Jar of water in a box, how would You prevent condensation?

In summary, to prevent water condensation from occurring inside a medium sized box with a jar of cold water, one can use a mini de-humidifier, coat surfaces with a hydrophobic substance, or use a thermal insulation layer. The effectiveness will depend on the specific application and whether the box has a lot of airflow.
  • #1
diesel47
3
0
I'm not sure if this is the right section... But

Assume you have a medium sized box (about as big as a large desktop computer) inside a room.

And inside the box there is a jar of water that is significantly colder than the outside temperature.


How would you prevent water condensation from occurring inside the box?


Rules (the ones I can think of so far..):
- You cannot lower the rooms temperature to match the water.
- The solution should be semi-reasonable.

I have a few Ideas but I'll like to see if anybody else can come up with them first. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Water condensation from the air in the box, at the jar?
  • Insulate the jar
  • Use dry air inside the box to lower the dew point below the jar temperature
  • Heat the outside of the jar

All three methods get used in real applications.
 
  • #3
The jar...

I've got a better example though, assume you have a cardboard box, with a tube running through it horizontally. The tube is carrying sub-ambient water through it and you don't want water to condensate on the tube (or anywhere for that matter) so that the box will became wet. Even a little bit of moisture is failure, any ideas?Judging from what you said, would a mini de-humidifier inside the box work? What if the air on the outside of the box is still humid? The box isn't airtight. Would that have an effect?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
The three options are still my answer, and which one is best will depend on the specific application.

Judging from what you said, would a mini de-humidifier inside the box work? What if the air on the outside of the box is still humid? Would that have an effect?
If the box is not air tight, it can have an effect.
 
  • #5
What do you mean exactly by insulate the jar / tube?

Would plastic or something work?

Edit: What do you think about the box having a lot of airflow? Would that have any effect on the condensation?
 
  • #6
1. Cap the jar to prevent ongoing evaporation, then put a pack of silica gel in the box to dry the air.

2. Coat all surfaces inside the box with a strongly hydrophobic substance such as a silicon polymer anti-fog windscreen treatment.

This hypothetical question has too many arbitrary degrees of freedom.
 
  • #7
diesel47 said:
What do you mean exactly by insulate the jar / tube?

Would plastic or something work?
Some thermal insulation layer around the tube. Polystyrene foam ("Styrofoam") or whatever you have available.

Edit: What do you think about the box having a lot of airflow? Would that have any effect on the condensation?
If it is dry air, sure. Otherwise, it depends on the setup.
 

1. How does condensation occur in a jar of water inside a box?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cool surface. In this case, the warm air inside the box cools down when it comes into contact with the cold jar, causing the moisture in the air to turn into water droplets on the surface of the jar.

2. Why is it important to prevent condensation in this scenario?

Preventing condensation is important because it can lead to water damage and mold growth. If the water droplets continuously form on the jar and are not removed, they can drip onto other items inside the box and cause them to become damp or even grow mold. This can also create a musty smell and potentially damage the contents of the box.

3. What are some ways to prevent condensation in a jar of water inside a box?

One way to prevent condensation is by using a desiccant, such as silica gel, inside the box. These substances absorb moisture from the air and help keep the inside of the box dry. Another option is to wrap the jar in a towel or cloth to insulate it from the cold surface of the box. Additionally, placing the jar in a sealed plastic bag can create a barrier between the warm, moist air and the cold jar.

4. How can temperature affect the occurrence of condensation in this situation?

Temperature plays a crucial role in the occurrence of condensation. The larger the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the box, the more likely condensation will form. If the box is stored in a humid environment, the temperature difference between the inside and outside may be greater, increasing the chances of condensation. Therefore, it is important to keep the box in a cool, dry place to minimize the temperature difference.

5. Can condensation be prevented completely in this scenario?

While there are ways to minimize the occurrence of condensation, it may be challenging to prevent it completely. Factors such as humidity levels, temperature, and the amount of water in the jar can all affect the likelihood of condensation forming. However, by implementing preventative measures, such as using desiccants and insulating the jar, the chances of condensation can be significantly reduced.

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