MSD Storage - Dry Environment

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Good morning everyone, I'd really appreciate your input o... - Jul 02, 2009 by Daxman

You can purchase tanks of nitrogen or generate it yourself. ... - Jul 02, 2009 by davef

Cabinets that utilize nitrogen or desiccator units are avail... - Jul 15, 2009 by rwyman

Hey Dax. I bought a Dr. Storage dry with Nitrogen Generator ... - Jul 15, 2009 by Thermo Omega Tech

Hi, it is not necessary to store MSDs in nitrogen to stop th... - Jul 17, 2009 by Graham

We have used some sealed steel cabinets and a nitrogen gener... - Jul 20, 2009 by jdumont

Daxman

#59178

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 2 July, 2009

Good morning everyone,

I'd really appreciate your input on some of the best ways to create a dry environment for MSD storage. Line down-time is considerable when we have to pull of and reload 20 reels of MSD parts at the beginning and end of each shift.

We used nitrogen at a place I used to work but I don't know how it was stored/generated, or the cost of buying or producing it. Are there any other methods? What are you currently using?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

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davef

#59185

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 2 July, 2009

You can purchase tanks of nitrogen or generate it yourself. While you're waiting for others to reply, search the fine SMTnet Archives to find threads like: http://dev.smtnet.com/Forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=23102

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rwyman

#59301

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 15 July, 2009

Cabinets that utilize nitrogen or desiccator units are available that will accomodate the feeder so the parts don't need to be removed. Simply put the feeders into the cabinet at nite and remove them in the morning. Dr. Storage is one. A Google search will give you others to choose from.

We have 2 large nitrogen tanks on-site (in addition to dry boxes they supply ovens, ESS chambers, etc) but nitrogen costs $$ whether you buy it or make it. We're currently in n2-reduction mode and I'm in the process of replacing our n2 dry storage boxes with desiccating cabinets.

The desiccating cabinets plug into the wall and have 2 desiccant supplies that cycle through the cabinet. While one is keeping the parts dry, the other is drying itself out. All automatic. They are also available in varying Rh% levels, with PC interfaces, alarms, etc... and the response time after the cabinet is opened is better than n2.

Another, lower-cost option would be to only load a shifts-worth of parts onto the feeder. You have more reel changes but you don't have to worry about storing the feeders each nite nor the expense of the cabinet(s).

Good luck.

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Thermo Omega Tech

#59302

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 15 July, 2009

Hey Dax. I bought a Dr. Storage dry with Nitrogen Generator for my components. It worked out great. Haven’t really had any serious problems it just took a few hours to get the humidity I wanted it at. I bought it from Manncorp. I think they normally sell SMT but they also supply dry boxes.

Well Good Luck

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Graham

#59313

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 17 July, 2009

Hi, it is not necessary to store MSDs in nitrogen to stop them absorbing moisture, just a dry environment. Nitrogen storage is good for storing devices for many years as it reduces the oxidation of the solderable surfaces. Best option for storing MSDs is to put them in a dry atmosphere. A company called Totech make dry cabinets that can maintain ultra low humidity. They will even dry 'damp' devices due to the efficient operation of the dry unit. If you google Totech you should find a contact in your area. They are market leaders in cabinets for storing MSDs. Thanks

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jdumont

#59336

MSD Storage - Dry Environment | 20 July, 2009

We have used some sealed steel cabinets and a nitrogen generator (Balston 75-79 model) for about a dozen years with no issues at all. Humidity levels average 1% - 5%. We also just bought a couple of XDry (Totech) desiccant cabinets (XD2-1104-02) for bare PCBs and those are working out very well also. Cabinets are more $$$ upfront but will save you in energy over time.

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