it can be reused by heating it over 300oF. The heating process brings the silica gel beads to its original face.
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