Hi Frank,
My understanding of the chemical raction of the scrubber material will produce water and heat as a byproduct of the absorbtion of the co2. I believe that what you are describing is just normal operation of the unit, and that the condensation on top of the scrubber is normal, as is the damp sponge material on the bottom of the can. I also believe that encompassing the scrubber whith an hydrophobic material wil not stop what you are concerned with. The material will only come into play should you allow flooding into the can and protect the scrubber from getting soaked and therefore diminishing its ability to perform.
Gabe
