Moisture inside shipping containers can cause serious problems for cargo during transport, including condensation, mould, corrosion and damage to packaging. To effectively protect shipping containers from moisture, it’s essential to implement preventive measures.
Changes in temperature and humidity throughout a journey can cause moisture in the air to condense on the internal surfaces of a shipping container. This is commonly referred to as container rain. Using an appropriate container desiccant can help control excess humidity and reduce the risk of moisture-related damage during transport. Pro-Ex Gel 1kg (PGel-1kg) is a high-performance hanging desiccant specifically designed to provide moisture protection inside shipping containers.
What Causes Moisture Inside Shipping Containers?
Cargo can experience significant changes in temperature and humidity while being transported. When warm, moisture-containing air inside a container cools, condensation can form on the container walls, ceiling, cargo and packaging. This moisture can contribute to problems including:
- Mould and mildew
- Rust and corrosion
- Damaged or weakened packaging
- Warping and swelling of wooden products
- Peeling labels
- Powder caking
- Unpleasant odours
- Product deterioration
For goods travelling long distances or through changing climates, controlling moisture inside the container can therefore be an important part of protecting the cargo. Understanding how to protect shipping containers from moisture is crucial for maintaining the quality of the cargo during transit.
What Is Pro-Ex Gel 1kg?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg is a high-performance container and shipping desiccant designed to absorb excess humidity from the air inside a shipping container. Unlike standard silica gel, PGel-1kg uses a combination of calcium chloride and starch to provide a high moisture absorption capacity.
Each hanging unit contains 1kg of desiccant and is designed to be easily installed inside the shipping container without taking up valuable cargo space.
How Does Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Work?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg works by drawing excess moisture from the surrounding air. As moisture is absorbed, the product converts the captured water into a stable gel. This provides an important advantage during transport: rather than collecting free liquid inside the desiccant, the absorbed moisture is retained within the gel, helping prevent leakage and re-evaporation.
Once installed, the desiccant begins working immediately.
How Much Moisture Can Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Absorb?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg has an absorption capacity of up to 300% of its own weight, equivalent to up to approximately 3 litres of moisture per 1kg unit under suitable conditions.
Its high absorption capacity makes it particularly suitable for the demanding conditions experienced during containerised shipping.
What Temperature Range Can PGel-1kg Be Used In?
Shipping containers can experience considerable temperature variations throughout their journey. Pro-Ex Gel 1kg has a broad working temperature range of: -5°C to +90°C
This makes it suitable for container shipping applications where temperatures may fluctuate significantly during transport.
How Many Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Desiccants Do I Need?
The amount of desiccant required will depend on factors including the size of the shipping container, type of cargo, moisture content, destination, voyage duration and expected environmental conditions.
As a general guide, Pro-Ex recommends:
20ft Shipping Container
- Dry cargo: approximately 4-6 units
- Moist cargo: approximately 8-10 units
40ft Shipping Container
- Dry cargo: approximately 8-12 units
- Moist cargo: approximately 16-20 units
Higher-humidity shipments may require additional desiccant protection. When determining the appropriate quantity, it is important to consider the individual conditions of the shipment rather than relying solely on container size.
Where Should Container Desiccants Be Installed?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg is designed as a hanging desiccant, making installation quick and simple. The units can be strategically positioned throughout the shipping container to help maximise exposure to circulating air while minimising interference with the cargo.
For best performance, airflow and placement should be considered alongside the total number of desiccants being used. Pro-Ex also recommends sealing the container vents when installing container desiccants to help prevent additional humid air from entering the container during the voyage.
What Types of Cargo Can Benefit from Moisture Protection?
Moisture can affect a wide variety of products during transportation. Container desiccants may be useful for protecting cargo such as:
- Machinery and metal components
- Furniture and timber products
- Textiles and clothing
- Cartons and paper-based packaging
- Food and agricultural products
- Electronics and equipment
- Other moisture-sensitive goods
The appropriate desiccant solution will depend on the cargo and shipping conditions.
Is Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Safe to Use?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg is designed for safe handling and use around cargo.
The product forms a stable gel after absorbing moisture, helping prevent leakage even after saturation.PGel-1kg is also compliant with RoHS, REACH and DMF-Free requirements.
How Long Can Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Be Stored?
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg has a shelf life of up to 2 years when correctly stored. The desiccant should be kept in its airtight packaging until it is required and stored in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. Once the individual packaging is opened, the desiccant begins absorbing moisture from the surrounding air immediately. It should therefore only be opened when it is ready to be installed.
Is Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Reusable?
No. Pro-Ex Gel 1kg is designed as a single-use desiccant. After use, it can be disposed of as regular waste in accordance with applicable local disposal requirements.
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg vs Silica Gel – What’s the Difference?
Although both products are desiccants, they are designed for different applications. Silica gel is particularly useful for moisture control inside smaller enclosed packages and stable environments. Its performance can decrease at higher temperatures, making standard Pro-Ex silica gel unsuitable as a shipping container desiccant.
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg, on the other hand, is specifically designed for shipping container applications. It offers a much higher moisture absorption capacity and operates across a broad temperature range from -5°C to +90°C.
Selecting a desiccant designed for the particular application is important for effective moisture protection.
Protect Your Cargo with Pro-Ex Gel 1kg
Moisture and condensation can cause significant damage to cargo during transportation.
Pro-Ex Gel 1kg Container Shipping Desiccant provides a high-capacity solution designed specifically to help control humidity and reduce the risk of container rain during shipping.
With up to 300% moisture absorption capacity, gel formation to help prevent leakage and re-evaporation, and a working temperature range from -5°C to +90°C, PGel-1kg provides reliable moisture protection across a wide range of shipping conditions.
Need help determining how many container desiccants you need?
Contact the Pro-Ex team for assistance selecting the appropriate desiccant and quantity for your cargo, container size, destination and shipping conditions.