silica gel moisture bag
- Thread starter Osamahfn
- Start date
One thing to remember about silica gel. It has a limited capacity to adsorb moisture.
I suspect that the combination of a "less than perfect" sealing of the sphere and age, results in the silica packs becoming saturated.
They can be reactivated by heating - although the plastic bag containing the adsorbent might not be heat safe without vacuum.
Ideally, you heat these under vacuum - the moisture comes off at a lower temperature.
Or, just replace the package and use some silicone grease to improve the seal.
The pictures of the disassembled globe are invaluable! Thanks for sharing this.
Replacement silica gel packages should be available from most online technology sellers.
I suspect that the combination of a "less than perfect" sealing of the sphere and age, results in the silica packs becoming saturated.
They can be reactivated by heating - although the plastic bag containing the adsorbent might not be heat safe without vacuum.
Ideally, you heat these under vacuum - the moisture comes off at a lower temperature.
Or, just replace the package and use some silicone grease to improve the seal.
The pictures of the disassembled globe are invaluable! Thanks for sharing this.
Replacement silica gel packages should be available from most online technology sellers.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
anyone happen to know the weight/dimensions of the silica gel packs contained within the cameras?
I'd like to buy a few and thought it might try and get the same size. I'm going to take them apart and replace the packs, but I'd have to wait until I do, before I can order some from Amazon.
Thanks folks,
Doug
NB: managed to pull one apart that I hadn't put up yet. They're two gram dessicant packs. The packs are clear but don't appear to contain indicator gel. I'm going to just reactivate it - 10 minutes in a microwave defrost ie ~30% power. I've also sealed the glass to the cast aluminum hemisphere. 1.5cm x 5.5cm clear plastic sac
I'd like to buy a few and thought it might try and get the same size. I'm going to take them apart and replace the packs, but I'd have to wait until I do, before I can order some from Amazon.
Thanks folks,
Doug
NB: managed to pull one apart that I hadn't put up yet. They're two gram dessicant packs. The packs are clear but don't appear to contain indicator gel. I'm going to just reactivate it - 10 minutes in a microwave defrost ie ~30% power. I've also sealed the glass to the cast aluminum hemisphere. 1.5cm x 5.5cm clear plastic sac
Last edited:
Upvote
0
Just as an FYI, i decided all the cameras need sealing.
here are pictures of the camera I was ‘hoping’ would clear with time.
the centre of the lens cover had condensation that is clearly visible. The perimeter of the glass is not sealed.
im going to reactivate then silica pack and seal the front ‘glass’ window with polyurethane adhesive and the silicone gasket between hemispheres with dielectric silicone grease.
i also cured the PU in the toaster oven at 200F for 1/2 hr.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
doug
here are pictures of the camera I was ‘hoping’ would clear with time.
the centre of the lens cover had condensation that is clearly visible. The perimeter of the glass is not sealed.
im going to reactivate then silica pack and seal the front ‘glass’ window with polyurethane adhesive and the silicone gasket between hemispheres with dielectric silicone grease.
i also cured the PU in the toaster oven at 200F for 1/2 hr.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
doug
Attachments
Upvote
0
Similar threads
