You may have seen small paper packets in the products you buy that include tiny beads. There is always a warning on that packet to never ingest it. These packets include tiny beads known as silica gels.
The function of these silica gels is to control humidity, so the product is not spoiled or degraded. There are many types of silica gels, and all of them serve various functions. Here is everything you need to know about them.
How Silica Gel Works
Silica gels work towards eliminating humidity and moisture from the product. Microorganisms and bacteria require these elements to thrive in many places. That is why they work to reduce these organisms as well.
In the long run, the gel protects and maintains the state of the goods. That is why many products such as vitamin bottles, container desiccants, shoe boxes, and much more include silica gels. We offer three types of silica gels that have various functions.
These include blue, orange, and white silica gels. Here is everything you need to know about their function:
White silica gels have a glasslike appearance as they are transparent and have fine pores. Some can also be semitransparent, depending on what you need. It is also known as Type-A silica gel.
Here are some of the functions of the white silica gel:
- Used for desiccation
- Used for moisture absorption
- Used as a catalyst carrier
- Used as a pressure-swing absorber
- Used as a separating agent
- Used as an adsorbent
These are the top functions of white silica gel, which is why many industries opt for this. It allows them to create a perfect environment for the product so it can never get ruined.
Blue silica gel is made of a blue gel indicator, blue gel, and allochroic silica gel. It also comes in a spherical shape and will change color from blue to red once it absorbs moisture from the surroundings.
Here are some of the functions of the blue silica gel:
- Used for absorbing moisture for instruments, apparatus, and much more
- Used for indication the desiccant’s absorbing degree
- Used in precision apparatus
- Used in food, garment, shoes, leather, and drug industries as a desiccant
The orange silica gel has an irregular shape, and the main component is silicon dioxide. It will also change color depending on the changes in moisture levels. Here are some of the functions of the orange silica gel:
- Used for drying
- Used for indicating moisture and drying degree
- Used in power industries, military, petrochemical, food, precise instruments, and much more
Final Words
That was your complete guide to the various types of silica gels and their functions. You can choose from any of these depending on what you require for your industry. All of them have unique properties and unique use.
For more information on these gels, please feel free to get in touch with us now. We will be happy to assist you.
