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[OM] Re: Silica

Subject: [OM] Re: Silica
From: whunter <whunterjr@xxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 14:06:10 -0500
Should I do a Gary:  "Zzzzzzzzz, look what the cats drug in!

Nawwww, I'll just get myself in trouble again with another feeble 
attempt to be helpful.  Laughlin has it RIGHT.  I buy circa 5 - 10 
pound pristine quality superduper reagent grade on eBay for less than 
$20.  Designed for use in analytical chromatography columns, this is 
about as close to pure and dust free as you can get.  I then pour "a 
most scientific" quantity into a cotton or polyester sock (non-wool), 
tie a knot in the open end of the sock and throw it in with my lenses.  
Every so often, I throw the sock and all into a microwave for a few 
minutes till the steam can be seen rising through the window 
(scientific thermometer reading).  I blow (heat turned to just warm) 
with a hair dryer or, if too lazy to get it out just swing in a circle 
for a minute or so,  to cool then back to the Z box.

I was given a HARD time about this 8- O earlier, but it works.  As for 
those concerned with 'dust', know that reagent grade and the sock are 
vastly better insurance than the flimsy and expensive packets. Also, 
for those non-believers, you can certify via Google that microwave 
heating is a valid method for drying silica gel.  (Suspect you could 
never use your kitchen nuke for food again if you dry Kitty litter in 
it!!!!)

Now:   I did not buy insurance from BB and hereby deny any and all 
claims for use, misuse or just plain mis......    of this information.
Money saved for quest of the 28/2.....
Best,
Bill

On Feb 28, 2004, at 12:07 PM, Paul Laughlin wrote:

> At 12:16 AM 2/29/2004 +1100, you wrote:
>
>> $8 Australian for 2Kg's, and I've been buying the stuff for about $20 
>> for
>> 12 sachets !
>
> Just did a Google search for Silica Gel and came up with a source that
> lists 6 lb bulk for $21US.  They had packets in all sizes and larger
> quantities, also.
> Paul in Portland OR


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