Comparison of effects of different drying technique on lumened devices

Objective To explore the best drying methods for lumened devices with different material. Methods Lumened devices made of metal, glass, silicone, 200 for each kind (100 for open-ended and another 100 for close-ended) were collected. Three methods were used to dry the moist lumened devices, including vacuum drying, high-temperature drying and high pressure gun drying. Then the effects of each method were compared. The temperatures of vacuum drying group were set as 50℃, 60℃ and 70℃, and the durations were 10 min, 20 min and 30 min, respectively. As for the high-temperature drying group, temperature was set at 90℃ for 30 minutes and 70℃ for 30 minutes, and in high pressure gun drying group, drying time was 0.5 minute. Then the weights before and after drying of lumened devices and final drying time were evaluated. Results When using high temperature drying cupboard, one hour was needed to completely dry metal lumened devices, 180 min for glass pressure pipes, and 300 min for silicone lumened devices. While these lumened devices were completely dried in 0.5 min by high pressure gun, and in 50 minutes by vacuum drying method. Conclusion The lumened devices can be dried in a short time with vacuum drying technology which can effectively improve the drying effect. While it needs more time for the lumened devices to be completely dried with high-temperature drying technology, the high pressure gun is suitable for lumened devices with simple structures.