Desiccators
Also known as dehydrators or dehumidifiers, desiccators are a glass container or other apparatus for removing moisture from specimens and protecting them from water vapour in the air. They are also used to protect chemicals such as cobalt chlorine paper which are hygroscopic and react with water from humidity. The simplest form of desiccator has a lower compartment which contains substances like silica to absorb water. The substance is placed in the upper compartment and the lid is greased with a thin layer of petroleum jelly for an airtight seal. This type can be converted into a vacuum desiccator extracting the air with a vacuum pump. Self-regulating desiccators are usually large and expensive and require an external power source. Non-vacuum desiccators with a purge consist of a low humidity atmosphere such as compressed dry air or dry nitrogen. For safety reasons, a pressure relief valve should be installed on each chamber. Static types vary in size from tiny capsules to drum-sized canisters; they are less expensive but require periodic replacement of the desiccating substance. Desiccators are used for the preservation of fragile specimens in laboratories. In industries involving sensitive instruments and components such as electronics and the aerospace industry, desiccators are frequently found.
-
Lab Unlimited UK
View company profileThe Carl Stuart Group was founded in 1984 by Stuart and Gillian Smith. From a small beginning our business has grown to encompass many services and products, covering different market sectors and geographical regions. The focus of our business, however, remains the same. We are a customer orientated company and strive to meet and exceed your expectations in everything we do.
As our portfolio grew we decided to present and promote our product and technical service offerings under distinct brands. The Laboratory instrumentation, consumables and technical & integration services are promoted under Lab Unlimited.
The Lab Unlimited product portfolio offers laboratory/analytical products from more than four hundred leading manufacturers. A substantial part of this offering is published on this very site. We also produce a printed catalogue that can be requested by emailing us.