DIN 55473 Desiccant

What DIN 55473 desiccant variants are available?

ThoMar produces two types of DIN 55473 desiccant bags:

• low-dust (Type A)
• dust-proof (Type B)

The different densities of low-dust and dust-proof bag material allow differing amounts of dust to penetrate the material.

CertiDry Type A desiccant bags made to DIN 55473 standards are available in the following desiccant units (DU / Bag Sizes):

4 DU, 8 DU, 16 DU, and 32 DU

CertiDry Type B desiccant bags made to DIN 55473 standards are available in the following desiccant units (DU / Bag Sizes):

1/6 DU, 1/3 DU, 1/2 DU, 1 DU, 2 DU, 4 DU, 8 DU, 16 DU, and 32 DU

Where and when to use DIN 55473 desiccants

Desiccants made to the DIN 55473 German industrial standard are commonly used for exports by specialised export packing companies. DIN 55473 desiccant bags are placed or hung directly on the packaging of the goods to be transported or stored. The packaged goods and desiccant must be sealed from the external climate by a barrier bag or layer (i.e., inbox desiccant).

DIN 55473 clay desiccant protects sensitive goods from moisture during prolonged storage or transportation. Used correctly, our DIN55472 products prevent mould growth, corrosion and other moisture damage. They are well suited to protecting electronic equipment, machine parts, leather goods, chemical products and pharmaceutical preparations from excessive humidity.

How clay desiccant works

The dry clay in DIN 55473 clay desiccant bags absorbs water vapour from the air and stores it for a long period. Our desiccant bags use the DU, or desiccant unit, system. A unit of clay desiccant can adsorb a minimum of 6.0 g of water vapour in a space with 40% relative humidity (RH) and an air temperature of 23 °C (± 2 °C).

Dry clay is a naturally-produced substance so the exact composition, amount contained and weight of each bag can vary. However, our dry clay desiccant bags meet the industrial requirements of DIN 55473 and the technical conditions of the MIL-D-3464E American military standard are almost identical in quality and size, regardless of manufacturer.

What’s the difference between low-dust and dust-proof bag material?

The wrapping material used in our DIN 55473 CertiDry Type A desiccant bags is a textile fabric made of individual fibres with a high water vapour permeability through which, according to DIN 55473, no more than 10 mg of dust may escape per DU. The wrapping material is designated as low-dust.

The material used in CertiDry Type B desiccant bags is a highly tear-resistant, water vapour permeable non-woven material. According to the DIN 55473 German standard, a maximum of 1 mg of dust may escape through the material, irrespective of the number of desiccant units. This material is known as ‘dust-proof’, and has a dense membrane that allows very little to escape through it. The fabric has no fibre ends, reducing abrasion and producing less dust. It’s also considered extremely tear-resistant, moisture-resistant and tight. These characteristics mean the desiccant pouch can adsorb moisture for longer.