Silica Gel

Silica Gel
Part Number# C5-00010-60023 (40 lb)

Silica Gel Desiccants are probably the most effective desiccant when the relative humidity of the air stream ranges between 35 to 80%. It’s a granular (or beads), solid and a porous material made from Sodium Silicate. It has an average pore size of 2.4 nanometers and has a strong affinity for moisture vapors; however, it can break down if exposed to water over a long time. It can be regenerated at over 120 0F

Typical characteristics:
• Silica (Si02): 99.71% by Wt.
• Pore Size: 4 – 22 angstrom (1 angstrom = 1 x 10-8cm)
• Surface Area: 750 – 800 Sq. meters/gram
• Sp. Heat: 0.22 BTU/Lb/ºF
• Apparent Bulk Density: 45 Lbs/Cu. Ft.

In the presence of heavy moisture or liquid water, the desiccant is susceptible to fractures. The breakup causes desiccant fines and excessive pressure drop. Therefore, the desiccant is typically used with a pre-drying bed of activated alumina.

The bead type silica gel (e.g. Sorbead) are spherical in shape and are less susceptible to breakup. The bead type silica gel is preferred when used alone.

Although pressure swing regeneration is often used, the thermal reactivation is more common. Regeneration temperatures of 250ºF to 500ºF can produce dew points down to -80ºF. Silica gel is often used for drying compressed air & natural gas.