Humidity control and powder storage

[TradLife406]

Was wondering why I see such big changes between different lots of powder. Especially since a lot of the time I can only afford a 1lb bottle at a time.

Was watching Litz talk about using Boveda packets to make sure the powder maintains a constant humidity level. Which makes a lot of sense as a cigar enthusiast. Also being in Montana it's pretty dry.

Anyone done any testing with this? Sure explains the differences between lot to lot more. Obviously I'm sure there's a little difference between lots. But I'm sure the humidity level is probably a bigger part of it.

 

[Wrench]

I haven't....but with the accuracy of the fx120i, I might put some powder in a pill bottle and weigh it and do so again at different humidity levels to see if it makes a measurable difference in weight.....just for funsies.

 

[Caseknife]

I would think that in dryer climates like Montana, that it wouldn't vary much if you store at a relatively constant temperature. That said, what was the humidity level where the powder was produced and packaged? I always try to store in a relatively stable environment where it is not subjected to extreme temp swings and therefore humidity swings.

 

[Castle Rock]

Do you store it in an open bucket or something?

 

[RWT]

Since I am in the 70-90% humidity range most of the year I moved all my powder into an old ice chest with a silica packet that turn red once over 50% to eliminate as many temp/humidity swings as possible.

 

[TradLife406]

Do you store it in an open bucket or something?

No.
Litz and these other guys were doing this with just normal 8lb jugs.

Yeah I was wondering about that. I'd say where the powder comes from is probably more humid than where I'm at.

I figure Boveda packets are cheap enough it'd be interesting to see.