Molecular sieve adsorbents are crystalline alumino-silicates, known as zeolites which having a three dimensional interconnecting network of silica and alumina tetrahedra. Their unique structure allows the natural water of crystallization to be removed, leaving a porous crystalline structure. These pores or “cages” have a high affinity to re-adsorb water or other polar molecules of a specific size which is aided by strong ionic forces due to the presence of cations such as sodium, calcium and potassium and by the absolutely enormous internal surface area, molecular sieves will adsorb a considerable amount of water or other fluids. Highly electropositive cations, like sodium, potassium and calcium present in their structure, increase the polarity of these sieves. Further they have a very high surface area, a much required criteria for high adsorption. These molecular sieves are being used to separate even traces of polar impurities in gases or liquids. The size of the pores, match the selective polar molecules adsorbed. The other molecules of different sizes pass through the bed without being trapped.
The synthetic zeolites normally have two structures namely the Type – A and the Type – X for commercial application. Between the two types of Structures, a wide variety of zeolites with selective adsorption pores can be prepared. Usually the molecular sieves are offered in three different forms, namely the Beads, Pellets and Powder. Beads offer a larger surface Area compared to Pellets.
SINOCATA offers molecular sieve adsorbent products targeted at the natural gas, refining, petrochemical, air drying markets and other industrial application. SINOCATA 3A, 4A, 5A, 13X molecular sieves are commonly used for applications such as drying gases and liquids; cleaning technical gases, petrochemical and natural gases, hydrogen and oxygen production. Also SINOCATA offer specialty molecular sieves for your unique applications. About the form and sizes, A 4×8 mesh size of zeolite molecular sieve is normally used in gas phase applications, while the 8 x12 mesh size is common in liquid phase applications. The powder forms of the 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X sieves are suitable for specialized applications. If the fluid to be adsorbed is a polar compound, it can be adsorbed with high loading, even at very low concentrations of the fluid. Molecular sieves will therefore remove many gas or liquid impurities to very low levels (ppm or less).
Why Use Zeolite Molecular Sieves?
- Zeolite based adsorbents offering high adsorption capacity of water at low partial pressures.
- Separation of compounds of similar polarity.
- Selective adsorption or separation based on molecular size.
- Drying of polar compounds.
Where To Use Zeolite Molecular Sieves!
- Natural Gas
- Industrial Gas
- Ethanol
- Petrochemicals
- Refining
- Medical Oxygen
- Coatings, Sealants & Adhesives
- Drying Applications
Application
3A Molecular Sieve is a synthetic zeolite. The pore size is 3 Ångstroms in diameter and has undergone an ion exchange, replacing a sodium (Na) ion with a potassium (K) ion to offer a smaller pore size. The main component of 3A molecular sieve is alumino-silicate that forms potassium aperture with 3A, and it is a molecular sieve of potassium A with A-type crystal structure. 3A molecular sieve has adsorption capacity of the sieve element with critical diameter of 3A. It can be used as an industrial desiccant in chemical, pharmaceutical, oil refining and insulating glass. Molecular Sieve Type 3A is the most selective type of Molecular Sieve and is commonly used in olefin crackers to dehydrate the feed stream before the cryogenic separation of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). The wide ranges of the applications for 3A Molecular Sieve includes: dehydration of natural gas, ethanol, oil, jet fuel, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylene, propylene, butadiene, and acetylene.
Chemical Formula: 2/3K2O*1/3Na2O* Al2O3*2SiO2*9/2H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/ Al2O3≈2
3A Type Molecular Sieves for Different Applications:
3A Molecular Sieve for Refrigerant
3A Molecular Sieve For Ethanol
3A Molecular Sieve For Ethylene
3A Molecular Sieve for Insulating Glass
3A Molecular Sieve for Gas Stream Dehydration
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.65-0.75 | 0.65-0.75 | 0.65-0.75 | 0.60-0.70 | 0.60-0.70 |
| Attrition | % | 0.25-0.50 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.25-0.50 |
| Crush strength | N | 50-60 | 60-100 | 130-160 | 30-40 | 40-50 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 19-21 | 19-21 | 19-21 | 19-21 | 19-21 |
| Dynamic H2O adsorption | % | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Static ethylene adsorption | mg/g | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| CO2 adsorption | % | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Dehydration of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, propylene, butadiene).
- Dehydration of highly polar compounds, such as methanol and ethanol.
- Air drying in Insulating glass.
- Refrigerant drying.
- Drying Cracked Gas
- Natural Gas Drying
The main component of 4A molecular sieve is alumino-silicate that forms potassium aperture with 4A and it is a molecular sieve of sodium A with A-type crystal structure. 4A molecular sieve has adsorption capacity of the sieve element with critical diameter of 4A. It can be used as a desiccant in natural gas and various chemical gases and liquids, refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, electronic materials and volatile substances. Molecular Sieve Type 4A is capable of adsorbing the same compounds as type 3A, and is commonly used for the dehydration of gases. The key applications for 4A Molecular Sieve includes: removal of water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and mercaptans with a low molecular weight from natural gas and the deep dehydration of gases and liquids such as air, carbon dioxide, natural gas, hydrogen, oxygen, refrigerants, and solvents.
Chemical Formula: Na2O* Al2O3*2SiO2*9/2H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/ Al2O3≈2
4A Type Molecular Sieves for Different Applications:
4A Molecular Sieve Standard
4A Molecular Sieve for Refrigerant
4A Molecular Sieve Powder for Painting and Coatings
4A Molecular Sieve for Natural Gas LNG
4A Molecular Sieve for Dehydration
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.65-0.68 | 0.65-0.68 | 0.65-0.68 | 0.60-0.66 | 0.60-0.66 |
| Attrition | % | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 |
| Crush strength | N | 30-35 | 60-80 | 110-140 | 30-40 | 50-80 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 20-22 | 20-22 | 20-22 | 20-22 | 20-22 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Deep drying of air, natural gas, alkane and refrigerant
- Generation and purification of argon
- Static dehydration of electronic element, pharmaceutical and unstable materials
- Desiccant for paint, dope and foul etc
- Drying and removing of CO2 from natural gas, LPG, air, inert and atmospheric gases, etc.
- Removal of hydrocarbons, ammonia and methanol from gas streams
- Special types are used in the air break units of buses, trucks and locomotives.
- Packed in small bags, it may be used simply as a packaging desiccant.
The main component of 5A molecular sieve is alumino-silicate that forms potassium aperture with 5A and it is a molecular sieve of calcium autunite A with A-type crystal structure. 5A molecular sieve has adsorption capacity of the sieve element with critical diameter of 5A. It can be used for drying and purification of gas and liquid in oil, gas oxygen industry, ammonia decomposition industry and other industries. Molecular Sieve Type 5A is capable of adsorbing the same compounds as types 4A and 3A, and is commonly used as a dehydrator and purifier for Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and ammonia cracked gas. The key applications for 5A Molecular Sieve includes: the adsorption of water, carbon dioxide, ethylene, and propylene from feed gas in air purification units and the separation of air, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen from mixed gas streams.
Chemical Formula: 3/4Ca2O*1/4Na2O*Al2O3*2SiO2*9/2H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/ Al2O3≈2
5A Type Molecular Sieves for Different Applications:
5A Molecular Sieve for Air Separation and Petroleum Dehydration Purification
5A Molecular Sieve for Air and LPG Purification Liquid Petroleum Gas
5A Molecular Sieve for Plastics
5A Molecular Sieve for Pressure Swing Adsorption Hydrogen
5A Molecular Sieve for Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
5A Molecular Sieve for Pressure Swing Adsorption for Oxygen PSA O2
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.62-0.66 | 0.62-0.66 | 0.62-0.66 | 0.60-0.64 | 0.60-0.64 |
| Attrition | % | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.40-0.60 |
| Crush strength | N | 25-30 | 50-60 | 90-120 | 20-22 | 35-40 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Used as a drying for Natural gas, desulfurization and removal of CO2.
- Adsorption of trace moisture from Hydrogen and oxygen as well as organic compounds deeply.
- Separation of O2-N2 and N2-H2 and produce oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, Oxygen/hydrogen PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) process.
- Normal paraffin separating process.
- Removal of the residual ammonia and water in hydrogen and nitrogen protection gas after the ammonia decomposition and PSA enrichment oxygen.
The main component of 13X molecular sieve is aluminosilicate that forms potassium aperture with 10A and it is a molecular sieve of sodium X with X-type crystal structure. 13X molecular sieve has adsorption capacity of sieve element with the critical diameter greater than 10A. It can be used as an excellent desiccant in gas, chemical and air separation. Molecular Sieve Type 13X is capable of adsorbing the same compounds as types 5A, 4A, and 3A and is commonly used for air generation in the Medical Oxygen industry and air compressor systems, utilization as a catalyst carrier, and co-adsorption of CO2, H2O, and H2S for gas dryers and purifiers.
Chemical Formula: Na2O*Al2O3*(2.8±0.2)SiO2*(6-7)H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/ Al2O3≈2.6-3.0
13X Type Molecular Sieves for Different Applications:
13X Molecular Sieve for Air Separation
13X Molecular Sieve for Oxygen Generation
13X Molecular Sieve for Air Separation
13X Molecular Sieve for Rich Oxygen O2
13X Molecular Sieve for Paint and Coatings
13X Molecular Sieve for CO2 Adsorption
13X Molecular Sieve for Air Separation
13X Molecular Sieve for Feed Gas Purification
13X Molecular Sieve for Air Separation LPG LNG
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.59-0.64 | 0.59-0.64 | 0.59-0.64 | 0.56-0.61 | 0.56-0.61 |
| Attrition | % | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.2-0.6 |
| Crush strength | N | 20-30 | 65-85 | 100-130 | 20-30 | 35-45 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 24-26 | 24-26 | 24-26 | 24-26 | 24-26 |
| Static CO2 adsorption | % | 16.5-18.5 | 16.5-18.5 | 16.5-18.5 | 15.5-18.5 | 15.5-18.5 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Used for Drying and purification of industrial gases or catalyst carrier;
- Used for gas purification for raw material in Air separation unit;
- Desulfurization for liquid hydrocarbon and natural petroleum gas (removing hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans);
- 13X type can adsorb all types of molecular sieve that has adsorption capacity from 3A, 4A and 5A.
The main component of 13X APG molecular sieve for special air separation is aluminosilicate that forms potassium aperture with 10A and it is a molecular sieve of sodium X with X-type crystal structure. It has adsorption capacity of the sieve element with critical diameter greater than 10A. It can be used as an industrial desiccant in general gas or liquid.
Chemical Formula: Na2O*Al2O3*（2.8±0.2）SiO2*（6-7）H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/ Al2O3≈2.6-3.0
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.59-0.64 | 0.59-0.64 | 0.59-0.64 | 0.56-0.61 | 0.56-0.61 |
| Attrition | % | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.5 | 0.2-0.6 |
| Crush strength | N | 20-30 | 65-85 | 100-130 | 20-30 | 35-45 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 25.0-26.5 | 25.0-26.5 | 25.0-26.5 | 25.0-26.5 | 25.0-26.5 |
| Static CO2 adsorption | % | 18-20 | 18-20 | 18-20 | 17-19 | 17-19 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Used for gas purification for raw material in Air separation unit
- 13X type can adsorb all types of molecular sieve that has adsorption capacity from 3A, 4A and 5A
- Adsorption of molecules with the larger critical diameter such as certain aromatic hydrocarbons and branched chain hydrocarbons
- Adsorption of H2O and CO1 deeply as well as some hydrocarbons
3A EPG Molecular sieve has an cryogenic separation effect in the ethylene plant and can do selective adsorption to the water and debris in the raw material gas. Special molecular sieve for ethylene can also realize deep dehydration and drying to a variety of gas and liquid at a lower temperature.
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 2-3 | 4-6 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | kg/m3 | 700 | 685 | 670 | 660 |
| Attrition | % | 1.3 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| Crush strength | N | 60 | 130 | 40 | 90 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 21.5 | 21 | 22 | 21.5 |
| Dynamic ethylene adsorption | mg/g | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| CO2 adsorption | % | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Ethylene molecular sieves only adsorb water and trace amounts of hydrocarbons.
- Molecular sieves does not adsorb hydrocarbon molecules to avoid internal coking complete.
The main component of 5A molecular sieve is alumino-silicate that forms potassium aperture with 5A and it is a molecular sieve of calcium autunite A with A-type crystal structure. 5A molecular sieve has adsorption capacity of the sieve element with critical diameter of 5A. It can be used for drying and purification of gas and liquid in oil, gas oxygen industry, ammonia decomposition industry and other industries.
Chemical Formula: 3/4Ca2O*1/4Na2O*Al2O3*2SiO2*9/2H2O
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/Al2O3≈2
| Item | Unit | Bead (8 × 12 mesh, 4 × 8 mesh) | Pallet (1/16”, 1/8”) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 | 5-8 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.66-0.75 | 0.62-0.66 | 0.62-0.66 | 0.60-0.64 | 0.60-0.64 |
| Attrition | % | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Crush strength | N | 25-30 | 50-60 | 90-120 | 20-22 | 35-40 |
| Static CO2 adsorption | % | 17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Used as a drying for Natural gas, desulfurization and removal of CO2.
- Adsorption of trace moisture from Hydrogen and oxygen as well as organic compounds deeply.
- Separation of O2-N2 and N2-H2 and produce oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen.
- Oil dewaxing and separation of normal positive paraffin from branched hydrocarbons and cyclic hydrocarbons
- Removal of the residual ammonia and water in hydrogen and nitrogen protection gas after the ammonia decomposition and PSA enrichment oxygen.
Oxygen-rich molecular sieve has high a separation performance of oxygen and nitrogen and sufficient oxygen production rate. Its unique production technology makes the molecular sieve bear excellent adsorption and desorption properties. It is suitable for oxygen production unit with pressure-swing and adsorption from large, medium and small size in order to implement the separation of oxygen and nitrogen and produce enriched oxygen in industrial and medical.
Chemical Formula: 4/5CaO* 1/5Na2O*Al2O3*2SiO2
Silica-Alumina ratio: SiO2/Al2O3≈2
| Item | Unit | Beads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 0.6-0.9 | 1.6-2.5 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.74±0.02 | 0.72±0.02 |
| Attrition | % | 0.3-0.6 | 0.3-0.5 |
| Crush strength | N | 8 | 30 |
| Static H2O adsorption | mg/g | 265 | 265 |
| Nitrogen adsorption | ml/g | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Nitrogen-oxygen separation ratio | ml N2 / ml O2 | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Oxygen production capacity | NL/kg·h | 20 | 20 |
| Oxygen concentration | % | 95±2 | 95±2 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- It can be used for hydrogen production system through the adsorption under the swing of pressure in PSA or carbon monoxide production system or separation system in petrochemical enterprises
- The efficiency of special PSA • VSP oxygen-rich is increased by 30-50% comparing with the traditional molecular sieve
- PSA adsorbs and produces oxygen through increase the pressure of adsorption and swing of adsorption in normal pressure
- VSP is used to produce oxygen by adsorption in swing of pressure from the low pressure
- It can used for regeneration in oxygen-enriched adsorption device without heat or low heat, so that the oxygen in the air can be turned into oxygen-rich gas and other harmful substances can be removed
It is mainly used for refining ethanol and adsorbing methanol from ethanol and moisture. It can also be used as drying agents in freeze, pharmaceuticals, electronic materials and volatile substances and realize the conversion of hydrogen. It can also remove the odor and debris from the ethanol effectively and increase the yield and purity for ethanol further.
| Item | Unit | Beads |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 3-5 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.65-0.68 |
| Attrition | % | 0.2-0.6 |
| Crush strength | N | 40-50 |
| Static methanol adsorption | % | 14-15 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 21 |
| Dynamic H2O adsorption | % | 20 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 |
Application
- It is mainly used for refining ethanol and adsorbing methanol from ethanol.
- It is mainly used for refining ethanol and adsorbing methanol from moisture.
Special molecular sieve for Alcohol is mainly used for alcohol purification. The main function is to adsorb debris and moisture in the alcohol. It can change the odor of alcohol effectively and improve the purity of the alcohol. The product concentration can reaches 99.5-99.9 percent as an ethanol after cooling.
| Item | Unit | Beads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6-2.5 | 3-5 |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.67-0.72 | 0.67-0.72 |
| Attrition | % | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Crush strength | N | 50 | 85 |
| Static H2O adsorption | % | 21 | 21 |
| Dynamic H2O adsorption | % | 20 | 20 |
| Packaging moisture | % | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Application
- Dehydrated alcohol and various solvents.
- N2·H2 mixed gas drying.
- Drying for Alkenes substance.