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Some desiccants

Comparing Molecular Sieves and Silica Gel

The quality and shelf life of products are significant, especially in the pharmaceutical industry.

As products wait in stores and pharmacies to be consumed, the quality and effectiveness need to be maintained, so they’re safe for use/consumption. This is where desiccants come in handy.

Desiccants are used to protect the products and prolong their durability. They’re added to control moisture and maintain the product’s value over time.  Although there are various desiccants, molecular sieve and silica gel are the most prevalent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

They’re both moisture-controlling desiccants; however, there are a few differences between the two.

Here’s a brief comparison.

Molecular Sieve

Molecular sieve is a desiccant that’s more aggressive and faster in trapping moisture than silica gel.

It’s a fast-drying agent which allows it to trap water vapor quicker. Its 3D structure also helps in this process. This is the best choice for material that requires low humidity as they help lower humidity levels. Plus, in case the temperatures rise, molecular sieves remain stable.

They’re used as components and bio-chemicals in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Some advantages of using molecular sieves include:

  • Selective removals
  • Higher level of efficiency
  • Can be reused

It depends on the kind of products you’re handling, but a molecular sieve is an efficient desiccant that performs up to the mark.

Silica Gel

Silica gel, formed from silicon dioxide, can be processed into several forms like beads or granules. It works like a sponge, absorbing 40 percent of its own weight in water. They work on reducing moisture in products like food, beverages, medicine, and nutritional supplements.

Apart from serving as a moisture-removing commodity, it’s approved by FDA to be used in food and drug packaging. They look like regular crystal beads from the outside, but they’re an effective, high-quality desiccant.

It’s one of the most commonly used desiccants in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Some advantages of using silica gel include:

  • Non-flammable
  • Can be reused
  • Indefinite shelf life
  • Can be easily packed
  • Will never decompose materials

When it comes to choosing desiccants, silica gel is a popular choice.

Want to Buy Molecular Sieves and Silica Gel Online?

Sorbead India is a front runner in manufacturing silica gel and a leading distributor of absorbers and desiccants. Our wide range of products like Silica Gel, Molecular Sieves, Alumina Balls, Active Primary Packaging Desiccants, Oxygen Absorbers, Pharmaceutical Coils are in high demand across industries. We fulfill our client’s needs through strategic packaging solutions and specialized care.

Reach out to us and get products that match your needs.

Disclaimer: Please note that this content has been proofread manually and through grammar checkers to eliminate all spacing errors. Any spacing errors you may come across are due to compatibility issues in Microsoft Word.

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