How to Control Humidity and Preserve Military Gear and Equipment

We all know the importance of high end, high impact, and essential military gear and equipment. For the proper and efficient functioning, storage, maintenance, and transporting of these high impact gears, parts, and equipment of the military industry, special care should be taken. Since the majority of the equipment and gear consoles are made of metal, when they are open to and easily affected by excess or varying levels of moisture and humidity levels. In this blog post, we will understand how to control the humidity and preserve military gear and equipment from moisture damage. 

Importance of Humidity Control

Humidity can be a big problem for military gear and equipment, especially during the storage, maintenance or transportation of sensitive and important military equipment. Excess or varying levels of moisture and humidity in the environment can greatly impact the metal surfaces of the gear and lead to rust formation, which can stop them from working properly.

It can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage fabrics and other materials in the military gear, and over time, humidity can even make important materials like rubber and plastic break down faster.

If humidity isn't controlled, it can lead to a lot of problems. Equipment might fail when it's needed most, which can be dangerous in critical situations. It can also mean spending more money on repairs and replacements, for example, sensitive gear such as ammunition and explosives can become unstable if they're stored in humid conditions, which is a serious safety risk. Also, the sensitive and important electronic devices are prone to malfunction in high humidity environments which is unsafe and leads to short circuits or failure.

Controlling humidity is important for the longevity and efficiency of military equipment. This leads to reduced downtime, lower expenses, and safer operations. By keeping humidity levels between 40-60%, it is possible to avoid failures in electronic parts and guarantee that the equipment performs at its best and is always ready for use.

Techniques for Humidity Control

So how can we maintain optimum levels of humidity and control moisture to preserve military equipment and gear.

Tip 1: Use dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels in storage areas

By using dehumidifiers here they act like moisture-adsorbing materials. They adsorb extra water out of the surrounding air in rooms or storage spaces. This helps keep the humidity at the right level, so your gear stays dry and protected from rust, mold, and other damage caused by too much moisture.

Tip 2: Store gear in climate-controlled environments to prevent fluctuations in humidity.

When you store or preserve military gear in climate-controlled storage you are providing a consistent, safe, and effective storage environment. By keeping the temperature and humidity at an effective and proper level, you avoid the ups and downs that can cause damage. This is especially good for sensitive items that don't work well in big temperature or humidity changes. 

Tip 3: Utilize silica gel packets or other desiccants to absorb excess moisture.

This is one of the most useful and effective solutions to manage humidity and moisture changes. Silica gel packets are excellent adsorbent materials that have tiny sponges for adsorbing excess moisture. You can place them in boxes, bags, or containers with your gear. They adsorb any extra moisture from the surroundings, keeping your items dry and safe. Other desiccants available in different forms can also be used in the storage and transportation of important military gear & equipment parts.

Tip 4: Regularly inspect and maintain storage areas to ensure proper humidity control.

It is best practice to always inspect the storage areas on a regular basis to make sure the humidity levels are optimal. You can look for any signs of moisture problems, like dampness, mold, or rust. Also, make sure your dehumidifiers and other systems are working correctly, as catching such problems early can save you from bigger moisture related problems later on.

Best Practices for Preserving Military Gear

Tip 1: Clean and dry gear thoroughly before storage to prevent mold and corrosion.

Before packing or storing the gear, especially before long durations of it, make sure it's clean and totally dry. Excess amounts of dirt and moisture can cause mold to grow or metal to rust while in storage especially in humid conditions. This step can help prevent damage and keep your gear in good shape for longer throughout shelf life or storage time.

Tip 2: Use protective coatings or treatments on metal surfaces to prevent rust.

It is best to apply and use some protective coating or targeted treatments on the metal surfaces of the military gear, technical elements, and components. This helps create a barrier that keeps moisture and air away from the metal surface and stops rust from forming, which keeps metal parts working properly and prevents them from breaking down over time.

Tip 3: Store gear in airtight containers or bags to protect against moisture and contaminants.

Using good quality and proper airtight containers can greatly help keep moisture, dust, and other contaminants away that can cause damage. By sealing your items in airtight containers or bags, you're giving them extra protection from the environment and helping them last longer through shelf life and functioning phase.

Tip 4: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to identify and address any issues promptly.

Keeping a proper routine to check on your stored gear regularly and looking for any signs of damage, like rust, mold, or tears can help a lot with proper preservation of gear. If you spot a problem early, you can fix it before it gets worse and causes more extensive damage, as regular check-ups can save you time and money in the long run. 

Our Premium Desiccant Products

Many of our premium desiccant products are applied and efficiently used to help control humidity and preserve military gear and equipment.

1. Silica Gel

Our FDA approved silica gel is the best solution to fight moisture, these small packets absorb excess humidity, protecting your gear from rust, mold, and damage. You can place them in containers or bags with your equipment. Our pillow paks and unit paks are easy to use and can be replaced when they've absorbed their limit in moisture, to provide ongoing protection, especially during long durations of storage and transit, as they can absorb about 40% of their weight in moisture.

2. Oxygen absorbers

OxySorb is great for preserving items in sealed containers, which help remove oxygen, and prevent spoilage and degradation of sensitive items. You can place an oxygen absorber inside the container before sealing it, which is especially useful for equipment parts, and other oxygen-sensitive materials, ensuring they stay viable, and usable for longer as they prevent microorganisms such as fungi in the packaging.

3. Cargo Desiccants

Cargo Dry Pak are powerful moisture absorbers that are specifically designed for large spaces like shipping containers and cargo settings. This USFDA & MIL-D-3464 approved container desiccant can efficiently protect goods during transit and storage by preventing humidity damage, especially during long durations. It is available in two sizes, 500 gm and 1500 gm, and you can simply hang or place the desiccant packs within the cargo area, and they will absorb moisture from the air, keeping your products dry and safe from mold, rust, and other moisture-related issues.

4. Sorbipak

Sorbipaks offer a protective shield against condensation during shipping, preventing moisture damage like mold and rust, especially during sea transport. These non-toxic desiccants are easy to use and safeguard cargo for over 60 days, and with an adhesive sticker and hook for easy use. You can place them inside containers to absorb excess moisture, ensuring your goods arrive in the best quality. Sorbipaks can absorb over 200% of their weight in moisture.

Conclusion

Through this blog, we discussed how important humidity control is for preserving military gear and equipment. You can follow practical tips like using dehumidifiers, storing gear properly, and regularly inspecting storage areas. Our premium desiccant products, like silica gel and Sorbipaks, are effective solutions for moisture control. By using these products, you can protect your gear from damage and ensure it lasts longer. We encourage you to implement these techniques to keep your equipment at its best working. Do visit the Sorbchem India website to learn more about our products and subscribe for more helpful content.