3A Molecular Sieve is an alkali metal alumino-silicate;it is the potassium form of the type A crystal structure.Type 3A molecular sieve material 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 maximises lifetime when dehydrating such molecules.
Parameters of 3 Angstrom Molecular Sieve
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Model
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3A
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Nominal Pore Diameter
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3 angstroms
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Shape
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Sphere(ball)
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Pellet
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Diameter
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1.7-2.5
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3.0-5.0
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1.6
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3.2
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Size ratio up to grade (%)
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≥98
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≥98
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≥96
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≥96
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Bulk density (g/ml)
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≥0.72
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≥0.70
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≥0.65
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≥0.65
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Wear ratio (%)
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≤0.10
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≤0.10
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≤0.25
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≤0.25
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Crushing strength (N)
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≥30/piece
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≥70/piece
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≥45/piece
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≥60/piece
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|
Static H2O adsorption (%)
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≤3.0
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≤3.0
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≤3.0
|
≤3.0
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|
Ethylene adsorption
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≥21
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≥21
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≥21
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≥21
|
|
Water content (%)
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≤1.0
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≤1.0
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≤1.0
|
≤1.0
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Zeolite 3A Molecular Sieve Applications
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Typical Chemical Formula
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0.45 K2O. 0.55 Na2O. Al2O3 . 2 SiO2. 4.5H2O
SiO2: Al2O3≈2
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Typical Application
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a) Drying of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, propylene, butadiene)
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b) Cracked Gas Drying
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c) Drying of natural gas, if COS minimization is essential, or a minimum co-adsorption of hydrocarbons is required.
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e) Drying of liquid alcohol
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f) Static, (non-regenerative) dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
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g) Drying of CNG.
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