The Desiccator: A Must-Have Tool for Laboratory and Industrial Applications

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Introduction:

The Desiccator is a unique equipment used in laboratories and industries for preserving and maintaining the quality of sensitive materials such as chemicals, powders, and electronic components. This equipment helps in creating an environment with a low moisture level, which is essential for preserving the integrity of these materials. A Desiccator comes in various shapes and sizes, and it is an indispensable tool for researchers, scientists, and engineers who deal with moisture-sensitive materials.

Laboratory instruments are as varied as the processes used in the tests carried out there. It is extremely complex to catalog or classify each of these materials and instruments. However, we are dedicated to organizing this ranking with the best of them. Find out all about the desiccator and why it ranks number 27 in the top 30 of the best laboratory materials.

Desiccator - What is it?

It is a material rather an instrument that is used in the laboratory to remove moisture existing in a substance or sample. In addition to protect it from the action of external humidity or the environment. All this for middle of the void which is achieved by using a desiccant with hygroscopic properties.

This instrument consists of 3 parts which are: the vessel or the removable bottom, platform or grid and the lid of the container or top. In addition, some models have a key or knob that allows the extraction of air. It is usually made of glass and the edges of both parts of the container are frosted. To favor the hermetic closure of the equal.

The wonderful thing about the desiccator is that it dehydrates the sample, keeping it in optimal conditions for study or prolonged conservation. Without the risk that external agents may alter it when in contact with it.

Features of a desiccator

Airtight container usually shaped cylindrical or round.Commonly made of glass or porcelain.It has 2 cavities, one lower in size reduced where the desiccant is placed and another upper one with a larger size for housing the sample or substance.Both chambers are separated by a platform removable that serves as a support for the substance.It has a key that is used for the extraction of the air inside the container once it is sealed.

There is a wide variety of hygroscopic compounds that can be used with this instrument, however the most common are:

Silica Geldrierite or Calcium Sulfatephosphorus Pentoxycalcium Chloride Anhydrousmagnesium Perchlorate Anhydrous

On what principle is the desiccator based?

This instrument basically works with a vacuum sealing, which refers to the lack of material in a space. Being the density relative of very low particles in it. The process is quite simple, the sample it is not exposed to external humidity. So when laying the material desiccant that by fundamental characteristic attracts water. It will only attract the own water of the sample, thus removing moisture from it.

Ensuring that this process is perfectly fulfilled is that the through nozzle with which the air extraction is carried out was added to the design. Although the desiccant and the sample are separated by the grid, it has channels or holes that allow the process.

What is a laboratory desiccator for?

A desiccator is used both to preserve samples or substances, as well as to dehydrate them. This is essential since this state is required for different chemical processes. An alternative use is to cool samples inside it to avoid moisture absorption by it.

Types of Desiccator

In functionality all desiccators are the same, they fulfill
exactly the same function only vary in design and use. For example the
the first type of desiccator is circular, which is the most common type. It
suitable for small to medium samples and are made of glass
or plastic. This type is very practical due to its size so it is used for
transportation in some cases.

The second type is the cabinet type desiccator which is used
for large samples or large quantities thereof. It's like a box
large made of polycarbonate, stainless steel or acrylic. Most of them have multiple
chambers so different samples are dried at the same time.

Desiccator: Importance

In the field of sample handling and preservation the desiccator possesses great importance. Since it grants the necessary care for apply other procedures to certain samples and substances. Maintenance of the integrity of the sample has been one of the biggest concerns of the scientists. And with this apparatus a great breakthrough has been achieved in this problem. And so there are plenty of reasons to explain why the desiccator the laboratory occupies the twenty-seventh place in the ranking. It is an apparatus Marvellous that I simplify the processes in the laboratory. Meet the 26th place of the top 30 of the best laboratory materials in the next article.

Types of Desiccators:

There are different types of Desiccators that are used in laboratories and industries. Some of the common types include:

Vacuum Desiccator:

A vacuum Desiccator is a sealed container that is emptied of air, creating a vacuum environment. This type of Desiccator is often used to store materials that are highly sensitive to moisture, such as electronic components.

Non-vacuum Desiccator:

A non-vacuum Desiccator is a container that is filled with a desiccant to absorb moisture from the surrounding air. This type of Desiccator is commonly used in laboratories for storing chemicals, powders, and other moisture-sensitive materials.

Glovebox Desiccator:

A glovebox Desiccator is a sealed container that provides a controlled environment for handling materials that are sensitive to air and moisture. This type of Desiccator has an attached glovebox, which allows users to handle the materials without exposing them to the surrounding air.

Applications of Desiccators:

Desiccators are used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, food, and cosmetics. Some of the common applications of Desiccators include:

Preservation of Electronic Components:

Electronic components are highly sensitive to moisture, which can lead to corrosion, rust, and damage. Desiccators are used to store electronic components, preventing them from getting damaged.

Drying of Chemicals:

Many chemicals are sensitive to moisture, which can affect their quality and potency. Desiccators are used to dry chemicals, preserving their quality and purity.

Preservation of Food and Cosmetics:

Desiccators are used to preserve the quality of food and cosmetic products. By reducing the moisture level, the Desiccator helps to prevent spoilage, mold growth, and other issues that can affect the quality of these products.

FAQs:

Q: Can a Desiccator be reused?

A: Yes, Desiccators can be reused multiple times. The desiccant used in the container can be regenerated by heating it in an oven or microwave, which drives out the moisture.

Q: What type of desiccant is best for a Desiccator?

A: The type of desiccant used in a Desiccator depends on the specific application. Silica gel is a common desiccant used in Desiccators, but other options include activated alumina and molecular sieves.

Manufacturers to purchase a desiccator

If you are looking to purchase a Desiccator, there are several manufacturers that you can choose from. Here are some reputable manufacturers of Desiccators:

Bel-Art Products - https://www.belart.com/
Terra Universal - https://www.terrauniversal.com/

Cole-Parmer - https://www.coleparmer.com/
Thermo Fisher Scientific - https://www.thermofisher.com/

EISCO - https://www.eiscolabs.com/

These manufacturers offer a wide range of Desiccators, including vacuum and non-vacuum types, as well as custom-made Desiccators to cater to specific requirements. Be sure to do your research and choose a Desiccator that is suitable for your specific application.

Note: The above list is not exhaustive and there are several other reputable manufacturers of Desiccators in the market.

Conclusion:

A Desiccator is an essential tool in laboratories and industries that deal with moisture-sensitive materials. By reducing the humidity level, the Desiccator helps to preserve the integrity and quality of these materials, preventing issues such as corrosion, rust, spoilage, and mold growth. The different types of Desiccators available cater to a wide range of applications, making them a versatile and indispensable tool in various industries.

In conclusion, if you work with moisture-sensitive materials, a Desiccator is a must-have tool. It can help to preserve the quality and integrity of your materials, making them last longer and perform better. Whether you are a researcher, scientist, or engineer, a Desiccator can help you achieve accurate and reliable results in your work.