Silica gel and silica gel packets: Everything you need to know about Norway's most used desiccant
Do you need to protect products against moisture? Then silica gel is the solution. We are Norway's largest supplier of silica gel and desiccants, with over 10 tons sold last year alone. Whether you need a small "do not eat" packet for a shoebox or large bags for 40-foot containers, we have what you need.
What is silica gel?
Silica gel is a porous desiccant consisting of silicon dioxide. According to Wikipedia, the beads have a large surface area – up to 750-800 m² per gram. This allows silica gel to effectively attract moisture through adsorption, without chemical reactions. The result? A safe and universal desiccant suitable for most purposes.
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"Wikipedia states that 'Silica gel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide, consisting of an irregular three-dimensional framework of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with nanometer-scale voids and pores.' In plain language, this means that the beads have plenty of cavities in their surface that provide a large surface area, actually up to 750-800 m2/g! The large surface area and the cavities allow silica gel to attract most liquids via adsorption. In other words, there is no chemical reaction, only mechanical forces. This makes silica gel safe to use for most purposes and is also why it is the universal desiccant everyone knows."
What types of silica gel are there?
- White silica gel – The most common type, which we stock in bags from 3 grams up to 2.5 kg. Perfect for general use.
- Self-indicating silica gel – Changes color when saturated with moisture. We stock this in 4kg buckets, 12.5kg pails, and 25kg pails.
How much silica gel do you need?
A rule of thumb is 500-1000 grams per m³ of cargo for a 3-month sea voyage. Do you want a more accurate calculation? Check out our desiccant calculation guide.
Alternatives to silica gel In addition to silica gel, we also supply:
- Molecular Sieve – For extra dry conditions.
- Activated alumina – Ideal for sensitive applications.
- Calcium chloride – Effective for rapid moisture control.
- Desiccant clay – Economical and environmentally friendly.
These desiccants are often used when equipment requires even lower moisture levels than silica gel can achieve. You can also combine desiccants with VCI technology for optimal protection. Read more about how here.
How do you know if silica gel is saturated? It is easy to check if silica gel is spent:
- Use a digital hygrometer.
- Use humidity indicator cards, which change color when humidity levels rise.
How do you dispose of used silica gel?
Used silica gel generally goes in residual waste, unless it has adsorbed hazardous liquids. In that case, it must be disposed of as hazardous waste. We always recommend checking local regulations. Read more about correct disposal of desiccants here.
Silica gel bags for special needs
We also supply desiccants that meet special requirements, for example:
- Military standards (MIL-D-3464 Type I or II).
- Dust-free bags in Tyvek material.
- Silica gel bags with an attached humidity indicator and sealed in an aluminum bag – ideal for aviation, defense, and subsea applications.
Do you need help choosing the right desiccant?
Do you have equipment that requires dry air? We will help you find the best solution. Contact us today for advice or to place an order.
