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March 24, 2008

Allow Your Containers to Drain While Keeping Bugs Out

Drain_plug This drain plug can be mounted at the base of your container to allow the container to drain while a mesh screen keeps bugs out. Comes standard with a 100 x 100 mesh screen; other screen sizes available.

The plug has channels that allow the container to completely drain without requiring the plug to be recessed into the container floor, simplifying the mounting process.

The drain plug is installed in a 1.05" diameter hole.

March 18, 2008

Prevent Mishandling of Your Product

Tilted_boxes TiltWatch tilt indicators affix directly to your products or packaging to detect & record unacceptable tilting on goods that must remain upright. Simple, cost-efficient, & highly effective, these attention-getting devices provide visual deterrents to improper handling, no matter what you're shipping.

To arm the device, simply remove the adhesive backing. This self-stick backing creates a permanent bond on all but the roughest containers, ensuring that once applied, the device cannot be reset & the product cannot be tipped without indisputable evidence of mishandling.

March 13, 2008

What is Molecular Sieve?

Trisorb Molecular sieve is a synthetically produced crystalline metal alumosilicate zeolite. Molecular sieve particles have a uniform pore structure (created during the manufacturing process). This enables molecular sieve to separate molecules by size. It is also non-hazardous & derived from naturally occurring materials.

Molecular sieve is the desiccant of choice for the most demanding & unique applications. The pore structure of molecular sieve desiccant provides a higher capacity for water adsorption than either silica gel or clay at very low humidity levels. Molecular sieve also retains a higher percentage of moisture capacity at elevated temperatures. In fact, molecular sieve can hold moisture at temperatures well past 450°F (232°C). Because of its high affinity for moisture, molecular sieve is able to bring the relative humidity in packages down as low as 10% relative humidity.

March 12, 2008

What is Silica Gel?

Desiccant_silica_gel_sorbit Silica gel is silicon dioxide (SiO2), an amorphous form of silica which is manufactured from sodium silicate & sulfuric acid. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is purified & processed into beaded or granular form. Like clay desiccant, silica gel is also non-corrosive & chemically inert. 

Much like a sponge, silica gel's interconnected pores form a vast surface area that will attract & hold water by adsorption and capillary condensation, allowing silica gel to adsorb about 40% of its weight in water vapor at 100% humidity.

As a desiccant, silica gel has an average pore size of 24 angstroms (24Å). It will pull in moisture at temperatures up to 220°F (104°C). As temperatures increase above 100°F (38°C), the rate of moisture pick-up will slow down, but the silica gel will still work. Silica gel performs best at room temperatures between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) & at high humidity between 60% to 90% relative humidity.

Indicating silica gel is a bead or granule that has been washed with a concentration of cobalt chloride (a heavy metal salt). The cobalt chloride is a deep blue color when dry & turns from blue to purple to pink as it becomes saturated with moisture.

March 11, 2008

What is Clay Desiccant?

Desiccant_clay_desipak_3 Clay desiccants are non-hazardous, moisture adsorbent substances created by the controlled drying of a calcium (bentonite) aluminosilicate clay. This naturally occurring montmorillonite clay has a special affinity for moisture & is chemically inert & non-corrosive. The layered structure of clay desiccant attracts & adsorbs moisture onto its surface & between its layers.

Of all desiccants, clay is the least expensive & is highly effective within normal temperature & relative humidity ranges. It is used in most industrial applications that require humidity control. Clay desiccant can adsorb up to 28% of its weight in water vapor at 77°F (25°C) & 80% relative humidity. At full moisture vapor capacity, Desi Pak remains dry & free-flowing. There is no apparent change in size, shape, or texture of the desiccant. 

Clay desiccant works satisfactorily below 120°F (49°C). Above 120°F (49°C), there is a possibility that the clay will give up moisture rather than pull it in (silica gel or molecular sieve are suitable for such temperatures). Accordingly, anticipated storage & transportation conditions should be considered when deciding whether or not to use clay.