3a Molecular Sieve - Alkali Metal Alumino-silicate Beads (1-2 Mm, 2-3 Mm) | Optimal For Drying Unsaturated Hydrocarbons And Highly Polar Compounds

These 3A Molecular Sieve is an alkali metal alumino-silicate; it is the potassium form of the type A crystal structure. 3A molecular sieve 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
0.45 K2O . 0.55 Na2O . Al2O3 . 2 SiO2 . 4.5H2O
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.
Static, (non-regenerative) dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
Drying of refrigerants
Regeneration
3A Molecular sieve can be regenerated by either heat 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 200-230A C is required. A properly regenerated molecular sieve can give moisture dew points below -100A C.
The outlet concentrations on a pressure swing process will depend on the gas present, and on the conditions of the process.
Size
3A molecular sieve are available in beads of 1-2 mm, (10x18 mesh) 2-3 mm.