Source for Silica Gel

[wooslehunter]

Anyone have a good source for Silica gel? There seems lots that have the tiny packets that are shipped with cameras etc.

But I need to get several big packets or some bulk crystals to spread on trays in the boat.

 

[daveyw]

If you look down at thread "can you re use silica gel" you'll see electrosys says

"Now - for a really cheap source of silica gel - take yourself off to Tescos and look for Bob Martin's absorbent cat litter crystals - 'tis silica gel but in a bulk packet. For a 'working container' - drill a few dozen small holes in the plastic lid of a coffee jar, and you're good to go"

 

[Silent Lady]

Try

Radio Spares .. RS

 

[electrosys]

Tescos for bulk clear silica gel.

Geejay chemicals (or similar) for self-indicating - you don't need much if you're using it just to indicate the state of the clear stuff. http://www.geejaychemicals.co.uk/silicagel.htm

 

[rob2]

You can buy silica gel from caravan shops, such as Towsure.

 

[BrendanS]

won't work spread on trays in a boat, unless you seal the boat top to bottom and use vaste amounts. They work OK in very small volumes, not in boats.

 

[electrosys]

won't work spread on trays in a boat, unless you seal the boat top to bottom and use vaste amounts. They work OK in very small volumes, not in boats.

Brendan has a good point - I use silica gel to keep flares dry, to keep MIG welding wire from rusting, to keep electronics and spare clothes dry and similar uses - in containers ranging from tupperware boxes right up to plastic barrels - but they are always sealed.

The problem with trays - as I see it - is, as soon as you open the hatch to inspect or replace the trays - you'll be letting several cubic feet of moist air in, and the drying cycle will need to start all over again.
For a boat cabin, I'd have thought that maximum ventilation would be the best way to go.

 

[southerly]

controlloing humidity

In Germany we use containers, which hold in their upper part a kind of treated salt. This transformes humidity to liquid, which is deposited in the lower compartment. I've a 3er which "produces" 3-4 liters of liquid during winter season. All I have to do is check container every 2 month co. Cheap and effective - no rot, no smell.

 

[electrosys]

In Germany we use containers, which hold in their upper part a kind of treated salt. This transformes humidity to liquid, which is deposited in the lower compartment. I've a 3er which "produces" 3-4 liters of liquid during winter season. All I have to do is check container every 2 month co. Cheap and effective - no rot, no smell.

Have you any more information on this ? I've seen very small boxes of something similar for use within secondary double-glazing units - but what you're describing sounds much bigger - and better.

 

[millbeach]

We use "blue strip" cat litter in our caravan over winter in trays, and have done for many years.
Does the job there.
Also do same practice in the boat over winter.
Cheap and it works for us....

 

[MonniotC]

Have you any more information on this ? I've seen very small boxes of something similar for use within secondary double-glazing units - but what you're describing sounds much bigger - and better.

These things are available from most caravan suppliers. I have three on my boat - they cost about £5-£10 each and are quite effective. The chemical that goes in them is anhydrous calcium chloride. It can be obtained cheaply in largish quantities on fleabay etc. if you google "calcium chloride" rather than buying the little packs from the caravan shops.

There is one here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wenko-Dehum...1_64?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1290523823&sr=1-64

 

[southerly]

Have you any more information on this ? I've seen very small boxes of somethi
ng similar for use within secondary double-glazing units - but what you're describing sounds much bigger - and better.

This is a link to a german chandlery:
http://www.svb.de/index.php?sid=34c707a2ef3e758063052873dd6cea55&cl=details&anid=378&listtype=list

short product description:
up to 2 kg of granulated material may be used, which would supply dehumidification over a period of 4-5 month in 50 sqm volume. The collecting tray may take 4-7 liters. The price for the system is 14€ including tax, plus shipping. Refill cost 9,50€ plus shipping.


I have no links whatsoever to this chandlery.

Southerly