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How Silica Gel Took Over the World

(www.scopeofwork.net)
225 points Hooke | 2 comments | 01 Apr 25 19:33 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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nvader ◴[01 Apr 25 20:18 UTC] No.43550901[source]▶
I didn't find this in the article, so:

You can "recharge" silical gel by baking in the oven at 120 C for a couple of hours. If you do, be careful to remove the casing before you do, unless it is heat safe.

I have a small collection of oven safe dessicant packs that I keep on hand for emergency drying electronics.

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nemonemo ◴[01 Apr 25 20:28 UTC] No.43550990[source]▶
This sounds like a great idea, but how do you keep it from being "drained" or hydrated?
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wildzzz ◴[01 Apr 25 20:42 UTC] No.43551117[source]▶
Immediately take them out of the oven and store in the smallest airtight container you have. Obviously they'll absorb the humidity in the container and whatever is introduced anytime you open it. Ideally, keep them in containers that have an excellent seal and minimal internal volume like quality ESD bags.
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thfuran ◴[01 Apr 25 21:01 UTC] No.43551283[source]▶
I don't think I've ever seen an antistatic bag with a very good seal, and I'm not sure it's a good idea to drop something directly out of a hot oven into them either.
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1. cma ◴[01 Apr 25 21:55 UTC] No.43551735{3}[source]▶
Another option is a canning jar.
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2. dredmorbius ◴[02 Apr 25 00:42 UTC] No.43552709[source]▶
For the quantities of silica gel typically used, a smaller spice or condiments jar (glass with metal lid) would be more appropriate for most people.