Follow
Objective: To set up a procedure for the Regeneration of Silica Gel.
Scope: This SOP is applicable for the Regeneration of Silica Gel, in the Quality Control Department of (Company Name).
Responsibility
1. Responsible Officer / Sr. Officer/Asst. Manager in the laboratory is responsible for carrying out the procedure and maintenance of records.
2. Overall responsibility for training, implementation & follow-up with the Head of QC or His/Her Nominee.
Precautions
1. Do not heat silica gel above 300°C because it will lose its chemically bound water and hygroscopic properties if heated above 300°C.
2. In case of the indicating silica gels, their color indicating dye will be affected above (125°C – 150°C). It is not recommended that indicating silica gel be heated above 120°C and non-indicating silica gel be heated above 300°C.
3. Metal cannot be used in oven, only glass or ceramic with a high melting temperature should be used to hold the gel.
4. Wear protective mask, gloves and goggles during transferring the silica gel.
5. Desiccators should be used during cooling.
Procedure
1. Transfer the total amount of silica gel from working place to heat tolerable glass beaker/ plate or ceramic plate.
2. Put the glass beaker (containing silica gel) in the oven.
3. Set the oven temperature at 105°C for indicating silica gel and 250°C for non-indicating silica gel.
4. Dry the silica gel for about 24 hours.
5. After completion of drying, cool the gel to room temperature. During the cooling of silica gel it shall be placed in desiccators.
6. After completion the regeneration process the silica gels are ready to use.
7. Keep the record for regeneration of indicating silica gel (in the format FQC/601-00) and non-indicating silica gel (in the format FQC/602-00).
8. Regeneration frequency: 15 + 5 days (or as required).
