Heating Water

The absorption of water by the drying beads is an exothermic reaction; this means that energy will be released when the beads absorb water, resulting in a heating effect caused by the water absorption. The easiest way to demonstrate this is to spray water over completely dry beads and measure the temperature in the bead sample. During previous tests we have recorded a temperature of more than 160˚C resulting solely from adding water to dry beads. Care should be taken, therefore, not bring dry beads into direct contact with liquid water without preparation for the consequent heating.

In this case we will go one step further and demonstrate the possible use of the drying beads for heating water without any external heat source. We will take a 1 liter sample of very dry beads and add water in a slow but constant manner. Embedded within these beads we will have a small vessel of water that will be heated due to the heat generated by the beads.

The uses of this phenomenon can be multiple, from heating water for coffee or tea for campers up to heating devices for extra cold areas. Beads could be used in relief packages or to heat food in areas hit by disasters. It could comfort travelers and so much more.