Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News Magazine
PMPN Article Index

Originally Published February 1998

PRODUCT UPDATE

Keeping Dry with Desiccants

New desiccant technologies suit even the most complex of packages.

To keep up with innovations in packaging, desiccants suppliers are devising new ways to store desiccants. In addition to the reliable dust- and particle-free packs supplied in a variety of materials, suppliers are now offering desiccants in tapes, coatings, and closures. These new styles can often handle even the most complex packaging styles such as blister packs, compact pharmaceutical vials, and diagnostic test kit containers.

Desiccant bags protect items from moisture damage and corrosion during shipping and storage. Packaged in crepe kraft paper bags, desiccant packs include clay beads that absorb moisture inside containers during shipping. They can protect moisture-sensitive products like film, electronics, and chemicals against humidity. Associated Bag Co., Milwaukee, WI.

Continuous strips of desiccant packs are designed for use with automated dispensing equipment. PillowPak desiccants can be supplied containing either silica gel, clay, molecular, sieve, activated carbon, or a combination of ingredients. The compact packs feature controlled porosity, nondusting and nonlinting elements, and compliance with FDA guidelines. Desiccare Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Desiccant tape is supplied in either rolls or precut strips that can adapt easily to existing labeling equipment. DesiMax SLF tape is available in either silica-gel or molecular-sieve compositions in a variety of blends to meet specific requirements. Multisorb Technologies Inc., Buffalo, NY.

Silica gel gram packs of desiccants help maintain the activity of moisture-sensitive chemicals and the potency of pharmaceuticals as well as preserve the handling properties of hygroscopic materials. DryGuard desiccants are supplied in tear- and puncture-resistant Tyvek in a variety of small sizes. Engelhard, Jackson, MS.

Hot-melt desiccants can be applied anywhere on any-size, any-volume containers to become an integral part of packaging. Supplied in bulk in a solid state, Flo-Tech can be melted using standard hot-melt equipment and applied directly to packaging materials. The nondusting, nontoxic material can be used in pharmaceutical packaging such as sealed pouches, bottles, and blister packs. Grace Davison, Baltimore, MD.

Plastic tubes with desiccant stoppers are designed to create a tight-fitting, vacuum-sealed package that protects diagnostic and pharmaceutical products against moisture damage as well as crushing. Available in a range of standard and custom sizes, the tubes and stoppers eliminate the need for traditional desiccant packages. United Desiccants, Colton, CA.

Small-volume desiccant tablets have a high absorption rate and are suited for situations where low humidity is desirable. Dritabs can be made as composites from a variety of desiccants to tailor their performance to individual requirements and are supplied in a solid rigid shape to facilitate automated assembly processes. Thompson & Capper Ltd., Runcorn, UK.

DESICCANTS SOURCE LIST

• Associated Bag Co., Milwaukee, WI
  
• Desiccare Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA
  
• Engelhard, Jackson, MS
  
• Grace Davison, Baltimore, MD
  
• Multisorb Technologies Inc., Buffalo, NY
  
• Thompson & Capper Ltd., Runcorn, UK
  
• United Desiccants, Colton, CA