NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. specializes in providing a diverse range of molecular sieves, each engineered with specific pore sizes to cater to a wide array of industrial applications. The pore size of a molecular sieve is its most defining characteristic, determining which molecules it can selectively adsorb or allow to pass through.

Molecular sieves are synthetic zeolites, crystalline aluminosilicates with a highly uniform internal structure. This structure contains millions of tiny pores, or cavities, of precisely controlled dimensions. These pore openings are measured in Angstroms (Å), where 1 Angstrom is equivalent to 0.1 nanometers.

The common types of molecular sieves are classified by their pore size:

  • 3A Molecular Sieves: With a pore size of 3 Angstroms, these are ideal for adsorbing water and excluding molecules larger than 3Å, such as ethane. They are commonly used for the dehydration of unsaturated hydrocarbon streams and polar liquids like methanol and ethanol.
  • 4A Molecular Sieves: These have a pore size of 4 Angstroms and can adsorb molecules up to that diameter, including water, CO2, and SO2, while excluding molecules like propane. They are versatile drying agents used in both polar and nonpolar media.
  • 5A Molecular Sieves: With a larger pore size of 5 Angstroms, these sieves are suitable for adsorbing molecules up to 5Å, such as normal hydrocarbons and alcohols, while excluding iso-compounds. They are widely used in the separation of n-paraffins from branched-chain hydrocarbons.
  • 13X Molecular Sieves: These are characterized by their larger pore size of 10 Angstroms. This larger opening allows them to adsorb a broader range of molecules, including water, carbon dioxide, and aromatics. In the context of oxygen generation, their ability to selectively adsorb nitrogen (kinetic diameter of approximately 3.64Å) while allowing oxygen (kinetic diameter of approximately 3.46Å) to pass through is crucial. The enhanced N2/O2 selectivity of 13X sieves makes them vital for achieving high-purity oxygen in PSA systems.

The precise pore size control is achieved during the manufacturing process, ensuring that each sieve type performs its intended function effectively. For applications requiring high-purity oxygen, understanding the interplay between molecular size and sieve pore diameter is essential. The 13X molecular sieve, with its 10Å pore size, is particularly well-suited for these oxygen generation applications, facilitating the efficient separation of nitrogen.

At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we offer a comprehensive selection of molecular sieves, each meticulously manufactured to meet stringent quality standards. Whether your need is for specific dehydration, gas purification, or high-performance oxygen concentration, selecting the right molecular sieve based on its pore size is a critical first step. We provide detailed specifications to assist our clients in making informed purchasing decisions.