Large shipping containers deal with a lot of varying environmental factors and dynamic weather changes on a regular basis. This can lead to an increase in the moisture and humidity levels inside the cargo or shipping container drastically. And, when this moisture level increases beyond a certain level, it can cause serious damage to the goods contained in the shipping cargo container and lead to spoilage or dysfunction of your potent, high-end, and useful consumer products.
Using desiccant bags made of silica gel is a great way to protect your cargo from moisture damage while you're shipping different important, delicate, and sensitive products in a large cargo container.
They are small, lightweight in nature, and a relatively cheap option, but they can soak up a ton of moisture in the air. Moisture can cause all sorts of issues for your cargo, like the formation of rust & corrosion, the development of mold and mildew, warping and cracking of surfaces, and even product spoilage, thus reducing your product's shelf life and making the products not fit for use.
Using Silica gel desiccant efficiently in a shipping container
To efficiently use the desiccant silica gel packages for your container, you can follow a few important guidelines and tips that will make sure that the desiccant bags will help adsorb all the excess moisture content from your cargo and can maintain optimum levels that will protect the products, storage, and packaging from its ill effects.
There are two main types of silica gel desiccant for container: indicating and non-indicating varieties. Indicating ones change color as they dry out, so it's easy to tell when you need to replace them. On the other hand, non-indicating ones don't change color at all, so you need to check on them regularly to make sure they are not saturated. You can choose between indicating desiccants or non-indicating ones according to your needs and requirements.
You should consider the size and quantity of desiccant bags based on the container's size and the plausible moisture content of your cargo. Also, consider the packaging material of the desiccant bags, and choose according to the packaging contents of the container. You can generally use 10% of the total cargo weight in silica gel desiccant to help maintain optimal levels of moisture inside the container setting.
Tyvek bags are commonly used for their durability and moisture permeability, and are a great option for protecting moisture-related damage in larger containers and shipping cells. You can consider the traditional desiccant silica gel bags, hanging bags, etc for your container according to your needs, budget, and the product contained.
Before you load your cargo into the container, make sure the inside is dry. Any moisture that's already built up in the container can get trapped inside if not removed before loading the container. You can also use appropriate extra layers of packaging materials for your products, such as moisture-resistant pallets, plastic wraps, and moisture-barrier packaging for individual items to enhance the protection layer from moisture and external elements from getting into the packaging. You can seal any gaps or openings in the container to prevent outside air and moisture from entering using heavy-duty sealing tape.
You can place the desiccant bags evenly throughout the shipping container, near the cargo contents strategically so they can adsorb excess moisture effectively from different places inside the container. You can place the desiccant bags in areas with high and a good amount of air circulation, and secure the desiccant bags in place by using hanging desiccant bags or using hooks, or adhesive to prevent them from shifting during shipment.
Regular and frequent checks and maintenance of the desiccant bags for your container will make sure that the bags are not saturated and are effectively adsorbing excess moisture from the container. If saturated, they need to be replaced or regenerated for continued use inside the container. Most silica gel desiccants can be regenerated by heating them to release the trapped absorbed moisture, making them reusable and extending their lifespan.
It is recommended that the shipping container be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight, and varying temperature changes, or contaminants such as dust, microorganisms, vapor, etc. in order to minimize the amount of moisture present in the air surrounding the container.
Regularly inspect the shipping container for any evidence of moisture damage, and if any moisture damage is found, it is important to take immediate action to rectify the issue in order to prevent further deterioration of the contents or products within the container and spoilage, else it may make the products unfit for use.
Using silica gel desiccant for container is an effective way to protect your cargo and make sure it reaches its destination in perfect condition. Using the right dryers in the right place, at the right time, can make all the difference in keeping your products fresh and safe during transit.