molecular sieve 3A
1. Key Properties
Selective Adsorption: Adsorbs only small molecules such as water (H₂O, ~2.6Å diameter) and ammonia (NH₃), while excluding larger molecules (e.g., ethylene, propane).
- High Hygroscopicity: Static water adsorption capacity can reach 20%-25% by weight.
- Thermal Stability: Can withstand high temperatures (regeneration typically at 200-350°C).
- Chemical Inertness: Resistant to acids and alkalis, suitable for various industrial environments.
2. Applications
- Petrochemical Industry:
- Dehydration of hydrocarbons (e.g., ethylene, propylene, natural gas) to prevent pipeline freezing or catalyst poisoning.
- Refrigeration Industry:
- Drying refrigerants (e.g., R134a) to avoid ice formation or corrosion.
- Electronics Industry:
- Moisture protection for electronic components, such as semiconductor packaging.
- Pharmaceutical & Food Industry:
- Desiccant in packaging to ensure product stability.
- Other Uses:
- Ethanol dehydration for fuel-grade ethanol production (azeotrope separation).
3. Comparison with Other Molecular Sieve
Type | Pore Size (Å) | Primary Ion | Applications |
3A | 3 | K⁺ | Small molecule dehydration (H₂O, NH₃) |
4A | 4 | Na⁺ | Adsorption of H₂O, CO₂, SO₂ |
5A | 5 | Ca²⁺ | Separation of n-alkanes, O₂/N₂ separation |
13X | 10 | Na⁺ | Large molecule adsorption (e.g., aromatics) |



