To: Steve Quinn
         Heurikon Corp
     
     Hi Steve,
     
     I am a Material Engineer with ERG Limited in Perth, Western Australia. 
     My responsiblities are semiconductors, crystals, LCD displays, RF 
     products and power supplies.
     
     We have been creating a shelf life policy within our company and have 
     also discovered the problem with the humidity sensitive devices. We 
     initially thought of using the Moisture Barrier Bags (MBBs) but this 
     would require continual opening and sealing of the bags (pain!!!!!). 
     The most economical and time saving solution I have found is using 
     either a Desiccant Cabinet or Mechanically Refrigerated Forced Draught 
     Low Humidity Chamber. 
     
     The first option involves purchasing a Desiccator Cabinet, which does 
     not use air circulation, but uses desiccant in a bottom shelf to 
     provide the necessary RH. This is a low capital option, with a 1 cubic 
     metre cabinet costing about $4000 AUD. However, you will need to dry 
     or replace the desiccant at regular intervals. 
     
     The second option will require no maintenance as the Low Humidity 
     Chamber uses dry forced air to provide the RH environment. The cost is 
     a little more expensive with a 1 cubic metre unit costing $10,000.00 
     AUD. 
     
     The process in handling these devices becomes:
     
     -  Store in stock inside the Moisture Barrier Bags that the 
     manufacturer supplies them in. This gives them a shelf life of 12 
     months from sealed date.
     
     -  Once the MBB has been opened, move the ICs to the Humidity / 
     Desicannt cabinet for storage until production use. The environment of 
     the cabinet should be monitored by either digital indication of RH or 
     Humidity Indicator Cards.
      
     -  Return all unused ICs to the Humidity / Desiccant Chamber until 
     need.
     
     If this is monitored properly, the ICs should stay within their ideal 
     storage condition.
     
     If you have any questions about this, let me know. My email address is 
     [log in to unmask]
     
     
     Michael Waller.
     ERG Limited.