How do deliquescent desiccants differ from solid adsorbents such as molecular sieve and silica gel?
Deliquescent desiccants rely on the principle of chemical absorption, where water molecules in the vapor state form bonds with the desiccant materials and slowly form a liquid. Desiccants such as molecular sieves, activated alumina, and silica gel rely on the principle of adsorption, where water molecules in the vapor state adhere to the porous solid surface of the desiccant. GasDry deliquescent desiccants are tablets, comparable in size and shape to household water softeners. Adsorbent desiccants are small spherical beads. Adsorbent desiccants used in air and gas dehydration processes are typically regenerated. Deliquescent desiccants are non-regenerable. The solution produced during the dehydration process is periodically drained from the dryer vessel for disposal.
