There are a lot of factors that you have to keep in mind while storing goods. Proper packing does not mean keeping things in boxes or wrapping delicate articles in the paper. It also means taking into consideration the storage environment and climatic factors. Keeping a check on the humidity levels is very important, especially when you want to store things. One such way to check the humidity content in the air is to use a humidity indicator card.
Why is it important to check the humidity levels?
When it comes to packaging perishable and non-perishable goods, the humidity levels and atmospheric conditions play an essential role. One must make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that the particular item/product is packed correctly. Various factors, like the
- properties/components of the product, the handling care, etc., are considered while choosing the packaging materials. Some of them are listed below-
- The environmental conditions of the storage area
- The properties of the particular item in question
- The duration of transportation
- The overall atmosphere and area where the particular product is going
What is a humidity indicator card?
A humidity indicator card or HIC is a specially designed card that helps check the humidity levels of a particular room, area, or package. Different colors allow you to understand the approximate humidity levels. They do not remove or eliminate moisture from the air.
Types of humidity indicator cards
The packaging needs and environment vary depending on the product and its components. For example, perishable goods like foodstuff or medicines should be packed in an airtight container to prevent spoilage. Similarly, while packing electronic goods, you have to ensure that all care is taken since they are fragile. On the other hand, some chemicals should not come in contact with certain elements in the air.
The humidity indicator card helps you maintain the balance while packing to take the right care. There are close to five different types of humidity indicator cards in the market that can be used for personal and professional use. They are as follows.
- The first type is used for packing any dry material like electronics or semiconductor items.
- The second type is similar to the first, but the configuration and halogen levels differ.
- The third type of humidity indicator card is an eco-friendly version.
- The fourth type is used for applications like radar, night vision, or military equipment
- The fifth one is meant for electronic packaging.
How do humidity card indicators work?
As mentioned above, humidity cards are rectangular strips that have different colored dots on them. These cards have special moisture-sensitive chemicals that change colors when they come in touch with humidity. The different color indicators inform you about moisture content in the air-
- Blue indicates a dry atmosphere or no humidity.
- Lavender indicates a normal atmosphere.
- Pink indicates humidity in the air.
Different applications of humidity indicator cards
They come in handy for items like testing equipment, circuits, and other such electric equipment and electronics components.
- Automotive parts and automobiles
- Glass and other such fragile products
- Metallic or fabricated items
- Crates, pallets, furniture, and other such wooden articles/items
- Packed and food products
- Highly sensitive commodities and Agri products like pulses, rice, coffee, tea, etc.
- Bulk minerals, chemicals, etc
- Bulk drugs, pharmaceuticals, and API
- You can use these cards at home for items like cupboards, the shoe rack, stored quilts, beddings, or even electronic items.
Benefits of humidity indicator cards
As mentioned earlier, humidity indicator cards are used for a variety of reasons. The benefits of these cards are as follows-
- Humidity indicator cards are highly efficient and help to point out the humidity levels.
- It is an economical option and solution to preserve your goods.
- You can use these cards both for commercial and personal use.
- These cards are reversible.
- Help to maintain and keep a proper storage environment
- These cards also help to prevent damage to sensitive items like military devices, semiconductors, etc.
The shelf life of humidity indicator cards
With maximum humidity indicator cards, the shelf life once open is not more than six months. If sealed, they can last for up to a year.
Reversible humidity indicator cards are very similar to thermometers. The color changes or fluctuates depending on the environment. The spots change periodically depending on the exposure and the environment.
A final note
Humidity indicator cards come in handy in many ways and help preserve the goods correctly. These cards are designed to show you the approximate value of humidity levels in the air in the form of a percentage. These cards are not just used for commercial purposes but can also be used at home. To ensure that they last in the right way, you have to store them in a cool environment with no contact with the air.
Also Read: TOP 5 USEFUL CHEMICALS AND THEIR MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS IN INDIA
