Desiccant Performance Data

Desi Pak Moisture Adsorbent

Desi Pak desiccant is a chemically inert, neutral, and non-corrosive bentonite clay. The layered structure of
this calcium-rich montmorillonite attracts and binds water molecules to its vast inner and outer surface area.
Even at full water vapor capacity, Desi Pak remains dry and free-flowing. There is no apparent change in
size, shape, or texture of the desiccant. The adsorption capacity of Desi Pak is considerable even at low
humidity levels and increases with increasing relative humidity (Exhibit 1). The adsorption rate is high
enough for most applications at low humidity (Exhibit 2). At high humidity levels Desi Pak accepts moisture
much slower than Sorb-It and Tri-Sorb, which makes handling less problematic (Exhibit 3). The
adsorption capacity of Desi Pak as a function of temperature remains constant at constant relative humidity
between 20C and 50C (Exhibit 4). Desi Pak products can easily be reactivated for multiple uses.

Sorb-It Moisture Adsorbent

Sorb-It packaged silica gel is a highly porous amorphous silicon dioxide. It binds water molecules in its
random intersecting channels which have various diameters. The material remains dry and free flowing,
even after fully saturated with water vapor. The adsorption capacity is relatively small at low humidity levels
but increases with increasing humidity (Exhibit 1). The adsorption rate is high enough for most applications
at low humidity (Exhibit 2). At high humidity levels Sorb-It accepts moisture much faster than Desi Pak,
which has to be taken into account when handling the material (Exhibit 3). The adsorption capacity of
Sorb-It as a function of temperature decreases slightly at constant relative humidity between 20C and 50C
(Exhibit 4). Sorb-It products can easily be reactivated for multiple uses. Sorb-It is also available as
indicating gel impregnated with an indicator to visually show the saturation state of the silica gel.

Getter Odor/Gas Adsorbent

Getter consists of activated carbon and is used in controlling objectionable odors and gases within
packaged products. Activated carbon exhibits a highly porous structure with a huge surface area. Most
gases and volatile organic molecules are attracted to this surface and bond effectively. Applications range
from pharmaceuticals to electronics. As Exhibit 6 shows, Getter is capable of adsorbing 50% of its weight
of carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane) at 25C.

2-in-1 Odor/Gas Adsorbent

2-in-1 is a combination of silica gel or bentonite clay and activated carbon packaged together. 2-in-1 is
used in controlling moisture, gas, and odors within packaged products simultaneously. The desiccant in
2-in-1 attracts and binds the excess water vapor that is present within the package. At the same time, gas
and odorous molecules are bound to the huge inner surface of the activated carbon. 2-in-1 is the ideal
product for many pharmaceutical products that require moisture and odor control simultaneously.

Tri-Sorb Moisture/Gas Adsorbent

Tri-Sorb products are based on the synthetic zeolite (molecular sieve) types 3A, 4A, and 13X. These
zeolites exhibit crystalline structures with well-defined and uniform pores of 3 , 4 , and 10 diameter,
respectively. These materials are capable of adsorbing water vapor and gas molecules provided they fit into
the pores. The adsorption capacity of Tri-Sorb is relatively high at low humidity levels and remains almost
constant with increasing relative humidity (Exhibit 1). The adsorption rate is high at low humidity (Exhibit
2). At high humidity levels Tri-Sorb accepts moisture much faster than Desi Pak, which makes handling
more difficult (Exhibit 3). The adsorption capacity of Tri-Sorb as a function of temperature remains
constant at constant relative humidity and absolute humidity between 20C and 50C (Exhibits 4 and 5).
Tri-Sorb products can not be reactivated for multiple uses.

Exhibits 1 - 7
1. Adsorption capacity as a function of relative humidity
T = 25 C, static conditions

adsorption [%]

40
30
Tri-Sorb

20

Desi Pak

10
Sorb-It

0
0

20

40

60

80

relative humidity [%]

3. Adsorption rates at a high humidity level

2. Adsorption rates at a low humidity level

T =30 C, 60% r.h., static conditions

30

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

25

Tri-Sorb

adsorption [%]

adsorption [%]

T = 25C, 10% r.h., static conditions

Desi Pak

Sorb-It

Sorb-It

20
Tri-Sorb

15
10

Desi Pak

5
0

50

100

150

200

250

10

time [h]

Constant Absolute Humidity p=12.7 mbar

Constant Relative Humidity 40%

35
adsorption [%]

40
30
Sorb-It

20
Tri-Sorb

Desi Pak

10

30

Sorb-It

25
20
15

Desi Pak

Tri-Sorb

10
5
0

0
15

25

35

45

15

55

25

35

45

temperature [C]

temperature [C]

6. Adsorption rate of Getter

Adsorption of CCl 4 by Getter
60
adsorption [%]

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

20

5. Adsorption capacity as a function of

temperature at constant absolute humidity

4. Adsorption capacity as a function of

temperature at constant relative humidity

adsorption [%]

15

time [h]

10

20

30
time [h]

40

50

Sd-Chemie Performance Packaging

Rio Grande Industrial Park
101 Christine Drive
Belen, NM 87002
Tel: 505-864-6691
800-989-3374
Fax: 505-864-9296
Web Site: www.s-cpp.com
2003 Sd-Chemie Performance Packaging

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