Desiccants as part of the process

Particularly in the case of highly hygroscopic powdery products, such as food supplements, it is important to maintain a constant low level of humidity during the manufacturing process. If possible, the ambient air within the closed filling area of the machines should contain no more water molecules. Here, manufacturers use the method of sorptive air drying. Silicagel is regarded here as a highly effective technical adsorbent. Due to its molecular structure, it binds large amounts of moisture and is regenerable. This means that it also releases moisture again when dried with heat (desorption).

Floodlights permanently installed in the ground - e.g. for illuminating pathways, squares, façades or stages - are functional and visually appealing, but must function reliably under harsh environmental conditions. They are not only exposed to changing weather conditions, but also to large temperature differences between the operating and resting phases.

To avoid condensation at this point, desiccants (e.g. DesiDry or BoxDryy® from the ThoMar range) can be used to absorb the excess humidity.

The luminaire housing heats up considerably during operation. A physical effect occurs when switching off and then cooling down: A vacuum is created inside the luminaire. This causes moist ambient air to be sucked in through seals or micro-cracks. This moisture condenses on the cold inside of the housing the next time the temperature drops - an often underestimated problem.

Risks due to condensation:

Condensation in ground spotlights can have serious consequences.

Corrosion of electrical contacts, circuit boards and reflectors

Short circuits or functional failures due to moisture bridges

Impaired light output due to fogged interior surfaces

Reduced service life of the light with repeated exposure to moisture

Even with high-quality, IP-protected luminaires, it is almost impossible to completely prevent the ingress of humidity over time - especially with the frequent temperature cycles that are commonplace in outdoor areas.

Solution: Use of high-performance desiccants

To reliably prevent the formation of condensation inside the lights, ThoMar recommends the high-performance desiccant BoxDryy®. With a lower moisture development, the DesiDry silica gel packets can be used.

This is placed directly inside the housing and immediately absorbs the moisture drawn in when the luminaire cools down. This keeps the humidity inside permanently below the critical threshold value for condensation - the dew point. Installation is straightforward, even at a later date, and can be easily integrated into existing maintenance cycles.

The use of these desiccants ensures permanently clear illuminated surfaces, protects electronic components from corrosion or short circuits and extends the service life of the entire luminaire.

Modern bridge structures such as the Öresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden or similar structures that span bodies of water are subject to extreme climatic and mechanical loads. The situation is particularly critical in the reinforced concrete piers, which have to support the structure for many decades.

For structural reasons, there are cavities or inspection shafts in these piers, often several metres below the water level. Due to their location and surroundings, these cavities are particularly susceptible to:

Condensation due to temperature differences

Ingress of moisture in the event of leaks

Even if these areas are largely structurally sealed, the humidity inside increases over time. This poses a considerable risk, particularly for:

Corrosion of installed steel beams or cables

Mould formation or microbial growth

Impairment of sensors, maintenance equipment or power supplies

Solution: Regulating the humidity with desiccants

To prevent such damage, ThoMar OHG relies on a simple but effective method: the targeted placement of desiccants in vulnerable cavities. These reliably remove moisture from the trapped air over a longer period of time and ensure a permanently stable indoor climate - without any power-operated systems or complex technology.

A practical example is the Öresund Bridge, whose underground pier areas are regularly equipped with desiccants. Depending on the amount of water and application, ThoMar offers for example, the desiccant SeaDry for containers and big places or the CertiDry desiccant bag. This prevents corrosion, moisture problems and faults in technical equipment. The application can be easily integrated into maintenance plans, protects the building fabric in the long term and makes a significant contribution to the operational safety of such infrastructure structures.