Dessicator

Moisture-Free Storage Chambers for Sensitive Materials

Desiccators create sealed environments where humidity drops to near-zero levels. You load your samples, add fresh desiccant, and seal the chamber tight. Hygroscopic compounds stay dry, gravimetric analyses stay accurate, and moisture-sensitive reagents don't degrade overnight.

Core Design and Moisture Control Systems

Borosilicate glass construction handles most lab chemicals without degrading. The ground glass flange at the rim gets a thin layer of vacuum grease for an airtight seal. Inside, a perforated plate sits above the desiccant chamber—silica gel or calcium chloride pulls moisture from the air above it.

Vacuum-compatible models include a stopcock valve on top. Connect to standard lab Pumps or Watering pumps to evacuate air and speed up drying. Vacuum desiccators work faster than passive models but cost more upfront. For routine storage, passive desiccation works fine if you refresh the desiccant regularly.

Vacuum and Desiccant-Based Drying Methods

• Passive desiccation: Relies on desiccant absorption alone, takes 12-24 hours for equilibrium
• Vacuum-assisted: Reduces pressure to 50-100 mbar, cuts drying time to 2-4 hours
• Desiccant capacity: 200-500g silica gel per chamber, regenerate at 120°C when saturated
• Indicator desiccants: Color-changing silica shows when moisture capacity is exhausted

Seal Integrity and Construction Materials

Ground glass flanges need proper greasing—too little and air leaks in, too much and you contaminate samples. Polycarbonate models use rubber gaskets instead, easier to maintain but less chemical-resistant. Check seals weekly in high-use labs.

Temperature ratings matter. Standard borosilicate handles up to 500°C for ashing samples, while polycarbonate maxes out at 135°C. Unlike Dimroth condenser or Coiled-straight condenser,double layer units that manage heat transfer during reactions, desiccators focus purely on moisture exclusion at ambient or elevated temps.

Shelf Configuration and Capacity Options

• 150mm diameter: Single shelf, holds 4-6 small crucibles or vials
• 200mm diameter: Two shelves, fits standard 100mm petri dishes
• 300mm diameter: Three shelves, accommodates larger glassware like Glass sticks or sample arrays
• Porcelain plates distribute weight evenly, prevent shelf sagging under load