Molecular Sieve – An Introduction
Just like Silica Gel and Activated Alumina, Molecular Sieve is another widely used adsorbent. Molecular Sieve is made up of numerous even-sized pores, which have the same diameter. These pores are designed in such a manner that only small molecules can pass through while the larger molecules will be left behind as they cannot be absorbed. Molecular Sieves mainly find use as desiccants in petroleum and natural gas industries, waste water treatment plants among others. Usually, the diameter of a molecular sieve is measured in terms of angstroms or nanometers. Molecular Sieves are available in different sizes like 3A, 4A, 5A, 10X, 13X and 13X-AS.
Molecular Sieve 5A
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Molecular Sieve 5A adsorbent. This type of Molecular Sieve consists of an alkali alumina silicate carbon manufactured as a Type A crystal structure. As the name suggests, this Molecular Sieve has a pore size of 5A or 5 angstrom. Water molecules having a pore size lesser than 5A like 3A and 4A are automatically adsorbed by this Molecular Sieve while those bigger than 5A are left behind. Materials with diameters larger than 5A include ISO compounds and different types of 4-carbon rings. They are generally not adsorbed by the 5A grade of Molecular Sieve.
Uses of Molecular Sieve 5A
The main use of Molecular Sieve 5A is in the liquid and natural gas industry. Molecular Sieve 5A is employed in the purification and separation of liquids and natural gases. This type of Molecular Sieve is perfect for splitting up normal and isomerous alkanes. It is used in adsorbing water vapour, carbon dioxide and other impurities from gas streams. The pressure swing for these gases can also be adjusted with the help of Molecular Sieve 5A.
Another important utilization of Molecular Sieve 5A is in finding out the correct composition using volume, density, water content, strength and many other chemical compositions.
Benefits of Using Molecular Sieve 5A
There are many benefits of using Molecular Sieve 5A. The first is that it can be regenerated by simply heating up to 200-300 degree Celsius. As it can be regenerated, this Molecular Sieve can be used again and again. This helps in saving money as well as time. Another advantage is that Molecular Sieve 5A is the best sieve for the purification of medical oxygen generator. The latter functions better with the help of Molecular Sieve 5A.
