Molecular Sieve type 3A 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 Application
Drying of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, propylene, butadien) Cracked Gas Drying
Drying of natural gas, if COS minimization is essential, or a minimum co-adsorption of hydrocarbons is required.
Drying of highly polar compounds, such as methanol and ethanol Drying of liquid alcohol Static, (non-regenerative) dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
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.
Typical Application
Drying of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, propylene, butadien) Cracked Gas Drying
Drying of natural gas, if COS minimization is essential, or a minimum co-adsorption of hydrocarbons is required.
Drying of highly polar compounds, such as methanol and ethanol Drying of liquid alcohol Static, (non-regenerative) dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
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.