Calcium Chloride Desiccant

Calcium chloride desiccant is a very capable moisture absorber made of salt crystals (CaCl₂) that pull a lot of water vapor from a closed system. The separation occurs by means of a phase-change process, going from a solid to liquid to gel as it absorbs moisture, usually over 200% of its weight and up to 400% of its weight under high humidity conditions! Calcium chloride desiccants are available in breathable or leak-proof pouches. If your application is appropriate, calcium chloride desiccant will minimize condensation (‘container rain’), mildew or mold growth, and corrosion. The efficiency of this particular desiccant relies upon a high purity of calcium chloride and the use of specially formulated gelling agents allowing the desiccant to act rapidly even in lower ambient temperatures (-10°C to +80°C).

Calcium chloride desiccant will perform well in even the most demanding situations; for example, in the shipping container environment, where its primary purpose is to protect humidity sensitive cargo (coffee, cocoa, electronics, etc.) from damage during transit. It also has many uses in industry (industrial storage), and many uses at home (automotive parts), and many applications in domestic spaces that may contribute to high humidity (closets, basements, etc.). Ultimately, calcium chloride desiccant is a cheap, non-toxic, and flexible option that can be used in a large space or moist area.

Applications of Calcium chloride desiccant

Packaging & Transportation

Calcium chloride desiccants are indispensable in protecting cargo from moisture during ocean and intermodal shipping. Hanging units (250g to 1200g) that hang from container lashing rings will absorb 400% of their weight in moisture vapor and are designed to eliminate condensation and “container rain.” Container rain is the excess condensation that occurs when shipping humidity-sensitive goods, like coffee, cocoa, or electronics, that lead to mold, corrosion and spoilage to their cargo. This is especially concerning in tropical climates during transit. Unlike other desiccants such as silica gel, phase-change technology traps moisture in the form of gel inside leak-proof pouches, allowing for minimal liquid leakage out of the pouches during transport. The technology also delivers low dew points through constant temperature fluctuations. Calcium chloride desiccants are ideal for long-distance exports from tropical regions and keep cargo as dry as possible.

Food Industry

Desiccants maintain bulk dry foods such as spices, grains and nuts during storage and shipping. These desiccant products keep a baseline moisture level down toward what is ambient in the packaging and reduce mold, clumping, and aflatoxin formation in agricultural-type commodities. Moreover, these desiccants (-200% weight absorption capacity) will perform incredibly well for bulk commodities such as cocoa beans, especially in humid conditions. They are safe food adjacent to the FDA / FCC because they are “non-toxic.” This means they can also preserve and extend shelf life with better moisture absorption while keeping humidity level down in sealed containers without contaminating products.

Construction Industry

Calcium chloride protects hygroscopic building materials during storage. It can avoid premature hydration of cement bags, the hardening of adhesives, and the deterioration of drywall/insulation products. Calcium chloride protects hygroscopic building materials by absorbing moisture in construction materials in sealed storage areas. Cost-effective bulk forms (e.g., 25kg bags) fit neatly onto material pallets. The thermal stability (-10°C to 80°C) will work in unheated unconditioned facilities. Calcium chloride will absorb a significant amount of moisture, protecting construction materials from damp from contact with the ground or seasonal humidity swings before delivery and installation.

Household Use

Calcium chloride absorbers (hanging bags/boxes) reduce humidity by >50% in wet residential quarters such as closets and basements/laundry rooms. These absorbent hanging bags/boxes prevent mold/mildew from fabric materials, leather goods, and stored furniture due to ambient vapor absorption. The sodium chloride chemical reaches inherent saturation and eventually creates liquid gel that stays contained in the absorbers. You can use either semi-reusable or disposable bags or boxes. Calcium chloride absorbers offer low maintenance mitigation of seasonal dampness with a low-maintenance option that visually tracks saturation. Calcium chloride absorbers are effective in completely enclosed spaces with volumes up to 70+ cubic feet to protect belongings on an as needed basis without Electricity.

Automotive Industry

They were used to protect metal parts from rust when they were shipped or stored. The desiccants are used as part of the individual part packaging, or in bulk, and they absorb machining moisture and ambient humidity. Their ability to absorb moisture reduces condensation in storage in sealed enclosures during temperature variations. This protects the engine parts, sensors and precision components. They are non-abrasive and will protect all polished surfaces. They are also able to protect all components in either regulated storage or unregulated environments from warehouses to international shipments.