Dessicator (Vaccum )-All Clear, Plastic

Quick Answer: A plastic vacuum desiccator is a transparent moulded container with a sealing lid and a stopcock, used to dry or store samples in dry air under reduced pressure. The all-clear version lets users see the samples and desiccant from every side and removes the risk of glass fragments if it is dropped.

Reduced Pressure Speeds Drying

Pumping the air out of a desiccator lowers the pressure around the samples. Water and residual solvent then evaporate more readily at room temperature, and the vapour is taken up by the drying agent or removed by the pump. That makes a vacuum desiccator quicker than an ordinary one for drying crystals, filter papers and heat-sensitive materials that cannot go into an oven.

The title (spelled Dessicator (Vaccum) in the listing) states only that the unit is all clear and plastic. All-clear desiccators are commonly moulded in polycarbonate, a stiff and transparent plastic, with a gasket in place of the greased flange of a glass desiccator; the exact material, capacity and plate type should be confirmed. Polycarbonate has limits worth knowing: acetone, chlorinated solvents and strong alkalis can craze or cloud it, so solvent-wet samples should be pre-dried before they go inside.

Compared with the borosilicate glass desiccator, the plastic body is lighter and far less likely to break, which suits teaching labs and field stations. Glass remains the choice for warm crucibles and for samples that give off aggressive vapours.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Evacuate gradually and vent slowly through the stopcock; opening it fully at once can blow light powders off the plate.
• Keep the lid gasket clean and free of cracks, and never apply solvents to it.
• Wipe the body with water and mild detergent only; avoid acetone and other solvents that craze clear plastics.
• Do not place hot items inside, and check the rated vacuum limit before using a high-vacuum pump.

Applications

• Drying recrystallised products at room temperature after suction filtration
• Removing air bubbles from casting resins or silicone mixtures before pouring
• Storing moisture-sensitive reagents and electronic components in dry air
• Keeping dried biological or soil samples dry before weighing

Why Choose LabEquip

Teaching laboratories, field stations and pharmacy stores that want vacuum drying without the breakage risk of glass tend to pick a plastic vacuum desiccator. LabEquip includes it among its chemistry lab equipment; capacity and body material can be confirmed on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of drying under vacuum?

Lower pressure lets water and solvents evaporate faster at room temperature, so samples dry without heating. This suits heat-sensitive compounds and gets crystals dry more quickly than an ordinary desiccator.

Which solvents can damage a clear plastic desiccator?

Clear polycarbonate is attacked by acetone, chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane, aromatic solvents and strong alkalis, which can cause crazing or clouding. Pre-dry samples wet with these solvents, or use a glass desiccator for them.

Which vacuum pump should be used?

A water aspirator or a small diaphragm pump is usually enough. Check the rated vacuum of the desiccator before connecting a high-vacuum oil pump, and fit a trap to protect the pump from vapours.

Why must the vacuum be released slowly?

A sudden rush of air through the stopcock can scatter fine powders and tip light containers. Open the stopcock a little at a time until the pressure equalises and the lid lifts freely.

Does the lid need grease?

Plastic vacuum desiccators normally seal with a gasket, so grease is not needed and can soften some gasket materials. Keep the gasket and the sealing rim clean instead.

Can hot samples be placed inside?

No. Warm items can soften plastics and release moisture into the air as they cool. Let samples reach room temperature first, or use a borosilicate glass desiccator for warm crucibles.

Last Updated: September 2026