Silica gel sachets

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NikonSimon

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Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I didn't really know where to put it.

I've now got a few little sachets of silica gel, the kind you find in the bottom of shoe boxes and new bags and other such lovely stuff. I understand having done search on here that they're probably already saturated? Or at least have some moisture in.

I'd like to stuff them in various compartments of my big shoulder bag just to make sure any moisture damage is avoided, but I'd like some help on how to regenerate these sachets. I understand they can be heated, by what temperature and how long for? Are they ok in a microwave or is an oven the best option? And after how long in my bag should I take them out and dry them out again?

Cheers
Simon
 
NikonSimon said:
Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I didn't really know where to put it.

I've now got a few little sachets of silica gel, the kind you find in the bottom of shoe boxes and new bags and other such lovely stuff. I understand having done search on here that they're probably already saturated? Or at least have some moisture in.

I'd like to stuff them in various compartments of my big shoulder bag just to make sure any moisture damage is avoided, but I'd like some help on how to regenerate these sachets. I understand they can be heated, by what temperature and how long for? Are they ok in a microwave or is an oven the best option? And after how long in my bag should I take them out and dry them out again?

Cheers
Simon
Click to expand...

Just leave them on a radiator or similar or somewhere warm and dry overnight :)
 
Does anyone know how to obtain these? I know they sometimes come with packaging etc to keep stuff dry in transit. But I wouldn't mind sticking one in with my camera box when I'm in the house?
 
I keep two in my camera bag and one in my tripod bag, they're fairly big sachets.

you can get the crystals separately from any good camping shop or DIY store, then put them in an old stocking (without holes in) and tie it up and thats it homemade silica packets

:)
 
NikonSimon said:
Would an argar (sp?) be too warm for an overnight stint?
Click to expand...

An Aga sounds perfect :)

EDIT: They need to reach 120 °C (250 °F) for two hours to regenerate
 
Dunny3000 said:
Does anyone know how to obtain these? I know they sometimes come with packaging etc to keep stuff dry in transit. But I wouldn't mind sticking one in with my camera box when I'm in the house?
Click to expand...

Ebay! and cheap too :cool:
 
Use of silica gel has been discussed at length here. Unless you are using dry sachets in a totally airtight container for a lengthy period - you are wasting your time and any money spent on it.
 
We used to bake Silicagel at 180°C (together with our glass-ware). The laboratory stuff has a handy cobalt indicator, which will turn from pink to blue once it's dry. Unless you use it in an airtight container, it will get saturated very quickly though.
 
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