From: glhurst@onr.com (Gerald L. Hurst)
Newsgroups: sci.chem
Subject: Re: Is CaCl2 a good humidity absorber to protect chemicals ?
Date: 15 Mar 1996 05:29:40 GMT

In article <3148389b.845515@news.rmci.net>, jvinson@rmci.net (John W.
Vinson) says:

>The disadvantage of CaCl2 is that, unlike SiO2, it deliquesces when it
>absorbs enough moisture (i.e. it turns to a slimy liquid).  It also
>can't be regenerated.

Sure it can be regenerated - just heat it.

It only liquifies after it has absorbed a LOT of water. Just take
it out before it reaches saturation of its lower ligand water 
capacity  (CaCl2:2H2O) and the solid hydrate then begins to 
deliquesce as the weakly-bonded hexahydrate. You can regenerate
the dessicant at 200C.

Jerry (Ico)