A desiccator is a round or square vessel, usually made of glass, plastic or stainless steel, which is used to equilibrate materials in a controlled atmosphere without moisture. The desiccator and vacuum pump are the two key major pieces of equipment to accomplish this. 

Weighing bottles, crucibles and chemical substances tend to pick up moisture from the air. A desiccator, by providing an environment of low or controlled moisture, helps prevent weighing errors and sample damage due to infiltration of atmospheric moisture.

The key issues to consider when selecting a vacuum pump are: (1) pumping speed of the vacuum pump for the selected size desiccator; (2) ultimate pressure required for maintaining the low moisture level; and (3) type of vapours or gases evolved.

Product Recommendations:

 Welch^® 2030B-01           Welch^® 2546B-01