1.

Desiccant Maintenance Procedures

1.1. Checking Desiccant

Figure 1 – Desiccator Location on Sensor Platform

The desiccator is located on the rear portion of the payload dome, as shown in Figure 1. The desiccator contains
desiccant material that absorbs moisture to maintain an acceptable humidity level inside the dome. When the
desiccant reaches its limit of absorption, the desiccant must be changed.
1. Examine the center portion of the desiccant indicator plug (Figure 2). If it is pink or white, the desiccant
must be replaced. Refer to section 2 for replacing the desiccator module.

Figure 2 – Desiccator Indicator Plug

1.2. Replacing Desiccator Module
The desiccator module is easily removed from the Night Navigator Sensor Platform.
1.2.1. Loosen the hex nut on the desiccator (if a round nut is on the desiccator, use a straight edge to loosen
the nut).
1.2.2. Remove the desiccator module from the unit as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Removing Desiccator

1.2.3. Purge the Sensor volume:

1.2.3.1. Using masking tape, cover the desiccator hole, as shown in Figure 4
1.2.3.2. Puncture two small holes in the tape, one the same size as the dry air or inert gas nozzle, the
other can be a pin hole.
1.2.3.3. Run dry air or an inert gas into the sensor volume, for 5 minutes.
1.2.3.4. Turn off the air and remove the tape.

Figure 4 – Dry Air purge Sensor Volume

1.2.4. Immediately place the spare desiccant module into the sensor platform, and tighten the nut.
1.3. Regenerating Desiccant Grains
After normal use, desiccant may be regenerated for reuse. The operation is simple and involves only standard
equipment. The used and exhausted desiccant should be ventilated to remove vapors, if any, and stored in a
convenient container until a sufficient amount is accumulated to justify the work of regeneration.

Figure 5 – Exploded view of the desiccator module

With the desiccator module removed from the sensor platform, remove the end cap with a straight edge. Remove
the metal and paper filter, and remove the desiccant grains from the module.

For regeneration, the desiccant grains may be spread in layers one grain deep and heated in an oven for 1 hour at
210° C or 425° F. The regenerated material should be placed in a glass or metal container and sealed while hot. The
color of the Indicating desiccant may become less distinct on successive regenerations due to the migration of the
indicator into the interior of the grain and sublimation of the indicator.

The temperature at which desiccants are regenerated is crucial in restoring it to original condition. Absorbed
moisture is water of hydration and is chemically bound to the calcium sulfate. Temperatures in the range of 400° -
450° F are required to break these bonds and release absorbed moisture. Lower temperatures, regardless of
heating time, will not regenerate the desiccant unless applied under vacuum (26" Hg, 325° F or 28" Hg, 275° F).
Care should be taken not to overheat desiccants. High temperatures can alter the crystal structure and render the
desiccants permanently inactive.