1. n. []
A solid, such as silica gel or calcium chloride [CaCl2], used in a gas-dehydration unit to remove water and moisture. The desiccants are placed as beds through which wet gas is passed. The main limitation of the use of solid desiccants is that they absorb only limited quantities of water. When the desiccant saturation point is reached, the solid desiccant must be replaced. Another limitation is that sometimes water cannot be removed from it.
See related terms: dehydrate, desiccant, dry gas, dry-bed dehydrator, wet gas
