Can I use an induction cooker to restore silica gel's water absorbency?
It was mentioned in an answer to my previous question that silica gel can be heated in the oven to restore its water absorbent properties. I only have access to an induction cooker, so it possible to use that instead?
Best Answer
If you heat silica gel, you will drive out the water from it. What actually happens depends on how you heat it, and how hot it gets.
If you have a thick layer, you may not be able to effectively dehydrate the crystals in a reasonable time.
If you try to use a gas oven, you're on a loser because burning gas makes water and carbon dioxide - it takes ages trying to do the job with moist heat.
You might be able to do a thin layer in the bottom of a pan on an induction cooker, but remember that you cannot achieve temperature control very easily. The optimum range to regenerate the silica gel is 120 degC to 140 degC, and you really want a gradual temperature rise to do the job effectively - better to hold the stuff at 80 to 90 deg C for half an hour before you go to 120 deg C.
If you try to dehydrate too quickly, the crystals will crack and break up, so you may end up with a fine powder, rather than crystals.
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How do you activate silica gel?
Oven drying at 120-130 degree temperature is the most convenient method to reactivate the silica gel which is indicated with blue colour (anhydrous state) from the pink colur (hydrous state).. The moisture of silica gel can be removed by putting the silica gel in hot air oven at 80-100 degree Celcius for 1 hr.What happens when silica gel is heated?
If the silica gel desiccant is heated to ~180\xb0F, it will release the trapped water. This process is called regenerating the desiccant.What temperature does silica gel dry at?
Heat the silica gel in an oven at 130-145\xb0C for 2-3 hours. Microwave at maximum 900 watt with intervals of three minutes until the colour indicates dry.How do you melt silica gel?
Blue indicating silica gel has a higher tolerance and may be dried by heating it to 150\xb0C.How to Reheat \u0026 Reuse Silica Gel | Reactivate Fast and Cheap Way !
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Answer 2
Wow that's a tricky one! If I had to, not saying that you should (had to CYA) I would use a cast iron pot. Cast iron is the only material that I know, that can heat empty without any ill effects. I would make a rack from crumpled foil (aluminum) since it doesn’t conduct the heat from the induction cooker and will prevent contact with the bottom. Also keep the lid slightly cracked for venting and to prevent the heat from building to high. There are different melting points to various plastics, so I would keep the temperate under 200 degrees since plastic food wrap melts at approx. 220 deg. An oven thermometer would be a wise investment. This may take longer to dry out the Silica Gel but if an induction cooker is the only method available to me, this would be the safer choice.
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