How Much Desiccant Do I Need? A Guide to Quickly Estimating Desiccant Amounts

THE TRUTH ABOUT DESICCANT AMOUNTS

Accurately determining the amount of desiccant needed to properly dehumidify a space can be tricky due to the numerous variables to consider, such as:

• Volume of the air space to be desiccated;
• The material(s) to be protected;
• Moisture surrounding the package or enclosure;
• Type of desiccant desired;
• Length of time protection is needed; and
• Atmospheric conditions (temperature and relative humidity) when and where the product is sealed, as well as during its subsequent shipment and storage.

While it is possible to accurately calculate desiccant requirements and amounts (see AGM's Moisture Analysis Service), the process is far more involved and requires precise measurements in all of the variables listed above, as well as many others. As a result, these calculations are most often done for equipment highly sensitive to moisture or frost. For many projects, however, estimating desiccant amounts is enough. Or, at least, enough to get started - even for advanced tech projects!

HOW TO ESTIMATE AND SPECIFY DESSICANT UNIT AMOUNTS

The general rule for estimating how much desiccant is needed, is that 1.2 units of desiccant will protect up to 1 cubic foot of volume (space). For information about how units are measured, see the MIL-STD-2073-1 definition in "Selecting the Right Desiccant".

As an example, a container measuring 15”x15”x12”, which translates to 2,700 cubic inches or about 1.5625 cubic feet, will need roughly 1.9-units of desiccant (1.5625 multiplied by 1.2) to keep dry. However, since 1.9-unit bags are not common, it’s recommended to round up – in this case to a 2-unit bag. Generally speaking, it is better to use more desiccant than less.

NEED MORE THAN AN ESTIMATE? GET MOISTURE ANALYSIS HELP TODAY

For precise desiccant calculation, AGM's engineering team offers free moisture analysis. Using our extensive materials-data library in coordination with proprietary software, AGM engineers can quickly review seal, desiccant, and structural material options to help you make smarter decisions. AGM moisture analysis determines optimal moisture protection for hygroscopic and moisture sensitive materials, as well as helps you hit your desiccation targets across any length of time.

HOW MUCH DESICCANT TO USE

Below is the quick reference guide to estimating desiccant units. The units specified apply to bulk, packaged, and custom desiccant quantities and, thus, the guide is a good multi-purpose estimator. However, seeking additional advice in determining appropriate quantities is strongly recommended in the two following scenarios:

1. For volume sizes outside of the bounds of the reference table
2. For projects or products with high sensitivity to moisture, and thus require precise dryness levels

Finally, it should be noted that there are many different types of desiccant, not all of which are equally applicable to every scenario. Therefore, it is important that AGM Engineering review a project before desiccant types and quantities are fully committed and specified to a project.

ABOUT THE EXAMPLE GUIDE

The above example and reference guide pertain to rigid containers only, which are defined as moisture-impervious containers made from metal, plastic, glass or combinations of different materials. Furthermore, the above guide does not take into consideration relative humidity (RH) or other on-site atmospheric conditions. As a result, further information is often required to accurately prescribe appropriate desiccant amounts for many shipping and storage containers.

LEARN MORE

For help protecting your application, or for information about determining the amount of desiccant needed for non-rigid containers and containers that may be at risk for high moisture vapor transmission, call AGM at (520) 881-2130, or email us with the link below!

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