26 Oct
2004
26 Oct
'04
5:12 a.m.
>>>> "Joe" == Joe R
<rigdonj(a)cfl.rr.com> writes:
Joe> At 11:56 AM 10/21/04 -0400, you wrote:
>>>>>> "Cameron" == Cameron
Kaiser <spectre(a)floodgap.com> writes:
> >> Moisture has a habit of getting into funny places and going >>
> unnoticed.
Cameron> This reminds me. Anyone in the States know a source
for
Cameron> those silica gel desiccators? Those might be a little
Cameron> insurance and they seem inexpensive, but I need a source in
Cameron> bulk.
> You mean a large quantity of little silicagel
packages, or a large
> quantity in one bulk package?
>
> Try Google... I found one company I recognize: Cole-Parmer, 5 kg
> silicagel, $109.
Joe> Ouch! Expensive. Try Damp-rid or a similar product from your
Joe> local grocery store. It's made to be used in closets to remove
Joe> the dampness to prevent mold and mildew on clothing. I believe
Joe> that it's mainly Calcium Cloride which is very hydroscopic.
If it's calcium chloride you want, try snow melting "salt" -- that's
often CaCl.
Joe> I've found lots of silica gel around militry surplus places. The
Joe> military loves the stuff. They pack it in just about everything
Joe> to keep it dry and prevent mold, mildew and corrision. If you
Joe> can only find used stuff it may still be usefull. Some types of
Joe> these drying agents can be baked to remove the absorbed moisture
Joe> and then be reused.
Right. Silicagel is one of those. I don't think calcium chloride is,
though -- but I'm not positive.
Not too long ago I bought a mil surplus item (a throat microphone).
It came packaged in the original box, coated in olive drab paraffin,
date coded 1942 or so. Inside was a large (several ounces) bag of
silicagel along with the microphone -- both bone dry after half a
century. Good work by the people at the Chicago depot of the Signal
Corps.
paul