Drying Chems before milling

[Jandabuilders]

Has anyone tried using a de-humidifier set up for storing chemicals during humid months? I see a lot of discussion about drying charcoal and kno3 in an oven. Do yall have some good parameters for doing this? What Temp and how long? Mainly talking about BP ingredients. Im asking because Im getting some clumping after a 2 hr ball mill run. It might have clumped before 2 hours. I have yet to break up and test the comp though. I burned a small chuck and it seemed to burn pretty hot. Sorry if this is a repeat question and if there is a thread in this already, point me to it. Thanks all.

[Arthur]

OK my opinion!

it depends what the weather is like where you live! BUT if you have clumps in the mill then likely it was damp. The problem is that sulphur absorbs little or no water, nitrate absorbs a some and charcoal can absorb lots of water so the odd batch that's a bit off speed probably had some water in the charcoal which messes with the ratios to other ingredients.

 

If you have clumps than the ingredients need drying before weighing.

[Jandabuilders]

Gotcha. I’ll try drying the charcoal and the make another batch. Cook for an hour at 150? It’s commercial air float from sky lighter.

[Arthur]

10 to 25 degrees above ambient should be fine, but yes dry the charcoal.

[snapper]

i rarely see this mentioned but the media and drum also should be dried not just the materials. using materials cooler than ambient temperatures can absorb moisture readily as they warm during milling or putting cool media in warm materials etc

[Ionforbes]

Also try baking copper sulphate crystals on a gas stove until you get a white anhydrous powder. It makes a fantastic and quite cheap desiccant. Keep it in the same container as your BP and when it turns back to blue crystals just bake it again.