What is a desiccator?

A desiccator is a chemical laboratory device which we at Ebbecke in Bruchköbel use mainly for drying solid chemical substances. A desiccator is a vessel, usually made of thick-walled glass (or more rarely plastic), which is hermetically sealed by a plane ground lid.

The storage of solids under vacuum and above a desiccant such as calcium chloride stored at the bottom causes the removal of water or volatile solvents in order to be able to determine the yield correctly afterwards or to avoid impurities in subsequent analytical investigations.

When working with a desiccator the following details require extra attention:

• Prior to opening check for residual vacuum.
• The ground surfaces are to be greased in order to maintain the vacuum.
• Even if opening may prove difficult, the used force should be carefully dosed in order to not damage the device.
• The material to be dried should be placed in tin foil or similar to protect it from turbulence created by venting.