Overview of molecular sieve
Molecular sieves are synthetic zeolite materials designed with pores of precise and uniform structure and size. This enables them to preferentially adsorb gases and liquids based on molecular size and polarity. Zeolites molecular sieve are naturally occurring, highly porous crystalline solids that belong to a class of chemicals called aluminosilicates.
Molecular sieves
Specifications of molecular sieve
Property |
Typical Value |
---|---|
Type |
3A, 4A, 5A, 13X, etc. |
Chemical Composition |
Aluminosilicate |
Form |
Beads, pellets, or powders |
Pore Size |
Varies (e.g., 3A: 3 Å, 4A: 4 Å, 5A: 5 Å, 13X: 10 Å) |
Surface Area |
High (e.g., 4A: ~600-800 m²/g) |
Bulk Density |
Varies (e.g., 0.65-0.75 g/cm³) |
Crush Strength |
Varies (e.g., >20 N/bead) |
Moisture Content |
Low (<1.5% wt.) |
Thermal Stability |
High (up to 600°C) |
Regeneration Temperature |
Typically 175-260°C |
Applications of molecular sieve
Molecular sieves are used to dry gases and liquids and separate molecules based on their size and shape. When two molecules are equally small and can enter the pores, the separation is based on the polarity of the molecules (charge separation), with the more polar molecule being preferentially adsorbed.
Types of molecular sieves
There are four main sieve type: molecular sieve 3A, molecular sieve 4A, molecular sieve 5A and molecular sieve 13X. The type depends on the chemical formula of the molecule, and molecular sieves determine the size of the pores.
Molecular sieves work by adsorbing gas or liquid molecules with an effective diameter larger than the pores, except those with larger openings. Molecular sieves of relevance to the art are Type 3A Molecular sieves for insulating glass are called 3A.
The adsorption speed of molecular sieve 3A is fast, the recovery frequency is high, and the oil well damage and pollution and contamination are explained. Drying of 3A molecular sieves in gasoline, polymerization and chemical gas-liquid dry refining petroleum and chemical industries.
Usage Method of molecular sieves
Molecular sieves are used to dehydrate the solvents used in the final stages of dehydration and embedding. Molecular sieves are typically zeolite compounds that strongly adsorb water and have carefully controlled pore sizes.
How do molecular sieves remove water
Molecular sieves are crystalline metal aluminosilicates having a three-dimensional interconnecting network of silica and alumina tetrahedra. Natural water of hydration is removed from this network by heating to produce uniform cavities which selectively adsorb molecules of a specific size.
Company Profile
Luoyang Trunnano Tech Co., Ltd provide different types of molecular sieves. Send us an email or click on the needed products to send an inquiry.
Payment Term:
Credit Card, T/T, Western Union, Paypal etc.
Shipment Term:
By air, by courier, by sea, as customers request.
Storage conditions:
1) Store in a dry environment at room temperature.
2) Avoid damp and high temperature.
3) Use immediately after opening the inner packing bag.
5 FAQs of Molecular Sieve
What are molecular sieves used for?
Molecular sieves are primarily used for drying gases and liquids, removing impurities, and separating molecules based on size and shape. Common applications include air drying, natural gas processing, refrigerant drying, and solvent purification.
How do you regenerate a molecular sieve?
To regenerate a molecular sieve, it needs to be heated under controlled conditions to release the adsorbed substances. The typical regeneration temperature ranges from 175°C to 260°C, depending on the type of sieve and the specific application.
Can molecular sieves be reused?
Yes, molecular sieves can be reused multiple times after proper regeneration. However, their efficiency may decrease over time due to contamination or structural changes caused by repeated heating cycles.
What is the difference between 3A, 4A, and 5A molecular sieves?
The main difference lies in their pore sizes: 3A has pores of 3 Å, 4A has pores of 4 Å, and 5A has pores of 5 Å. This affects which molecules they can adsorb; for example, 3A sieves are ideal for drying unsaturated hydrocarbons without co-adsorbing larger molecules.
How should molecular sieves be stored?
Store molecular sieves in a sealed container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Proper storage helps maintain their effectiveness and extends their usable life.