foggy IP camera lens

[joker08]

I have a hikvision IP outdoor camera (link). this is installed outside my house. Initially, I thought it was dirty but then I saw its actually moisture inside the lens.
Took it out, opened it up, cleaned the inside and dried it with a hair dryer. Popped two small silica gel inside, adjusted the o-ring and shut it. Then I put some PVC solvent on the joint to make it a little waterproof. installed it back.
This was today evening around 6, everything was ok.
It's 10 now and I can see that the lens has fogged up again, there was no RAIN. is there a better way to do this? is it possible that the silica gel bags are no good because they have been sitting in a ziplock bag in my cupboard for over a year? Or is it just too early to say?

 

[hilton]

There may have still been some moister in the camera despite your best hair drying efforts. However your attempt to waterproof it may have worked perfectly but resulted in not allowing the water vapour to escape.

Can you leave it open for a few days (inside)?

 

[joker08]

There may have still been some moister in the camera despite your best hair drying efforts. However your attempt to waterproof it may have worked perfectly but resulted in not allowing the water vapour to escape.

Can you leave it open for a few days (inside)?

I can remove it again and this time may be put it in rice for a couple of days.

 

[Stokstert]

Or your silica gel was not dry any more.

Saturated Silica Gel can be reactivated by placing in an oven at 150°C (300 °F) for up to 3 ½ hours or until the blue colour is restored, Note: heating above 162 °C (325 °F) can damage the gel and render it unable to absorb moisture. Gel desiccant can also be reactivated using a microwave oven.

 

[joker08]

Or your silica gel was not dry any more.

Saturated Silica Gel can be reactivated by placing in an oven at 150°C (300 °F) for up to 3 ½ hours or until the blue colour is restored, Note: heating above 162 °C (325 °F) can damage the gel and render it unable to absorb moisture. Gel desiccant can also be reactivated using a microwave oven.

thats the challenge actually. I have those silica gel packets that have white color beads which means they are non indicating ones.
I am drying few other silica gel packets(they are also white) in the oven now. then tomorrow I will take down the camera.