... WE COME TO GRIPS WITH MOISTURE !

Company

Technology

Products
We come to grips with moisture !
For more then 20 years we have specialised in The solutions offered by TROPACK Packmittel
protecting goods from moisture caused damage GmbH are broadly recognized by a wide range
during transport and storage. Our solution: of insurance companies who do not hesitate
a systematic calculated application of desiccants to grant coverage to shipments professionally
to protect a wide range of goods from medical protected by TROPACK solutions.
and food products to machines and textiles.
We come to grips with moisture and keep a tight
Moisture means a high economic risk for manu- grip on it! Our results are sustainable: as if there
facturers, carriers and recipients. Packing, had never been any moisture at all. This is the
dispatch and storage are key points at which TROPACK philosophy for protection of goods and
insufficient care can have severe effects. Her­ their value.
metic packaging is not sufficient to guarantee
efficient protection. This brochure offers information about applica-
tions, industries, production, material and techno­
Changing climate conditions with temperature logy, as well as on our comprehensive product
fluctuations during a sea transport of several range.
weeks lead to conden­sation that causes corros­
ion in metals. If no protective measures are
taken, damage to surfaces, reduced storage
capability and effectiveness or function errors
as well as “total loss” may be the result.

TROPACK makes risks and preventive care calc­

ulable. Application methods and quantity vary
by industry, product and case. The amount of
desiccants a shipment requires is individually
calculated in programmes specifically developed
by TROPACK based on DIN 55474. Not enough
desiccant leads to risk. Too big amounts cause
preventable costs. The programme is available
for the clients as well.

Key word: zero risk

TROPACK products mean:

Zero risk tolerance! Moisture
damage during transport
and storage of goods is
excluded using know-how,
experience and technology.

During customer product ana­­-

lysis, all features and criteria
are recorded and taken into
full consideration.

3
 Moisture is everywhere.
Lots to do for desiccants

Small or large – moisture threatens a nearly TROPACK solutions for protection against
never-ending range of products from many indus­ mois­ture range in size to fullfill their task from
tries. Surface corrosion of metals is not only a TROPACK Mini desiccant bags to the large
cosme­tic problem. When moving parts in tool DIN 55473 sacks. Seaworthy packaging com­-
machines or conveyor technology are attacked, bines the effect of desiccant units with shielding
this leads to functional impairment up to use­ by the TROPACK sealing layer foil, which is
lessness. well suited for long transport and storage times.

Electronic devices from notebooks or commu‑ New developments like the Activ-Polymer® tech­
nication equipment to the complete data system no­logy permit efficient protection even in smallest
can be damaged by humidity. Visual measure- containers. This new solution provides hermet­
ment and test instruments, photo and film devices ic­ally closing cans with integrated protect­ion
react as sensitive to moisture as textiles, leather against moisture or bacteria, among others, it’s
goods and furniture. For chemical products, phar- used in transport and storage of medical and
maceuticals, raw materials and food, maintaining pharmaceutical products.
and controlling the internal package climate is of
upmost importance. The investment into desiccant solutions pays
off. Goods will reach the recipient undamaged.
TROPACK Packmittel GmbH offers a wide range Correctly protected shipments can be fully
of solutions depending on product, packag­‑ insured.
­ing and individual requirements. The common
denom­­inator with which TROPACK provides
these solutions is “Knowledge”. TROPACK has
control of the various technologies, materials
and industries. It combines this with a vast exper‑
ience for the respective application.

There are criteria for each project we work on.

The perfect basis is formed by TROPACK desic-
cants: they are non-toxic, odourless, free of
hazardous substances and do not damage
surfaces. They adsorb residual moisture in the
packaging without endangering the goods or
the recipient.

Key word:
Activ-Polymer ® technology

This patented procedure devel-

oped by the US company CSP
integrates product protection
into the packaging. The com­bi­-
n­ation of two polymers creates
a composite material into
which active substances are
embedded.

Air-tight containers and cans,

e. g., for medication or test
strips, offer integrated goods
protec­ti­on against damage by
moisture or bacteria.

4
Technology and know-how.
Calculable protection

TROPACK desiccant bags are filled with highly Material, production and application of desiccant
resilient natural clay mineral or silica gel. The bags must be “clean”. However, in spite of its
adsorption agent is so clean that even direct con­ prohibition in the EU since May 2009, goods
tact with the goods is not harmful and therefore contaminated with dimethylfumarate (DMF) are
allowed for various uses. TROPACK desiccants still getting into trade and endanger users as
are produced according to DIN 55473 (or military well as consumers. Stricter control mechanisms
provision TL 6850-0008 and US specification can reduce DMF danger.
MIL-D 3464 E). TROPACK desiccant bags con­form
to EU laws and the directives of the US Food TROPACK never uses the highly toxic DMF.
and Drug Adminis­tration (FDA), depending on DIN standards, EU directives and US FDA
design, which permits use in transport, packaging requir­e­ments for protection of the environment
and storage of food and pharma­ceuticals as well. and health are sensible, balanced and correct.
The TROPACK safety and quality claim is checked
The desiccant bag hull is made of dust-tight and approved by regular DIN/ISO certifications.
natron paper, highly tear-proof fleece or the spe­- Industry and trade can rely on it just as much
cial hull material Tyvek® – depending on require- as consumers.
ments. Desiccant bags meet the requirements
of DIN 55473, are available in the versions “A”
(low-dust) and “B” (dust-tight) and may be
dis­posed of with the household waste; the desic‑
cant can be regenerated an unlimited number
of times for reuse.

TROPACK uses packaging machines for precise

customisation of the desiccant bags. TROPACK
desiccant bags are produced according to
DIN 55473 from 1/6 units (approx. 6 g) to 32 units
(approx. 1,130 g). The adsorption capacity may
be up to 35 % of their own weight, at 80 % relative
humidity and a temperature of 25 °C.

Key word: DMF danger

Goods reaching e. g. from the

Far East, in which the highly toxic
dimethylfumarate (DMF) was
used as an “auxiliary agent” are
a great danger for mankind and
the environment. DMF is is a
health hazard and strictly prohib-
ited in the EU.

TROPACK desiccants are non-

toxic, food-grade, free of hazard-
ous substances, odourless and
regenerative. The desiccant
quantity required to protect the
goods from moisture is calcul­-
ated with the TROPACK
programme.

5
 Tropack desiccant products

P. 7 Desiccant bags – TROPAgel ®

P. 8 Hull materials

P. 9 Delivery packaging

P. 10 TROPACK mini desiccant bags

P. 11 Activ-Polymer ® technology

P. 12 Desiccant bags for the automotive industry

P. 13 Desiccant bags for containers – TROPAsorb®

P. 14–15 Seaworthy packaging – Sealing layer foils

P. 16–17 Drying cartridges and capsules

P. 18–20 Packaging aids

P. 21 Adsorption agents

P. 22 Products, materials, customer benefits

P. 23 Calculation of desiccant units

6
 Desiccant bags – TROPAgel ®

Corrosion damage from moisture during trans- The hull substances are applied with a print
port and storage threatens a great number of pursuant to DIN 55473 by default. Alternatively,
goods from a wide range of industries. The range they can be provided neutrally with, “Drying
reaches from medical products to optical devices Agent – Do not eat”, applied in 4 languages or
and electronics to machinery. Desiccant bags an individual text.
provide effective and environmentally compatible
protection in a design perfectly suitable for Desiccant bags are produced in the units defined
each individual package. TROPACK has devel- in DIN 55473. Special sizes are available on
oped a dedicated programme for precise calcul­ request. A desiccant unit corresponds to a fill
ation of the required quantities. It is available to level of about 35 g. This is the desiccant volume
customers too. that can adsorb at least 3 g of steam at 20 %
and 6 g at 40 % relative humidity at a balance
TROPAgel ® desiccant bags are filled with highly with air at 23 °C (+/– 2).
active desiccants that due to their high porosity
warrant a high degree of air drying. Adsorption The required volume of desiccant in units for
capacity can be up to 35 % of their own weight each individual case can be determined based
at 80 % rh and 25 ° C. TROPAgel ® desiccant bags on our calculation formula on page 23. The
are odourless, non-toxic, chemically indifferent following factors must be observed:
and do not attack metal or other substances.
Packaging design
The desiccant bag hulls are produced from Steam volume from the outer atmosphere
the following materials that comply to the penetrating through the packaging
mentioned requirements: Duration of transport and storage time
Climate at transport and storage
Fleece (version A – DIN 55473 low-dust), Humidity of the inner atmosphere of the
for standard products packaging
Tyvek ® (version B – DIN 55473 dust-tight), Volume and type of the padding (wood,
low-particle and highly tear-proof for sensitive paper, synthetics, cardboard, wooden wedges)
products
Paper (version B – DIN 55473 dust-tight), The TROPACK desiccant calculation programme
low-particle for standard applications meets DIN 55473 requirements and is available to
customers free of charge on request.

Water content in the air depending on temperature and relative humidity

in °C
˚C

40 rh rh rh rh rh rh
temperature in

% % % % 0% 0%
10 20 40 60
Air temperature

8 10
30
20
10
Air

0
–10
–20
–30
–40
– 50
– 60
0.1 1.0 10.0 100.0
3
water vapour content of the
Water air in of
content H20/m
air in H20/m3
TROPAgel ® desiccant bags con-
tain highly active desiccants that
Desiccant units according to DIN 55473 correspond due to their high porosity warrant
approximately to the following fill volumes: a high degree of air drying.

Units 1/6 1/3 1/2 1 2 4 8 16 32 TROPAgel ® desiccant bags are

odourless, non-toxic, chemically
= g fill weight
indifferent and do not attack
(approx.) 6 12 18 35 70 145 285 540 1130
metal or other substances.

7
 Hull materials

TROPACK uses different high-quality hull materi- Types PA: 1/6–2 units
als for production of desicant bags, depending Types VA: 1/6–32 units
on usage purpose. A difference is made between Types TA: 1/6–16 units
version A “low-dust” and version B “dust-free”.
These types are in line with the DIN 55473
VA designates fleece bags in the 2008-10 version and are provided with
the DIN Certco sign 5B004.
Version A: low-dust fleece bags of highly tear- All products can be equipped with a humidity
proof fleece material as of 8 units with suspension indicator card as an additional feature.
band. Filling with 1/6 to 32 desiccant units. In that case, a “W” will be added to the
Area of use: for all packaging purposes in over- product labelling (example: VAW).
seas shipment.
Please contact us for custom-made desiccant
PA designates a bag of soda-paper bags which we will manufacture according to
your request and requirements. We offer special
Version B: dust-free. sized bags with an imprint according to your
Filling with 1/6 to 2 desiccant units. own design.

TA designates Tyvek® bags We would be happy to assist you with your

product needs.
Version B: dust-free Tyvek ® bag of special highly
tear-resistant and low-particle hull material. Areas
of use: pharma industry, electronics and pack-
aging subject to special strain. Meets the FDA
requirements (DMF 1893). The medically tested
Tyvek ® is chemically inactive and suitable for food
packaging. Filling with 1/6 to 16 desiccant units.

TROPACK uses different mate­-

rials for production of the
desiccant bag hulls. They are
used for specific applications
according to properties. All
types can be additionally applied
with an effect designator.

8
Delivery packaging

TROPACK desiccant bags are delivered in var­-­ bags are still active; if it turns PINK, the control
ious packing units; the “basic package” and the sheet text applies.
“original corrugated cardboard box”.
The original corrugated cardboard box is the
The “basic package”, a polyethylene hose bag next-larger packing unit. It can bare loads up
in accordance with DIN 55473, is the smallest to 30 kg and is filled with a net of up to approx.
packing unit for desiccant bags; it applies for all 20 kg. A delivery pallet comprises of 27 original
types. In the “basic package”, the desiccant bags boxes maximum.
can be stored in dry rooms for an extended per­
iod without reduced activity. The dimensions of the different desiccant bag
Each “basic package” is imprinted with an instruc- types, the number of pieces per basic pack-
tion man­ual and contains a humidity level indicator age and the total volumes per original box are
8 % rh. If the indicator is BLUE, the desiccant shown in the following table:

Units/Type 1/6 1/3 1/2 1 2 4 8 16 32

Width mm 70 70 70 70 70 150 150 150 200

Length mm 90 100 100 140 150 140 200 245 280

Number of pieces

Basic package* 150 80 60 40 20 15 10 5 3

Original box* 1,350 800 720 400 240 120 60 30 18

* Number of desiccant bags according to type

Quantity table for packing material Wood or cardboard and synthetic material

Western Europe 17
Packaging should not include any hygroscopic
material as padding. If this cannot be avoided, the Eastern Europe 20
volumes determined according to the table must
be increased by the following number of units North America 20
per kg of packing or padding material:
Central America 20

South America 20

Africa 20

Middle East 20

Far East 20

Pacific 20

The smallest delivery unit is the

“basic package” in which the
desiccant bags can be stored
for a longer time in dry rooms
without becoming inactive.
The number of desiccant bags
contained in the package, results
from their size and fill volume.

9
 TROPACK mini desiccant bags

The compact TROPACK Minis provide effective All bags can be imprinted with a warning or cau-
protection even in the mini-bag packagings small- tion statement and company logo according to
est of units and require little space. Its compact your request. The bags come with a standard “do
size (please refer to the table below) and the not eat” warning statement in German, English,
white silica gel filling offer a multitude of applica- French and Spanish. We would be happy to ac-
tion possibilities. At the same time, our “TROPACK commodate your requests.
Mini” reliably offers its usual and outstanding
humidity adsorption capacity. The materials used for desiccant bags TROPACK
Mini meet the requirements of the U.S. Food
The standard desiccant for TROPACK Mini is and Drug Administration and the German Fed­-
white silica gel, but can also hold a 4 Å or any ­­eral Public Health Department (“Bundes­gesund­
other pore size molecular sieve filling if requested. heitsamt”).
The chemically indifferent fill material is non-toxic,
odourless and does not attack surfaces. The The desiccant fill white silica gel is in line with
product is protected from moisture damage like the requirements of the FDA and approved for
mould, corrosion and other detrimental chemical direct food contact applications. White silica gel
reactions. further meets the TOSCA provisions of the posi-
tive list of additives of the Commission of the
The “TROPACK Mini” hull comprises highly tear- European Communities (CEC) for the manufac­
proof, low-particle Tyvek® and is heat-sealed. The turers of food-proved additives, plastics and
medically tested Tyvek® is chemically inert and dyes, which may come into contact with food.
therefore suitable for food packaging. The very
tightly spun polyolefin fibres warrant a dust-free TROPACK desiccants are food-compatible,
product. The material surface is wear-resistant free of hazardous substances and of course
and lint-free. free of DMF.

TROPACK Minis need little

space and offer effective pro­
tection of even smallest sales
packages. The TROPACK Mini
Tyvek® Mini desiccant bags filled with white gel 0.2 – 1 mm
hull of highly tear-proof, low-
or molecular screen 4 Å
particle Tyvek ® is heat-sealed.

The medically tested Tyvek ® is Weight g 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0

chemically inactive and therefore

Volume +/– 2 mm mm 20 x 30 20 x 40 23 x 50 23 x 58
suitable for food packaging.

10
Activ-Polymer ® technology

The Activ-Polymer ® technology offers innovative humidity and oxygen or the release of a biocide The Activ-Polymer ® composite
ways for the packaging of products such as against germs and bacteria. In addition, the plastic comprises two polymers
pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The her- combination of various diverse components for and an active component.
metically sealed containers and boxes utilising the simultaneous adsorption of moisture and
the technology offer “built-in” product protection oxygen is possible. The opportunities for the applic­
against damage caused by moisture or humidity A second polymer, which does not mix with the ation and use of Activ-Polymer®
or by germs or bacteria. Particles are contained main polymer, surrounds the active compo- technology range far beyond
in the composite synthe­tic plastic material which nents and thus creates the means of access standard packaging forms and
absorb moisture and humidity, oxygen or odours and flow. designs. For every conceivable
and fight against bacteria microbiologically. product form, such as inhalators
The new active composite synthetic plastic ma- or all kinds of medical products
The new TROPACK product line currently terials transport gaseous molecules through the and supplies, active components
encompasses the following areas: packaging or else absorb moisture in the pack- can be developed accurate
aging, which assures the optimal environment to exact measurement. The
Containers with an Activ-Polymer ® insert which for the packaged product. Through the use of comp­osite synthetic plastic mate-
completely encloses the contents of the con­ Activ-Polymer ® technology, the interior “climate” rial can be made into any form
tainer, such as for the hermetically-sealing or environment of the packaging is controlled, or shape desired by various injec-
hinged-lid containers from CSP with a capacity depending on the active component, by the ad- tion moulding processes. The
of 10 – 200 ml for pharmaceuticals, laboratory sorption of moisture, humidity, oxygen or odours, individual configuration of func-
samples or liquids. or by the release of aromas or biocides against tional packaging is practically
Activ-Polymer ® foil with a thickness ranging germs and bacteria. unlimited.
from only 0.3 mm up to 1.5 mm, with which
flat or shallow plastic pockets or bags, for
test strips or diagnostic medical dipsticks, can
protect the packaged products against damage
CSP Desiccant Sleeve
An impenetrable barrier
caused by moisture or humidity.
CSP Industry
Desiccant sleeve Standard bottle
The patented technology
Activ-Polymer ®
regulates the flow of the smallest molecules
through the polymer. The technology is based
CSP Incoming Desiccant
on the combination of three materials: vial moisture sachet

As the basic component, a main polymer en-

sures the structure of the packaging product.
Tablets encounter virtually
The active component provides for the desired moisture in vial with CSP sleeve
properties such as the adsorption of moisture,

Activ-Polymer ® technology
controls the interior “climate” or
environment of the packaging
is controlled, depending on
the active component, by the
adsorption of moisture, humid-
ity, oxygen or odours, or by the
release of aromas or biocides
against germs and bacteria.

11
 Desiccant bags for the automotive industry

TROPACK offers customised solutions for a wide Benefits of TROPACK desiccant bags for
range of applications – from mobile and stationary customers in the automotive sector are
air conditioners in passenger cars, trucks, busses
and light transporters, to the residential and ind­ High strength of the bag material
us­trial sectors, TROPACK provides customer- Extreme strength in comparison to the
specific solutions for professionally solving humid- four-side seam
ity problems in connection with cooling systems. Work as filters in cooling systems
Very low installation and handling costs
TROPACK desiccant bags provide the Approval for the coolants R134a
following advantages: and HFO-1234yf

Prevention of corrosion Special highly tear-proof fleeces in different

Increase in system reliability versions and weights are used as hull materials
Protection of attachment parts depending on requirements. The adsorbents
are molecular sieves tested and released in the
and thereby increase the service life of automotive industry (IMDS registration).
the system.

Based on individual requirements, TROPACK can

also provide special solutions based on require-
ments and using our modern machinery. Testing
and measuring equipment is readily available.

The bag can be designed in sizes ranging from

30–150 mm. The length is geared toward the
respective customer specifications.

TROPACK desic­­cant bags for

the automotive industry contain
molecular sieves tested and
released by the automotive
industry (IMDS registered) as
adsorbent.

Desiccant and hull materials

are chemically indifferent and
do not attack surfaces.

12
Desiccant bags for containers –TROPAsorb®

TROPAsorb® desiccant bags were specifically The bags are made of Tyvek® and are heat-
developed for use in freight containers to protect sealed. The extremely resilient fabric of spun
the goods from damage caused by moisture in polyolefin fibres makes the bags dust-free.
transport. The 200 gram desiccant bags adsorb They have a wear-resistant, lint-free surface
large amounts of moisture to protect goods in and are protected against heat.
metal containers, steel products from rusting,
and prevent food from spoiling. The bags come with a standard “do not eat”
warning statement in German, English, French
TROPAsorb® desiccant bags contain a spe- and Spanish. All bags can be imprinted with a
cially developed patented adsorbent mixture warning or caution statement and your company
(Calium Chloride Vermiculite) against “contai­ner logo according to your request. Please contact
rain”, which occurs due to condensation in large us at any time for further inquiries.
steel containers because of the temperature
and climate changes in the course of long sea
transports. Protection against such changing
conditions is important to prevent damage
dur­ing transport by truck or train and long-term
storage as well.

The container desiccant bags are 13 x 28 cm

in size. The number required for protection
depends on container size; a typical 20-foot
container requires 32 desiccant bags.

TROPAsorb® desiccant bags can adsorb up to

160 % of their weight (at 20 °C / 90 % rh) and
enclose moisture. This highly efficient protection
of the freight helps to avoid expensive returns
of damaged goods. Application is simple. The
bags can be placed on the floor in the corners
of the container or suspended from container
hooks in the upper third. Nets are available for
this purpose.

Filling goods Calium Chloride Vermiculite

Weight g 200 +/- 10 %

Dimensions mm 13 x 28 cm

TROPAsorb® adsorption curve

400
TROPAsorb® desiccant bags
300 for containers are filled with
Adsorbed moisture (g)

a special patented adsorbent

200 mixture (calcium, chloride,
vermiculite) against “container
100 rain”. Bags and desiccant are
suitable for contact with food
and harmless.
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Days, 20  ˚ C, 90 % rh

13
 Seaworthy packaging – Sealing layer foils

Goods in danger of corrosion must be protected TROPACK recommends two material versions
in a “climatic packaging” for sea transport, polar of sealing layer foils:
and tropical shipment and during long-term stor­
age. The packed goods are sealed into steam- Polyethylene barrier foil as standard packaging
tight Tropac® layer foils (aluminium composite or for a transport and storage time of no more
polyethylene) that closes off the packed goods than 1 year. A 200-µm thick foil with maximum
hermetically against the outer air. The inner permeability of 0.5 g/m2 in 24 hours and at 23  ° C / 
atmosphere is kept securely below 50 % rh with 85 % rh (see DIN 55122) offers the required
the volume of TROPAgel® desiccant units calc‑ protection.
ulated accordingly, which adsorbs the residual
moisture in the sealed packaging. Aluminum barrier foil ( TL 8135-0003 ) is an alu-
minum sandwich foil that is suitable for a feed
Every foil type has a differentiated steam and a storage time from one year to five years.
permeability. Therefore, calculation requires Long-term packing must be e.g. sealing in an
consideration of the continually penetrating aluminum sandwich foil, Tropac® barrier layer
volume of moisture – see DIN 55474. sandwich foil.
The following points are important for this:
Products
Climate zones that are crossed
Duration of transport and/or storage Tropac®III – for the highest requirements with
Water vapor permeability of the foil increased tear proofness and increased bursting
Packaging surface in m2 (all 6 sides) resistance.

Tropac® IV – for medium requirements with good

tear-proofness and good bursting resistance.
Corresponds to the current MIL and TL.

Clear® – sealing-capable, transparent com­posite

foil, can be processed with Tropac® III and
Tropac® IV.

TROPACK sealing foils Unit Tropac® III Tropac® IV Clear ®

Material structure
Polyethylene HD/LDPE µm 12 7 Composite foil
Aluminium polyester

Weight by area DIN 53104 g/qm 125 110 90

Thickness DIN EN ISO 527-3 µm 100 100 92

Tear resistance DIN 53455

lengthwise N/15 mm >55 >55 >45
crosswise N/15 mm >55 >50 >45

Tear resistance of the seal seam

DIN EN ISO 527-3 N/15 mm >30 >30 >45

“Climatic packaging” can be Temperature range

of the application °C –40 to +60 –40 to +60 –30 to +60
used to protect goods with a
Permeability
corrosion risk for sea transport,
DIN 53122 part 2 g/m²/d <0.02 <0.02 <0.05
polar or tropical shipment and
Oil resilience
for long-term storage.
FED-STD-101/3015 yes yes yes

Military approval
The packaged goods are we­ld
­ ed TL 8135-0003-1 + + not in the
into the Tropac® sealing layer MIL-PRF 131 K+ DIN 55531-1 + + standard
foil (aluminium composite or Roll length m 100 100 100
poly­ethylene) with the calculated Roll width cm 100/125/150 100/125/150 100/125/150
+ special widths + special widths + special widths
number of desiccant units.

14
TROPACK sealing layer material is steam- and Packaging with fixed sealing layer
grease-tight, supple, abrasion- and decomposi-
tion-proof and may be heat-sealed on the matte Sheet metal drums with a fixed sealing layer
side. Tropac ® sealing layer foil is available as are good steam-tight packagings for individ-
semi-hose, flat bag or box insert as well. ually packed small parts. They reliably prevent
humidity from penetrating.
The combination of sealing layer foil and desic-
cant bags is the most economical solution for The air captured in the package is dried by
sea transport freight packaging because it can inclusion of desiccant bags. The temperature
be perfectly adjusted. The freight costs can in the packing space must be considered.
be minimised because the weight is low and About 1–2 g per litre are needed to dry 200 l air
little effort is required for preservation and space in the packaging (empty packages).
removal of preservative agents. Most frequently, silica gel is used.

TROPACK sealing layer foils are

steam- and grease-tight, supple,
abrasion- and decomposition-
tight and can be heat-sealed.

The combination of sealing layer

foil and desiccant bags is the
most economic solution for
sea transport freight packaging
because it can be perfectly
adjusted to the freight.

15
 Drying cartridges and capsules

TROPACK desiccant cartridges are used in high- The drying cartridges and capsules are cus-
value measuring and control technology devices tomised in hermetically tight, protective pack-
along with other highly sensitive optical and agings to prevent them from losing effective-
elec­tronic devices (in particular arms technology) ness during transport and storage.
to protect them from moisture and subsequent
damage due to corrosion and fungi. Capsules Standard packaging desiccant capsules: bag of
containing desiccants are particularly suitable as 0.2 mm thick polyethylene foil with indicator
protection for pharmaceutical products because Steam-tight bags of oblique aluminium com­
they are available in many types, special sizes posite foil (TL 8135-0003) with moisture indica-
and designs. tor inside (can only be verified with the bag
open)
The residual moisture in the device and the humi­ Standard packaging desiccant cartridges:
dity entering through leaks that condensates due transparent packaging bags of composite foil
to temperature fluctuations will be adsorbed. with very high steam tightness of MIL-B22191,
Function and use are unimpaired. For best results type I and in cans according to TL 4440-0007
the following prerequisites must be complied
with: close assembled pieces tightly and seal pas- All information on Bundeswehr military standards
sages. All parts must be clean and dry and must are based on the currently valid issues.
not contain any residual moisture. (Plastic parts
may have a residual moisture of 3–5 %.) Special moisture-tight, screw-on protective
sleeves of transparent polystyrole according to
The housings of the drying agent capsule and TL 4440-0007 are used for the desiccant
cartridges are mainly state-of-the-art plastics cartridges. Additionally, packaging in an alumi­
like acrylic nitril copolymerisate. Paper or fleece nium can is possible. Only the undamaged and
is used for the cover discs to let humidity dif- unopened collection and shipment packaging
fuse out. Sometimes, indicator papers are also warrants proper characteristics of the capsules
integrated. and cartridges.

The active desiccant – mainly silica gel (silicon

dioxide – SiO2) – is filled according to application
and customer requirements. Molecular sieves are
used as well. They are characterised by particu-
larly fast adsorption and low dust.

TROPACK desiccant cartridges

and capsules are used in high-
quality devices for measuring
and control technology and
other visual and electronic
instru­ments (in particular arms
technology).

Highly sensitive device technol­-­

ogy is effectively protected
from damage caused by mois­-
ture like corrosion and fungi.

16
Delivery range

Search Item no. Description Dimensions

no. NATO Stock no. Installation length in mm
Desiccant cartridges for fine-mechanical and optical
devices according to VG 95 239 of black polystyrole with
sight window and moisture indicator for
40 % rh in the head part of the desiccant cartridge

1 4440-12-158-5262 Rated size 2.5 – 15 (transparent);

15
Weight: M16 x 1.5; filling: 0.35 g molecular sieves
2 4440-12-158-5263 Rated size 5 – 25 (transparent); 24
Weight: M16 x 1.5; filling: 0.7 g molecular sieves
3 4440-12-158-5264 Rated size 10 – 50 (transparent); 50
Weight: M16 x 1.5; filling: 1.5 g molecular sieves
4 4440-12-175-4087 Rated size 10 – 17 (transparent); 17
Weight: M24 x 1.5; filling: 1.7 g molecular sieves
5 4440-12-175-4086 Rated size 25 – 16 (transparent); 16
Weight: M36 x 1.5; filling: 3.5 g molecular sieves
6 4440-12-158-5265 Rated size 25 – 35 (transparent); 35
Weight: M24 x 1.5; filling: 3.5 g molecular sieves
7 4440-12-158-5429 Rated size 50 – 70 (transparent); 70
Weight: M24 x 1.5; filling: 7 g molecular sieves
8 4440-12-154-7226 Rated size 100 – 45 (transparent); 45
Weight: M36 x 1.5; filling: 14 g molecular sieves
Desiccant plastic capsules (cylindrical container)
with porous cover disc of cardboard, cannot be
regenerated
9 HKS000001 Desiccant capsules KA 0.4 12.7 Ø
Filling: 0.5 g white gel 9 Height
10 HKS000101 Desiccant capsule KA 1.25 20 Ø
Filling: 1.25 g white gel 10 Height
11 HKS000003 Desiccant capsule KA 3 29 Ø
Filling: 3 g white gel 10 Height
12 HKS000301 Desiccant capsule KO 0.65 15 Ø
Filling: 0.65 g Orange gel 10 Height
13 HKS000300 Desiccant capsule KO 3 29 Ø
Filling: 3 g Orange gel 10 Height
14 HKS000302 Desiccant capsule KO 4 31 Ø
Filling: 4 g Orange gel 10 Height
15 HKS000031 Desiccant capsule KO 27 61.5 Ø
Filling: 27 g Orange gel 20 Height
16 HKS000401 Desiccant capsule KM 1 13.9 Ø
Filling: 1 g molecular screen 17.3 Height
Desiccant plastic or metal cartridge.
Different shapes and fillings,
partially replaceable
17 4440-12-140-2234 Desiccant cartridge P1; filling: 5 g; Ø 11 15 Ø
2 pcs. per packaging 8.2 Height

Rated size, e.g., 100 designates the empty volume of a device at max. 100 dm3. The desiccant cartridges TL 4440–0007
are tightly screwed into the protective sleeves. Cartridge head and sleeve are secured with red adhesive tape.
The weights are indicated at a tolerance of +/– 10 %.

Desiccant cartridges and capsules for special requirements can be developed. The fill weights of the drying
Please contact us to discuss product and order requirements. cartridges and capsules
may vary corresponding
to bulk weights of the desic‑
cants used.

17
 Packaging aids

Moisture indicators

These visual aids indicate – in connection with

desiccants – the climate within a packaging or
the degree of moisture. They are made of special
adsorbent paper impregnated with concentrated
cobalt II chloride solutions. The numbers in the
impregnated areas show the relative humidity by
changing colours from blue to violet to pink. With
reducing humidity, the colour changes accord-
ingly.

The moisture indicators are within the sealing Packaging list sleeves
layer hull or are part of sight windows. At proper
expert packaging with desiccants, the relative These plastic sleeves protect the shipping papers
humidity drops to less than 20 % very quickly at from contamination, dust and moisture. They are
regular temperatures. The moisture indicators attached to the outside of the packaging with
show 30 % blue in this case. their self-adhesive back. Packaging list sleeves
If this is not the case, the packaging must be are also available in red as “front loaders”.
inspected for leaks, incorrectly calculated
desiccant amounts or too-moist packaged goods. Size I for papers in DIN A6 format
Size II for papers in DIN A5 format
The moisture indicators are small, simple and
cost-efficient. The permissible tolerance at The packaging list designation is indicated in
a test temperature of 2 ° C (+/– 2  ° C) is +/– 5 % 8 languages: German, English, French,
relative humidity. These values correspond to the Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian.
tech­nical delivery conditions of the Bundeswehr Other foreign languages on request.
TL 6685-0003, issue 4.
Packaging list shields
During transport in areas with extreme climatic
situations, the colour will change later at more Shields are nailed to the shipping boxes.
than 20 ° C and earlier at less than 20 ° C. The They are available in 10 languages.
deviations are about 2.5 % rh per 5 ° C above or
below 20 ° C. Small for paper insert DIN A6, with or without
cut-outs for the documentation
Large for paper inserts DIN A5 with cut-outs

The moisture indicators are

within the sealing layer hull or
are part of sight windows. At
proper packaging with desic-
cants, the relative humidity
drops to less than 20 % very
quickly at regular temperatures.

18
Warning notes and signs Tipping indicators

for desiccant method II VG 95604, These aids show whether special shipping
made of paper, surface water-repellent, provisions like “transport vertically” or “do not
reverse self-adhesive. tilt” were complied with. They are attached
Colour: red RAL 3000 right to the packaged goods with the self-
adhesive reverse. The front of red plastic com-
Rated size 1 prises a chamber pointing up like an arrow tip
Dimensions: 34  x  74 mm, paper. that is delineated by a metal strap and tapers
Vers. No.: 7690-12-140-6350 out into two round chambers filled with blue
Rated size 2 grains towards the bottom. The metal strap
Dimensions: 52  x  100mm, paper. is removed to activate the indicator.
Vers. No.: 7690-12-140-6351
Rated size 3 When the goods are tipped, the grains trickle
Dimensions: 74   x  148 mm, paper. from the initial position up into the arrow tip,
Vers. No.: 7690-12-140-6352 where they are held by the adhesive area.
This irreversible indication permits best control.
For safety reasons, several indicators should
Ventilation sheets and swivel lid be used and marked to prevent malfunction
or exchange. The included warning sign informs
Vents and lids prohibit the danger of steam the transporter and recipient of the use and
penetrating the sealing layer foil in large ship­p­ing effect of the tipping indicator.
packagings and ensure even air circulation.
Depending on packaging size, two or more
ventilation sheets are to be attached, preferably
in the upper area.

The swivel lid version permits inspection of the

moisture indicator attached at the packaging
from the outside.

TROPACK tipping indicators

Ventilation sheet small
show whether special shipp­
130  x  130  mm large
ing provisions like “transport
180  x  180  mm
vertically”or “do not tilt” were
complied with. They are
Swivel lid small
attached right to the packaged
130  x  180  mm large
goods with the self-adhesive
180  x  250  mm
back.

19
 Packaging aids

Shockwatch® The indicator is attached to the packaging

with a warning label containing handling notes
Shockwatch® is a reliable “bodyguard” for sen­ before shipping. The person responsible for
sitive freight and transparently shows even the freight confirms that there is no damage.
trans­port damages that are not recognisable at Upon arrival, the condition of each indicator is
first glance. In case the freight is exposed to noted – triggered, missing or intact. Every
strong vibrations and the defined handling provi- Shockwatch® has its own serial number that
sions were not complied with, the indicator will is also noted on the transport papers.
alert you.
Shipments with Shockwatch® transport indicators
Shockwatch® is a strongly adhesive label with a are treated with greatest care by carriers around
high-precision glass tube that contains a red liquid the world.
in the invisible area. If the transported goods are
treated contrary to the specified instructions, the Starting at a volume of 1,600 pcs., individual
liquid in the tube turns red irrevocably. prints are possible – please request a list of
required production costs.

The indicator:
the incorruptible
monitor for
your sensitive
transport goods

Shockwatch® is a “bodyguard”
for sensitive freight and shows
even transport damages that
are not recognisable at first
glance. When the freight is
exposed to strong vibrations
and the defined handling
pro­visions were not complied
with, the indicator will alert you.

20
Adsorption agents

Silica gel Large-pore white gel

is one of the widest used adsorption agents used where water may occur in an air or gas flow.
against moisture with a wide range of appl­ica- Here it serves as buffer gel and is used upstream
tions. It consists of irregularly shaped and porous of narrow-pore gel.
particles and is a form of silicic acid. The raw
materials are mostly sodium silicate and sulph­ Orange self-indicating gel
uric acid. Silica gel is inert, odourless, non-toxic
and non-corrosive. The large inner pore surface is a white gel with moisture indicator that is free
allows adsorption up to approx. 36 % of its own of heavy metals and particularly environmentally
weight. It is available as white or indicator gel. compatible. Active; up to a water load of approx.
6 % by weight, it is orange; at increasing water
Microporous white silicagel adsorption, it turns white. The overall adsorption
capacity is at approx. 23 % by weight at 40 % rh.
is a maximum drying silica gel. The water vapour Its benefit compared to the white gel is visual
adsorption capacity is approx.: 15 % by weight at saturation control.
20 % rh, or 25 % by weight at 40 % rh.
Molecular sieves
Grain 0.2–1 mm – predominantly used in the
insulation glass sector for dehydrating air bet­ synthetic zeolites characterized by a precisely
ween the glass panels. They can also be found defined and regular pore diameter possessing a
inside desiccant cartridges and capsules. Other crystalline structure. Regardless of the relative
highly pure microscopic gels are used with humidity, they ad­sorb about 20-22 weight-% of
fragrance carriers and the maintenance of pour water vapour. The volume of a molecular sieve is
ability of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Fur- very low at the same time providing excellent ad-
ther applications are in the cosmetic industry. sorption capacities and regenerates at tempera-
Grain sizes 1–2 or 2–3 mm – used inside tures of 300 to 400 °C.
filters of gas masks, the insulation glass sec‑
tor and for the dehydration of liquids and Clay
cooling agents.
Grain 1–3 mm – represent a universal grain size a mineral (60– 80 % montmorillonit) with strong
for drying air and gas in smaller sized equip- water adsorption and swelling capability. Colour
ment and for the drying of cooling agents. from grey/dark grey to reddish. When active, clay
Grain sizes of 2–5 mm – have an elevated can also take up to approx. 19 % by weight at
adsorption capacity with excellent low pres- 40 % rh. depending on quality. The loaded mate-
sure characteristics for the drying of gases rial can be regenerated at 150 ° C.
(ethane, ethylene, butane, chlorine, natural gas,
methane, methylene chloride, sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen and hydrogen).

TROPACK adsorbents store

Indicator gel Clay
moisture in the narrow cavities
of the structure that are built
as layers, pores and channels
by physical forces. Adsorbents
are not water-soluble. The stored
moisture is released to the
ambience air again when heated.
The adsorbents can be regener-
ated as desired without losing
White gel Molecular sieve
effectiveness.

21
 Products, materials, customer benefits

TROPACK Packmittel GmbH offers a wide Print

range of desiccant bags with highly active
TROPAgel® desiccants and related products TROPACK desiccant bags are marked by default
up to sealing layer foils and packaging aids. according to DIN 55473 or alternatively with a
This leads to safety and cost benefits for warning note “Drying Agent – do not eat” in
customers: German, English, French and Spanish. The
customer’s logo and related information can be
Transport time optimisation printed upon request on the bags.
Simpler packaging
Minimisation of complaints Efficiency and environmental protection
Reduction of insurance premiums /
minimal risk exclusions TROPACK desiccants can be regenerated as
No transport and storage damage often as desired without losing effectiveness.
from moisture This is done by heating:
Regeneration and environmentally
compatible disposal of the desiccant Silica gel 150 ° C
(household waste) Clay 150 ° C
Molecular screens to 300  °– 400 ° C
Calculation programme Indicator gel to 120 ° C max.

TROPACK uses a dedicated programme to The temperature resilience of the hull material
determine the amount of desiccant units required must be considered for desiccant bags. Usually
for a transport and/or storage project. It is freely below the regeneration temperature.
available to customers on request.
Consulting
Special types
The information in this brochure is meant for initial
TROPACK delivers desiccant bags, desiccant orientation. Desiccant bags must be used accord-
cartridges and capsules as well as sealing layer ing to the envisaged purpose and the materials
foils according to individual customer require- used. The TROPACK consulting team will gladly
ments, also in special versions. support you in this.

Standards and approvals All information corresponds to the valid provisions

and the state of research and development work.
TROPACK products correspond to regulations It does not constitute assumption of any warranty
such as DIN 55473, issue 10/2008, and are and no obligations for TROPACK can be derived
marked according to the DIN sign 5B004. from this. Subject to change without notice.
Desiccants meet the relevant provisions of the
Federal Health Act and the US Food and Drug TROPACK does not assume any liability for the
Administration. offered products or recipes and procedures being
free of any national and international third-party
property rights.
The general sales conditions apply for all
TROPACK products.

Service, consulting and develop-

ment of individual solutions for
desic­cants by TROPACK are
pre-requisites for our customers’ White gel, narrow pores White gel, narrow pores Indicator gel orange
and economic efficiency.

22
Calculation of desiccant units

The required number of desiccant units is The desiccant bags must be attached within the
calculated according to DIN 55474 as follows: product packaging and if required, distributed
throughout. Until application, the desiccant bags
n = 1/a · (V·b +m·c+ A·e·D·t) must be kept in the air-tight delivery packaging
which must be closed at once after desiccant
n = number of desiccant units bags are removed to protect the unused bags.

a = water volume to be taken up per desiccant TROPAgel ® desiccant bags are produced
unit according to permissible final humidity. according to DIN 55473 or the German military
At regulation TL 6850-0008 and the American
20 % rel. humidity a = 3 g specification MIL-D 3464 E by the unit.
40 % rel. humidity a = 6 g
60 % rel. humidity a = 8 g

e = corrective factor, relating to the final humidity:

for 20 % rel. humidity e = 0.9; for 40 % rel. humidity
e = 0.7; for 60 % rel. humidity e = 0.6

V = Inner volume of the packaging in m3

b = humidity ratio per m 3 air depending on tem-

perature and relative humidity during packaging,
e.g., at 20  ° C and 85 % rel.  humidity b = 15  g /m 3

m = weight of hygroscopic packaging aids in kg

c = factor for humidity content per gramme of

hygroscopic packaging aids depending on drying
condition for wood, paper and cardboard, unde-
fined moisture c = 140; at defined pre-drying c = 0

A = sealing layer hull surface in m2

D = steam permeability for the climate to be

expected in g/m2D. Determination according
to DIN 53122 or value indication of the manufac-
turers of sealing layer foils

t = transport- and storage duration in t (days)

The TROPACK desiccant calculation programme

according to DIN 55473 is available to the cus-
tomer free of charge on request.

The number of desiccant units

required to protect shipped goods
from moisture damage can be
calculated from a great number
of factors the values of which
are included in a formula.
TROPACK uses a self-developed
programme that is also provided
to the customers.

23
 www.commpanions.com
© TROPACK


All registered trademarks in this brochure remain the property of the respective rights owners.

TROPACK PACKMITTEL GMBH

Vor dem Polstück 8
D 35633 Lahnau
Germany
Phone +49 (0)6441 21089-0
Fax +49 (0)6441 21089-20
info@tropack.de
http://www.tropack.de