4A molecular sieve is the sodium form of the type A zeolite crystal, a synthetic alkali metal aluminosilicate. Its nominal 4 angstrom pore opening admits water and other small molecules, among them carbon dioxide, methanol, and ethanol, which makes it the general-purpose type where light co-adsorption is acceptable. mSORB 4A is supplied as spherical beads and as pellets made for repeated adsorption cycles, and a spent bed can typically be regenerated by heating. Chemical Formula: Na₁₂[(AlO₂)₁₂(SiO₂)₁₂]·nH₂O Typical Applications
Sizes mSORB 4A is supplied as beads in 14x30, 4x8, and 8x12 mesh and as pellets, in bulk. Other sizes and forms are quoted on request. Frequently Asked Questions What is 4A molecular sieve? 4A molecular sieve is a synthetic zeolite, also written zeolite 4A: the sodium form of the type A crystal, with a nominal pore opening of 4 angstroms. The number gives the nominal pore size in angstroms and the letter the crystal type. Water and other molecules small enough to enter the pore are held; larger molecules pass by. How does 4A differ from 3A? Both are type A zeolites. 4A is the sodium form and 3A molecular sieve the potassium form, and the potassium ion narrows the pore from a nominal 4 angstroms to 3. So 4A takes in molecules that 3A excludes, among them methanol, ethanol, and carbon dioxide. 4A is typically the general-purpose choice where that co-adsorption is acceptable; 3A is typically specified where the stream itself must stay out of the pores. The family page compares the four standard types. Is 4A molecular sieve a desiccant? Yes. 4A is typically the type used as a general-purpose desiccant: for static drying of enclosed volumes and packaged goods, and for drying gas and liquid streams where the sieve may also take up small co-adsorbates. It holds its capacity at low relative humidity and elevated temperature, which is where molecular sieves are specified over silica gel and activated alumina. Does 4A remove carbon dioxide? 4A takes in carbon dioxide along with water, so in a mixed stream it typically adsorbs both. Where carbon dioxide or another small molecule must stay in the stream, 3A is typically specified instead. Interra Global reviews the service conditions when called on. How is 4A regenerated? Thermally, with a dry purge gas carrying the desorbed water out of the bed, and in some services by pressure swing. The applicable conditions for each grade are given on its product data sheet. |
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