FPS have announced the launch of Thomar Air Dry and Multi Dry de-humidifiers to CCA product portfolio. Based in Hamburg, Thomar is a manufacturer of a number of dehumidifier products. Thomar is the leader in a number of markets selling in excess of 100,000 units per annum into 6 European countries.

Air Dry and Multi Dry absorb excessive moisture from the air therefore preventing the formation of mould, mildew, mustiness and rust. The moisture accumulates in the activated pellets inside the bag and is prevented from dripping out. The 1kg bags can absorb up to 600g of moisture and remain effective over an area of 35m3 for 2-4 months.

As they can be reactivated, both products are particularly economical as well as ecologically sound. Multi Dry can be put in an oven at 175°C and regenerated within 4 – 5 hours. Air Dry can be placed on top of a radiator and dried over several days. Both products are sealed tightly in foil within their outer packaging. There is no sell-by date as long as the packaging remains undamaged.

The products are activated and start working as soon as they are taken out their foil wrapping.

 Air Dry has been especially developed for use in the car:
• Its shape and colour is different to Multi Dry
• The lower side is made of an elastomer to prevent it from slipping

Air Dry comes in 2 varieties:
• Air Dry 1 kg bag is the standard product
• Air Dry Twin Pack consists of 2 bags divided into 3 sections of 300 g each that can be cut and separated. This makes it even more practical and economical. One bag can be in use while the other is being regenerated

Multi Dry can be used for a number of Household and Leisure applications:

Winter
• Motor caravans/campers
• Boats & Yachts
• Motorbikes & Bicycles
• Garden Furniture

Moisture Protection
• Electrical Equipment & Tools
• Shoes & Clothing
• Books & Documents
• Toys
• Foodstuffs

Drying Assistance
• Shoes
• Coats & Umbrellas
• Riding Saddles & Blankets

Mould Control
• Walls & Wallpaper
• Furnishings
Mildew Prevention

• Furniture
• Curtains
• Carpets

There are a number of dehumidifiers on the market in the UK. These are mainly salt-drip systems which work basically in the same manner: A plastic tray carries a sieve or grid in which a bag containing salt is placed. The salt in the bag attacks moisture from the air, and this saline solution then drips into the vessel below.

This method has a number of disadvantages:
• Aggressive salt-water solution can cause damage
• Some products are even marked as irritants
• Not safe for use when in reach of children
• Cannot be used in moving vehicles because of danger of tipping over
• Absorption rate is usually small, due to small packages
• Must be replaced entirely or partly (re-fill) after use

The only other re-usable product in the UK working in a similar way to Air Dry and Multi Dry is Pingi. This is a small household product that can be regenerated in a microwave. It comes in 3 sizes;
Size Absorption capacity:
150 g 60 ml
250 g 100 ml
450 g 180 ml
Nb. The absorption capacity of Air Dry and Multi Dry is 600 ml.