A sieve is an object with a mesh-like structure that can filter coarse particles from fine particles. Similarly, molecular sieves are porous substances that help filter out components of lesser molecular weight from liquids, gases, and semi-solids. The pores act as traps for smaller components as the liquid or gas is allowed to pass over the molecular sieve. These molecular sieve pores have fixed diameters and are based on the diameter.
Molecular sieves have uniform size and uniform pore diameter. It is available in pelleted, beaded, and powdered forms. This substance is mainly used in various industries to adsorb water, hydrogen, oxygen, and many other polar molecules. It acts as a drying agent by removing the water molecules from the material. Thus, they are referred to as desiccants. The pores trap the molecules through a surface process known as adsorption.
Molecular sieves have a high affinity toward certain molecules. Such targeted molecules are trapped in pores and accumulate there. After some time, a maximum of adsorbates is trapped by the pores; the sieve becomes saturated.
The biggest feature of molecular sieves is that once they are saturated and cannot absorb any more molecules, they can be regenerated and reused. The molecular sieve regeneration process is quite simple and less dangerous. To regenerate the sieve, pass over the same gas or liquid at a pre-calculated pressure and temperature. The adsorbed molecules will leave the pores, and the primary activated state of the sieves is restored. The molecular sieve regeneration requires no additional system or cost involved.
Molecular sieves are available in various grades, namely, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 13X, they are differentiated based on their structure. Molecular sieves have stronger adsorptive forces allowing water/gases to separate. Molecular sieve type 3A adsorbs 19-20%, type 4A could adsorb 20-21%, 5A can adsorb 21-22% and 13X type can adsorb 23-24%.
Major applications of MolCat™ desiccants:
· CO2 adsorption
· Chlorofluorohydrocarbons purification
· CO and N2 removal from H2 rich streams
· SF6 removal
· Ethanol drying and production
· H2S adsorption
· Refrigeration and air conditioning
· Drying refrigerants in air conditioners
· Dehydration of hydrocarbon gas or liquid
· Adsorption of nitrogen from compressed air
Bee Chems aims to provide an uninterrupted supply of quality desiccants around the globe. With a specialized team to research a diverse spectrum of desiccants and adsorbents, they have to lead the way in protecting products from various industries against the harmful effects of moisture and other polar molecules. The company provides easy access to a wide variety of molecular sieves to fulfill customers’ needs in solving complex moisture issues.
They have a vast collection of molecular sieves for all applications. Majorly, they provide molecular sieves of diameters 3A, 4A, 5A, and 13X. Most of these are available in pellets, beaded, and powdered forms. The company promises to deliver high-quality products that surely fulfill the needs of customers.
Bee Chems 