The SICCO Star-Exsikkator is a high-quality and transparent plastic material desiccator designed for the moisture-proof storage and drying of sensitive products. It is particularly suitable for use in cleanrooms and environments requiring precise humidity control. The desiccator is constructed from highly transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or borosilicate glass 3.3, with aluminum profiles and polyamide connectors, ensuring durability and a tight seal. The design allows for the reduction of air humidity inside the desiccator by means of a desiccant.
Function Description
The SICCO Star-Exsikkator provides a controlled environment for storing moisture-sensitive items, protecting them from ambient humidity. It is designed to maintain a low humidity level, which is crucial for the integrity of many materials, including electronic components, reference materials, and DNA samples. The desiccator operates by using a desiccant, typically silica gel, to absorb moisture from the enclosed air. The hygrometer, integrated into the door for most models, allows for continuous monitoring of the internal humidity and temperature.
Important Technical Specifications
The SICCO Star-Exsikkator series offers various models with specific technical characteristics:
Material:
- Material Scheiben (Material of panes): PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylat) for most models, Borosilikatglas 3.3 for Vitrum models.
- Material Rahmen (Material of frame): Aluminium with connectors made of Polyamid.
- Material der Führungs- und Rasterschienen (Material of guide and grid rails): Polyamid or Aluminium.
- Verschluss (Lock): Magnetband (Magnetic tape).
Temperature Resistance:
- PMMA models: -20° bis +70°C.
- Borosilicate glass 3.3 models (Vitrum): -70° bis +150°C.
Dimensions (B x H x T - Width x Height x Depth):
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator (V 1871-07):
- Außenmaße (Overall dimensions): 310 x 525 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum (Usable interior space): 260 x 480 x 330 mm
- SICCO Tower-Star-Exsikkator (V 1938-07):
- Außenmaße: 310 x 735 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 260 x 690 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator Horizontal (V 1899-07):
- Außenmaße: 525 x 340 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 480 x 260 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator Antistatic (V 1910-07):
- Außenmaße: 310 x 525 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 260 x 480 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator Protect (V 1879-07):
- Außenmaße: 310 x 525 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 260 x 480 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator Black (V 1891-07):
- Außenmaße: 310 x 525 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 260 x 480 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Vitrum-Exsikkator (V 1841-07):
- Außenmaße: 310 x 525 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 260 x 480 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Vitrum-Exsikkator Horizontal (V 1821-07):
- Außenmaße: 525 x 340 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 480 x 260 x 330 mm
- SICCO Star-Exsikkator Double (V 1930-07):
- Außenmaße: 630 x 520 x 375 mm
- Nutzbarer Innenraum: 570 x 480 x 330 mm
Weight and Load Capacity:
- Weight (empty): approx. 7 kg (for single door models), approx. 8 kg (Tower), approx. 12 kg (Vitrum Horizontal), approx. 13 kg (Double).
- Maximalanzahl Fachböden (Max. number of shelves): Varies by model (e.g., 26 for V 1871-07, 38 for Tower, 13 for Horizontal).
- Maximalgewicht pro Fachboden bei flächiger Belastung (Max. all-over load per shelf): 10 kg.
- Gesamtlast bei flächiger Belastung (Total all-over load): 30 kg.
Hygrometer Specifications:
- Measuring range: Temperature -10 °C to +60 °C; Air humidity 10 % to 99 % relative humidity.
- Max. error: +/- 1°C at -10 °C to +50 °C; +/- 5 % relative humidity at 25 % to 75 % relative humidity and 0 °C to +50 °C.
- Battery: Button cell LR44 or AG13.
- Functions: Display of maximum/minimum values, reset of MAX/MIN values, display of current values, battery sign.
Usage Features
Initial Setup:
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the desiccator from its packaging.
- Placement: Ensure the desiccator is placed on a stable, level surface, away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating and potential damage to the materials or the desiccator itself.
- Shelf Installation:
- For models with aluminum rails, mount the rails horizontally in pairs, ensuring they are at the same height. The snap-in pin should audibly click into place.
- For models with plastic rails, press the rails into the suspension arrangement horizontally in pairs.
- Insert the shelves into the guide rails. For optimal orientation, the levels are marked by numbers on the suspension arrangement.
- For double models, additional shelves can be inserted.
- Desiccant Preparation:
- Cut a small corner off the desiccant bag (e.g., 500 ml silica gel orange).
- Place the desiccant into the provided tray.
- Slide the tray into the desiccator.
- Hygrometer Setup:
- Remove the hygrometer from its holder.
- Open the battery compartment on the back by pushing the cover downwards.
- Insert the battery (LR44 or AG13) and close the compartment.
- For the SICCO Star-Exsikkator Antistatic (V 1910-07) model, connect the grounding cable to the back of the desiccator.
Operation:
- Opening/Closing the Door: Hold the desiccator housing with one hand and pull the door grip with the other hand to open. The magnetic lock ensures a tight seal when closed, but may require more force to open if the desiccator has been closed for a longer period.
- Humidity Control: The desiccant absorbs moisture, reducing the internal humidity. The hygrometer displays the current temperature and relative humidity.
- Regeneration of Desiccant: When the silica gel changes color (e.g., from orange to dark brown/black), it indicates saturation. The silica gel can be regenerated by heating it in an oven at 90 to 110 °C for 90 minutes. A microwave oven is not suitable for regeneration.
Safety Instructions:
- Do not operate the device if it is damaged.
- Do not store any solvents or acids in the desiccator (except for Star-Vitrum-Exsikkators).
- Do not store explosive or flammable products.
- Do not generate negative or positive pressure inside the desiccator.
- Ensure the desiccator is placed on a secure, stable surface.
- Protect the desiccator from direct sunlight.
- Always ensure adequate ventilation.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning:
- Only use soft cloths for cleaning. Do not use any detergents that may contain solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Keep the magnetic door strip clean.
Troubleshooting and Repairs:
- Door not closing tightly: Check for obstructions and ensure the door is properly aligned.
- Hygrometer empty battery: Replace the battery.
- Silica gel saturated: Regenerate the silica gel as described above.
- Hygrometer faulty: The built-in hygrometer might be faulty. Double-check the displayed values with an external hygrometer. Exchange the hygrometer if necessary.
- In case of disturbances or repairs, contact customer service. Do not attempt to repair the device yourself, as this may void the warranty.
Disposal:
- The desiccators and their packaging are made of recyclable materials. Dispose of them according to local regulations. For more information, refer to the product specifications.