Precautions
The beads release heat by an exothermic reaction when they absorb water. At the rate that water is absorbed from the air, this heat is readily dissipated and no discernible increase in temperature will be detected. However, if liquid water is added directly to dry beads, the rapid release of heat will raise the bead temperature to levels that can be injurious to the seeds and to workers. Thus, Do Not add beads directly to very wet seeds such as cucumber, melons or tomato seeds immediately after washing. Dry the seeds in air first to remove excess water before mixing directly with beads.
Exothermic reaction = generating heat during the absorption of water by the beads
- This temperature can reach 140°C
- This can be used as an advantage:
- No release of water without high temperatures
- Can reach ideal drying temperatures
This can be a risk if:
- used without a proper background or protocol
- when protocols aren’t followed
- System has to be tested and implemented correctly
Rules for safe drying
- Pre-moisturize the beads (do not use completely dry beads but have them pre-moisturized (will happen automatically because after the recuperation, you will always have some water intake and thus pre-moisturizing. In other words do not use beads with water intake higher than 22% on relatively wet seeds).
- Make sure that the seeds are surface dry (easily to check with a paper towel).
