Molecular Sieve Desiccant is available in
several bead sizes and types in fixed or bulk
quantities. Custom sized orders available.
Molecular sieves are desiccants with differing
properties to those of silica gel. With the
appearance of small opaque pinkish beads,
molecular sieves are synthetically produced,
highly porous crystalline metal-alumino
silicates. They have many internal cavities
that are linked by window openings of precise
diameters. It is these diameters (measured in
Ångstroms) that classify molecular sieves
- 3A, 4A, 5A, and 10A (also known as 13X).
Adsorption occurs only of molecules with
smaller diameters than these cavity openings.
Larger molecules will be excluded from
adsorption. Preferentially adsorbed are
molecules of greater polarity. This makes
molecular sieves ideal for adsorption of water
from air and liquids, as water molecules are
both polar and very small. Molecular sieves
will adsorb water molecules and other
contaminants from liquids and gases down to
very low levels - often just 1 part per million.
Examples of the applications of the differing
molecular sieve grades are
:
Grade 3A. Dries unsaturated
gases and organic liquids (e.g methanol).
Used to remove water from cleaning
fluids in ultrasonic baths.
Grade 4A. Is a general dryer
of liquids, natural gases. Also an excellent
absorber of carbon dioxide.
Grade 10A (13X). Is used in air
pre-purification (due to its high water and carbon
dioxide adsorption capacity) and adsorbs sulphur
compounds ('sweetens'). It will remove
decomposition products following the quenching of
arcing in electrical
products. |
