Certainly read the material below, but for some images of your desiccator, click here.
A desiccator is an airtight container which maintains an atmosphere of low humidity through
the
use of a suitable drying agent which occupies the bottom part of the desiccator. It is used both
for the cooling of heated objects and for the storage of dry objects that must not be exposed to
the moisture normally present in the atmosphere.
The desiccator you will be using is made of aluminum. The desiccant we will be using is
anhydrous CaCl2. An airtight seal is
maintained by
applying silicone grease to the surfaces where the lid and body of the desiccator meet. Be careful
not to add too much grease. Once the desiccant has been added, the lid to the desiccator should
not be removed any more than is necessary.
An ignited crucible or other very hot object should be cooled for about one minute before
being
placed into the desiccator. In either case, the lid of the desiccator should be slightly ajar for 30
seconds prior to complete closing. This will prevent a partial vacuum from forming as the heated
air cools. If such a vacuum forms it might become very difficult to remove the lid without
upsetting the samples within.
A dried sample should remain in the desiccator for at least 5 minutes before being weighed. If the sample is to remain in the desiccator for an extended period of time before weighing, the top of the weighing bottle of the lid of the vial should be put in place after 10 minutes of cooling.