3A MOLSIVTM Adsorbent
DESCRIPTION
CHEMICAL FORMULA
3A MOLSIV Adsorbent is a clay-bound potassium
form of Type A molecular sieve. 3A molecular sieve
will adsorb molecules with critical diameters up to
three angstroms. It adsorbs water and ammonia, but
not larger molecules like ethane.
Mx [(AlO2)x(SiO2)y] • z H2O [M=K, Na]
APPLICATION
3A molecular sieve is recommended for the dehydration of all gas or liquid streams where minimizing
coadsorption of the carrier stream or other impurities
is critical for optimal performance. The selective
adsorption for water makes 3A the preferred product
for drying polar liquids such as ethanol.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
3A molecular sieve is available in spherical or extrudate
form. The diameters for the spheres or “beads” are shown
below. The diameters for the extrudates or “pellets”
are also shown; the length is approximately twice the
diameter.
16x40 beads
Nominal Pore Diameter (angstroms)
3
Particle diameter (mm)
0.7
48
Bulk Density (lbs/ft3)
Heat of Adsorption (Btu/lb H2O)
1800
Crush Strength (lbs)
N/A
Equilibrium H2O Capacity* (wt-%)
21
Moisture content (wt-%)
1
*Measured at 17.5 mm Hg and 25oC.
REGENERATION
3A molecular sieve can be regenerated for re-use by
purging or evacuating at elevated temperatures. The
degree of regeneration is dependent on the temperature and humidity of the purge gas.
SAFETY
AND
HANDLING
See the UOP brochure “Precautions and Safe Practices
for Handling Molecular Sieves in Process Units” or
call your UOP representative.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
3A is shipped in steel drums or Quick-Load bags.
10x20 beads
3
1.4
48
1800
N/A
21
1
1/16” pellets
3
1.6
40
1800
10
21
1
1/8” pellets
3
3.2
40
1800
20
21
1
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information, contact your UOP representative for
information on other 3A-based products specifically
formulated for dehydration of ethylene and other applications:
UOP M.S. S.r.l.
Viale Milanofiori,
Strada 1, Palazzo E1,
I-20090 ASSAGO MI
Milan, Italy.
Telephone:
39-02-892241
Fax:
39-02-5750-0145
E-mail:
[email protected]
© 2005 UOP LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this document should not be construed as a representation
for which UOP assumes legal responsibility, or an authorization or
recommendation to practice a patented invention without a license.
UOP 4270-31A4 0805A0C-A4
UOP LLC
25 East Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60017-5017, U.S.A.
www.uop.com