Comparison Chart

BEL-ART – SP SCIENCEWARE
™
How do you choose the proper desiccator?
First decide what method of desiccation best suits your needs. Each method has its unique
advantages and trade-offs. Standard desiccators typically use desiccant cartridges and
are economical, but they require monitoring so that cartridges can be changed as needed
to maintain a continuous dry environment. Automated desiccators regenerate desiccant
as needed requiring minimal monitoring and no worries about samples being compromised,
but are generally more expensive than standard desiccators. Vacuum desiccators remove
air and moisture with the use of an in-house laboratory vacuum or vacuum pump and can
be brought back to vacuum easily after opening. Vacuum desiccators can also be used for
degassing techniques. How long vacuum is maintained can vary from model to model.
Gas ported desiccators are available for desiccation with gases such as argon and
nitrogen to achieve ultra-dry environments.
How do you know what style and size of desiccator to choose?
Identify the size of the items you need to store and in what quantity. Where the desiccator
will be housed, its interior volume, and shelving options should be considered. Both round
and cabinet style desiccators range in size from quite small to very large.
Round style desiccators typically have one shelf, and a domed top to provide extra vertical
space. Cabinet style desiccators tend to have easier accessibility, greater storage capacity
and may have stacking ability to save exterior space. They often have multiple shelves,
many of which are adjustable to suit your needs. Traditionally vacuum desiccators were
only available in round style as a square shape would be expected to implode under
vacuum. Lab Companion desiccators, however have overcome this concern and can
withstand the vacuum, so they provide the benefits of vacuum desiccation with the ability
to store more items with easier access and in less space.
Scienceware
®
Desiccator Brands
Volume
Method (cu.ft.) Secador
®
Space Saver Techni-Dome
®
Dry-Keeper
™
Scienceware
®
Lab Companion
™
Less
Standard than 0.50 XX X X
Desiccation 0.51 – 1.25 XX
1.26 – 1.74 XX
1.75 and up XX
Less
Automated, than 0.50
Standard 0.51 – 1.25 XX
Desiccation 1.26 – 1.74 X
1.75 and up XX
Less XX
than 0.50
Gas Purge 0.51 – 1.25 XX
Desiccation 1.26 – 1.74 X
1.75 and up XX
Less
Vacuum than 0.50 XXX
Desiccation 0.51 – 1.25 X
1.26 – 1.74 X
1.75 and up X