Desiccator: Uses and How to Use It
Desiccator: Uses and How to Use It
A desiccator is a tightly closed glass or plastic container holding a drying agent (desiccant) such as silica gel, used to store and cool substances so they do not absorb moisture from the air. Samples sit on a perforated plate above the desiccant.
What is a desiccator used for?
- Cooling dishes, crucibles or samples after heating, before weighing.
- Storing hygroscopic substances and primary standards dry.
- Drying samples slowly at room temperature (a vacuum desiccator is faster).
Parts of a desiccator
- 1Lid – its rim is greased for an airtight seal
- 2Knob or stopcock – the stopcock connects a vacuum pump on vacuum models
- 3Perforated plate – porcelain; holds the samples
- 4Desiccant – indicating silica gel in the bottom
How to use a desiccator
Open by sliding the lid
Hold the body with one hand and slide the lid sideways (1). A greased lid cannot be lifted straight up.
Put in samples that are not too hot
Let hot dishes or crucibles cool in air for about a minute, then place them on the plate with tongs (1). Slide the lid back on, and ease it open slightly after a few minutes to release the pressure.
Replace saturated silica gel
Indicating silica gel turns from blue (dry) to pink (saturated) (1). Regenerate it in an oven at about 120 °C until blue again (2), or replace it.
Common mistakes
- Putting in a red-hot crucible: air expands then contracts, so the lid jumps or sticks under vacuum.
- Lifting the lid straight up or leaving it open: the desiccant saturates quickly.
Care and safety
- Apply a thin, even film of silicone grease or petroleum jelly to the lid rim; remove old, dirty grease.
- Check the desiccant colour weekly and record when it is changed.
SOP for using a desiccator
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a desiccator that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
- Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.
2Before use
- The lid rim is lightly greased and uncracked; the stopcock (if any) works.
- The desiccant is active (silica gel blue or orange).
4After use
- Close it by sliding the lid on.
- Record the samples stored and the date.
5Verification & calibration
- Check the desiccant colour weekly; regenerate or replace it once it changes colour.
- Vacuum desiccators: test the seal with the pump before use.
6Emergencies
- Cracked vacuum desiccator: never evacuate it (implosion risk); tape it or use a safety cage.
- Breakage: never pick up shards by hand. Use a brush and dustpan or tongs and put them in the broken-glass bin.
- Chemical spill: warn people nearby, secure the area and clean up with a spill kit according to the SDS.
- Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Plain glass and vacuum (stopcock) desiccators come in 150–300 mm diameters, plus electronic dry cabinets for larger storage. Common desiccants are indicating silica gel, anhydrous calcium chloride and phosphorus pentoxide for very strong drying.
Desiccator at AMI Scientific
Examples of desiccator available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Desikator Kaca Tanpa Keran Normax PA 49 061From Rp1.854.000
Silica Gel Blue (6-20 Mesh), CAS 112926-00-8, 1 kg – Smartlab A-3162From Rp2.455.000
Desikator Kaca dengan Keran Normax PA 49 060From Rp2.821.000
Desikator Kaca Sleeve Putar Normax PA 49 065From Rp3.195.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is a desiccator used for?
Storing and cooling substances in dry air so they do not absorb moisture before weighing.
Why does silica gel change colour?
Indicating silica gel contains a dye that turns from blue to pink (or orange to green) as it absorbs water, showing it is saturated.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a desiccator for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Desikator Kaca Tanpa Keran Normax PA 49 061
From Rp1.854.000