4A Molecular Sieve, is an alkali alumina silicate. It is the sodium form of the type A crystal structure. It has an effective pore opening of about 4 angstroms(0.4nm). It will adsorb most molecules with a kinetic diameter of less than 4 angstroms and exclude those larger.

Key Features of 4A Molecular Sieve

1. Pore Size:

• 4-angstrom pore size, suitable for adsorbing small molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and small hydrocarbons.

2. High Adsorption Capacity:

• Can adsorb up to 20-22% of its weight in water and other small molecules.

3. Selective Adsorption:

• Adsorbs molecules based on size and polarity, making it ideal for specific separation and drying applications.

4. Thermal Stability:

• Stable at high temperatures (up to 350°C), allowing for regeneration and reuse.

5. Chemical Resistance:

• Resistant to most chemicals, except strong acids and bases.

6. Regenerability:

• Can be regenerated by heating or pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes.

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Applications of 4A Molecular Sieve

1. Drying:

• Used to dry gases and liquids, such as natural gas, refrigerants, solvents, and hydrocarbons.

2. Purification:

• Removes water, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other impurities from gas and liquid streams.

3. Air Separation:

• Used in air drying systems to remove moisture and CO₂.

4. Petrochemical Industry:

• Purifies olefins, paraffins, and other hydrocarbons.

5. Refrigerant Drying:

• Dries refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

6. Insulated Glass Windows:

• Used as a desiccant in double-pane windows to prevent fogging and moisture buildup.

7. Ethanol Dehydration:

• Removes water from ethanol to produce fuel-grade ethanol.

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Advantages of 4A Molecular Sieve

• High Efficiency:

• Effectively removes water and small molecules from gas and liquid streams.

• Selective Adsorption:

• Adsorbs molecules smaller than 4 angstroms while excluding larger ones.

• Regenerability:

• Can be reused multiple times, reducing operational costs.

• Thermal Stability:

• Maintains performance at high temperatures.

• Cost-Effective:

• Provides long service life and low maintenance requirements.

How 4A Molecular Sieve Works

1. Adsorption:

• Molecules smaller than the pore size (e.g., water, CO₂) are adsorbed onto the surface of the sieve.

2. Separation:

• Larger molecules are excluded, allowing for selective separation of gases or liquids.

3. Regeneration:

• Adsorbed molecules are removed by heating (thermal regeneration) or reducing pressure (PSA), restoring the sieve's adsorption capacity.

Comparison with Other Molecular Sieves

Regeneration Methods

1. Thermal Regeneration:

• The sieve is heated to 200-350°C to desorb trapped molecules.

2. Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA):

• The pressure is reduced to release adsorbed gases.

3. Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA):

• A vacuum is applied to regenerate the sieve.

Technical specification