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Specifications

3A Molecular Sieve is an alkali metal alumino-silicate; it is the potassium form of the type A crystal structure. Type 3A has an effective pore opening of about 3 angstroms (0.3nm). This is large enough to allow in moisture, but excludes molecules such as unsaturated hydrocarbons which can potentially form polymers; and this maximizes lifetime when dehydrating such molecules.
 
Typical Chemical Formula
0.4K2O 0.6Na2O Al2O3 2.OSiO2 4.5H2O
SiO2 : Al2O3 ≈2
 
Technical Parameter

 

Item
Unit
Technical data
Shape
 
Pellet
Sphere
Diameter
mm
1.5-1.7
3.0-3.3
1.7-2.5
3.0-5.0
Size ratio up to grade
%
≥98
≥98
≥98
≥98
Bulk density
g/ml
≥0.65
≥0.65
≥0.70
≥0.70
Wear ratio
%
≤0.20
≤0.25
≤0.10
≤0.10
Crushing strength
N
≥45/cm
≥60/cm
≥30/p
≥70/p
Static water adsorption
%
≥20
≥20
≥20
≥20
Ethylene adsorption
%
≤3.0
≤3.0
≤3.0
≤3.0
Water content, as shipped
%
≤1.5
≤1.5
≤1.5
≤1.5
 
Typical Application
1) Drying of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, propylene, butadien)
2) Cracked Gas Drying
3) Drying of natural gas, if COS minimization is essential, or a minimum co-adsorption of hydrocarbons is required. 
4) Drying of highly polar compounds, such as methanol and ethanol
5) Drying of liquid alcohol
6) Static, (non-regenerative) dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
7) Drying of refrigerants
 
Regeneration
Molecular sieve Type 3A can be regenerated by either heating in the case of thermal swing processes; or by lowering the pressure in the case of pressure swing processes.
To remove moisture from a 3A molecular sieve, a temperature of 200-230°C is required. A properly regenerated molecular sieve can give moisture dew points below -100°C.
The outlet concentrations on a pressure swing process will depend on the gas present, and on the conditions of the process.
 
Size
3A - Zeolites are available in beads of 1-2 mm, (10x18 mesh) 2-3 mm, (8x12 mesh) , 2.5-5 mm, (4x8 mesh) and as powder, and in pellet 1.6", 3.2".
 
Attention
To avoid damp and pre-adsorption of organic before running, or must to be reactivated.