The desiccant works in an enclosed area. So if inside the welder, close the door all the way. Best option is in a zip-lock or plastic shopping bag. Squeeze all the air out and seal the bag.

Also, most retail shopping stores (Walmart does), sell, I think it's called Ultra Perl cat litter (the silica bead kind of cat litter, no clay or other mix). Put a very small amount in the plastic bag before dropping the wire in. You should be good for a very long time.

OR just weld more