Dessicant

Anybody know if you can bake and reuse silica gel or are they a one time thing. I got a couple larger bags of this stuff that came with one thing or another and could use them in my scope case and ep case if they can be dehydrated.

Is there another source for a dessicant such as this or one that can be baked?

Kevin

Yes, you can bake at low heat and it should change color as it dries.

Hi,

I used to have a saltwater fish tank, and used a tube of reusable dessicant that changes color from red to blue, but other color change reusable beads are available, and all basically similar to silica gel of some sort. It is used as an air dryer and is available in bulk from a number of sources.

Here is an example of what I mean...

http://www.veritemp.com/Products/Bulk+Silica+Gel/

Do a google search on bulk silica gel

Enjoy

Timm

Here's a manufacturere's site that should help.

http://www.dehumidify.com/

They have a few posted links to retailers. Their stuff works great; use it for EP cases, telescope storage, gun safe, etc. I particularly like the 2 smaller units, self-contained and recharge instructions embossed on metal so you can't forget.

Hi Kevin,
I use a fair amount of silica gel for various reasons. Dry air for Marine Aquarium ozone generation, enclosed cabinets that contian metal items, eyepiece cases, etc. I "recharge" it whenever needed in a regular kitchen oven.

Not all silca gel has been dyed to change color.
This is from a site that sells silica gel -

Material: Silica Gel
Notes:
Non-Toxic
40 grams protects three cubic feet of enclosed space
Color coded (blue when active; pink when inactive)

Reactivation: Can be reactivated easily by heating in an oven.
In quantities less than 1,000 grams heat as follows:
In aluminum container heat to 300 - 325 degrees for 3 hours.
In cloth container heat to 240 - 250 Degrees for 3 hours.

Clear Skies, Bill