AS ONE SD-3 Automatic Desiccator Cabinet

Overview

The AS ONE SD-3 Automatic Desiccator Cabinet is an ultra-low-power, maintenance-free electrolytic desiccator engineered for precise, long-term moisture control in analytical and quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional desiccators relying on silica gel or refrigerated condensation, the SD-3 employs solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane technology to electrochemically dissociate water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen gases, which are then safely vented from the chamber. This principle eliminates consumables, avoids condensate accumulation, and ensures continuous, drift-free humidity reduction without mechanical components—making it uniquely suited for storing hygroscopic standards, calibration reference materials, pharmaceutical excipients, precision optical components, and moisture-sensitive electronic assemblies. Its compact footprint and passive thermal stability support integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or benchtop workflows where ambient temperature fluctuation remains minimal (±2 °C typical). The cabinet operates exclusively at 3 W—equivalent to a single LED indicator—enabling 24/7 deployment with negligible energy impact across multi-unit installations.

Key Features

• Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane dehumidification system: No desiccant replacement, no condensate drainage, no compressor or fan vibration.
• Ultra-low power draw (3 W): Certified for continuous operation under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab energy management protocols.
• Acoustically silent operation: Zero moving parts ensure compatibility with vibration-sensitive instrumentation (e.g., microbalances, AFM stages, interferometers).
• ABS resin construction: Chemically resistant, non-outgassing housing compliant with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom handling requirements.
• Two-tier adjustable shelf system: 70 mm vertical spacing accommodates standard USP/Ph. Eur. sample vials, Petri dishes, and NIST-traceable reference standards.
• Analog hygrometer/thermometer included: Calibrated for visual verification of chamber conditions; traceable to JIS Z 8703 reference standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SD-3 maintains stable sub-30% RH environments ideal for moisture-critical samples including but not limited to: lithium battery cathode/anode powders (per ASTM D7232), pharmaceutical active ingredients (per USP <671>), certified reference materials (CRMs) per ISO Guide 35, and semiconductor wafers pre-baking. Its SPE-based dehumidification produces no ozone, UV emission, or hydrocarbon off-gassing—meeting IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity requirements and supporting compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 data integrity expectations when paired with external logging systems. While not rated for explosion-proof use, its absence of ignition sources renders it suitable for Class I, Division 2 environments under NFPA 497 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The SD-3 is a standalone analog device with no embedded firmware or digital interface. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, AS ONE recommends pairing the unit with third-party validated temperature/humidity data loggers (e.g., EL-USB-2-LCD, Testo 174H) mounted internally via non-invasive adhesive mounts. Such configurations support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when deployed with qualified validation protocols—including IQ/OQ documentation, sensor calibration certificates (NIST-traceable), and alarm threshold verification reports. The analog hygrometer provides immediate visual confirmation for GLP checkpoint verification during sample retrieval.

Applications

• Long-term storage of hygroscopic analytical standards (e.g., potassium hydrogen phthalate, sodium chloride CRM) per ISO/IEC 17034 requirements.
• Pre-conditioning of filter media and sorbent tubes prior to EPA Method TO-17 analysis.
• Moisture stabilization of X-ray diffraction (XRD) sample holders and crystallography mounts.
• Humidity-controlled staging of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies before conformal coating per IPC-CC-830B.
• Secure interim storage of calibrated pipette tips and volumetric glassware in ISO/IEC 17025 testing labs.

FAQ

Does the SD-3 require desiccant replacement or maintenance?**
No. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane has a rated service life of ≥5 years under continuous operation and requires no consumables, cleaning, or recalibration.
Can the SD-3 achieve humidity below 20% RH?**
Under controlled ambient conditions (≤25 °C, ≤50% RH), the SD-3 typically stabilizes at 20–25% RH. Lower setpoints require supplemental environmental control (e.g., air-conditioned lab space) per JIS Z 8703 test method B.
Is the exhaust gas hazardous?**
The electrolyzed output consists of stoichiometric H₂ and O₂ in trace volumes (<1 mL/min total flow), well below LEL thresholds. Ventilation is recommended per local occupational health codes (e.g., OSHA 1910.1200).
How is temperature stability ensured without active heating/cooling?**
The ABS enclosure provides thermal mass buffering; internal temperature equilibrates to ambient within ±1.5 °C over 4 hours. For applications demanding tighter thermal control, AS ONE offers optional thermal isolation enclosures (Model SD-3-INS).