Lots of interesting stuff in this and the other posts. One thing left
out. Some of the stuff that is more expensive has been treated to change
color as it loses its potency. At home with hydrometer, oven, microwave,
clean socks, etc. the cheap stuff is fine. In the field, like the many
days I spent in rain forest on a 3 week trip, the ability to see when
the gel's protective function is exhausted and when it is dry again if
one finds access to an oven or uses a hair dryer, etc., is invaluable.
It was also important to me to know that the spare packets packed in
double zip locks were still viable before using them. With out the color
system, it's just guesswork. It's not like you can just stick your
finger in and tell. If it's that wet, damage has already been done. I
had some of each kind. Next time, it will be color flagged stuff only.
Moose
whunterjr@xxxxxxxx wrote:
>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!!!!)
>
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