We are likely familiar with the small square packets found in candy bags, which contain desiccant or silica gel. Silica gel is derived from white sand mixed with sulfur and comes in the form of round pellets with various colors. It is used to protect a wide range of products from moisture, ensuring that their properties remain unchanged. This prevents mold growth and maintains the crispness of desserts, for instance. In addition to being used in food items, silica gel can also be found in pharmaceutical packaging and leather furniture. Overall, desiccants play a more significant role than one might initially think.
There are four types of silica gel:
White Silica Gel: This type has the capacity to absorb around 35-40% moisture. Each granule has a diameter of approximately 2-5 millimeters.
Blue Silica Gel: This type shares similar moisture-absorbing properties with the white variety. However, it contains an added substance that increases efficiency and allows users to monitor the moisture content. Blue granules are inactive or not working, while pink or light purple ones have been in use for some time. This type is particularly familiar to many photographers.
Orange Silica Gel: This type has properties similar to the blue silica gel, but it changes color from orange to light green instead. Due to its relatively higher price, this type is not yet popular in Thailand.
Silica Sand: This type has the same moisture-absorbing properties as the white silica gel, but differs in granule size. The granules of silica sand are only about 1 millimeter in size.
Thailand is situated in a humid tropical region, which puts products at risk of moisture damage that can compromise their quality. To mitigate this risk, desiccants such as silica gel are often employed as a preventative measure against potential damage. These moisture-absorbing materials are widely used in various applications, including:
Dry food
Baked goods
Fried food
Leather products
Equipment prone to rust
Electronic devices
Medical equipment
Medicines and supplements
With their effective moisture-absorbing capabilities, desiccants cater to the diverse needs of customers across various manufacturing and storage sectors. This ensures the preservation of product quality and guarantees safe delivery.
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Absorb moisture from a wet phone: Similar to rice, silica gel can help absorb moisture from a phone that has been dropped in water. To use, place the phone in a plastic bag and add 4-5 packets of rice and silica gel. Let it sit overnight.
Protect silverware from tarnishing: Silica gel’s moisture-absorbing properties can help keep silverware shiny and rust-free. Simply place 2-3 packets of silica gel in your silverware container.
Eliminate odors in luggage: For large suitcases stored for long periods, place silica gel packets inside to absorb moisture and prevent musty smells.
Preserve plant seeds: To keep harvested vegetable, tree, or flower seeds in good condition, dry them thoroughly, place them in a small ziplock bag, and store them in a box along with a packet of silica gel.
Maintain the quality of medicines and vitamins: To protect medicines and vitamins from moisture-related deterioration, attach a silica gel packet to the underside of the container’s lid using clear tape, without direct contact with the contents.
Dry flowers more quickly: To speed up the drying process for decorative or DIY flowers, place some silica gel under the book used to press the flowers.
Protect important documents: To prevent water or moisture damage, place silica gel packets in the document box or file drawer containing important papers.
Extend the life of razor blades: To prevent rusting, dry razor blades after use and store them in a container with a silica gel packet at the bottom.
Prevent mold on clothes: For damp clothes that must be stored in a bag, first place them in a plastic bag with 2-3 silica gel packets to avoid mold.
Defog windows: To quickly clear fog from windows during rain, place a silica gel packet along the edge of the window, and the glass will become clear again in no time.
Yes, you can use silica gel to dry a wet phone. Place the phone in a plastic bag along with a few packets of silica gel and leave it overnight to absorb moisture.
While silica gel is not specifically designed to repel bed bugs, it can be used as a desiccant to help control their population by damaging their exoskeleton and causing dehydration.
Silica gel can be used in various ways at home, such as controlling humidity, protecting important documents, preserving seeds, drying flowers, and preventing mold and mildew growth.
Silica gel can last for several years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. It can be regenerated by heating it to release the absorbed moisture and then reused.
Short-term exposure to silica gel is generally safe. However, prolonged exposure to crystalline silica dust, which is different from silica gel, can be harmful to the lungs and may lead to silicosis, a serious lung disease.
The time it takes for silica gel to absorb moisture depends on the humidity level, temperature, and the amount of silica gel used. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to effectively absorb moisture in a given environment.
Silica gel is a chemically stable substance that does not decompose easily. It can last for years without breaking down, especially when stored in a dry, cool environment.
If you are using silica gel to dry out a wet phone, you should keep your phone in a sealed container with silica gel for at least 24 hours to ensure that it has absorbed as much moisture as possible.
If silica gel gets wet, it will start absorbing the moisture and become less effective as a desiccant. However, it can be regenerated by heating it to release the absorbed moisture and then reused.
There is no “best” color for silica gel, as the color only serves as an indicator of the moisture content. Blue silica gel turns pink when saturated with moisture, while orange silica gel turns green. Both types can be equally effective, depending on your preference for a visual indicator.
Yes, you can dry silica gel in the microwave. Place the silica gel in a microwave-safe container and heat it on a low power setting for several minutes, checking periodically until the beads return to their original color.
Yes, you can dry silica gel in the sun. Spread the silica gel beads on a tray or baking sheet and place it in a sunny spot for several hours, or until the beads return to their original color.
A safe alternative to silica gel is clay desiccants. They are natural, non-toxic, and can effectively absorb moisture. Other alternatives include calcium chloride, activated charcoal, and rice. You can find them in our shop: https://sse.co.th/product-category/activated-clay/
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of a desiccant depends on the specific application and environment. Some alternatives like calcium chloride can absorb more moisture than silica gel, but they can also release moisture back into the environment under certain conditions.
Silica gel is made of silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring substance that is processed into a granular or porous form. It has a high affinity for water, making it an effective desiccant for a wide range of applications.
One of the main disadvantages of silica gel is that it can lose its moisture-absorbing capacity over time, especially when exposed to high humidity levels. Additionally, it may not be as effective in extremely low or high temperatures, and it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.
Ingesting large amounts of silica gel may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, while direct contact with skin can cause irritation or dryness. Long-term inhalation of crystalline silica dust can lead to respiratory issues and is considered carcinogenic.
Silica gel itself is not banned in Europe. However, some European countries have stricter regulations regarding the use of crystalline silica dust, which is a different substance from silica gel and poses a risk when inhaled over long periods.
If silica gel touches your skin, it is generally not harmful. Silica gel is a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture, so it may cause some dryness to your skin upon contact. However, if you experience any irritation or discomfort, it is recommended to wash the affected area with soap and water.
If a silica gel packet accidentally comes into contact with food, it is not an immediate cause for concern. Silica gel is considered non-toxic and ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause harm. However, it is not meant for consumption, so it is best to remove the packet and any beads that may have come into contact with the food. If the packet is intact and has not spilled any beads, simply remove it and continue to enjoy your meal.
From: Original price was: ฿150.00.฿99.00Current price is: ฿99.00.
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From: Original price was: ฿128.00.฿99.00Current price is: ฿99.00.
From: ฿79.00
From: Original price was: ฿150.00.฿99.00Current price is: ฿99.00.
From: ฿79.00