Zeolite molecular sieve 3A for ethanol dehydration manufacturer

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Zeolite molecular sieve 3A for ethanol dehydration China

Technical Parameter:

Model3A
ColorLight gray
Nominal pore diameter3 angstroms
ShapeSpherePellet
Diameter (mm)1.7-2.5   (8*12 mesh)2.5-5.0   (4*8 mesh)1.6   (1/16 inch)3.2   (1/8 inch)
Size ratio up to grade (%)≥98≥98≥96≥96
Bulk density (g/ml)≥0.65≥0.65≥0.68≥0.68
Wear ratio (%)≤0.10≤0.10≤0.40≤0.40
Crushing strength (N)≥30/piece≥70/piece≥30/piece≥50/piece
Water adsorption (wt%)≥21≥21≥21≥21
Ethylene adsorption (‰)≤3.0≤3.0≤3.0≤3.0
Water content (wt%)≤1.5≤1.5≤1.5≤1.5
Typical Chemical Formula2/3K2O·1/3Na2O·Al2O3·2SiO2·9/2H2O
SiO2 : Al2O3 ≈2
Typical Application1) Drying of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g.   ethylene, propylene, butadien)
2) Cracked Gas Drying
3) Drying of natural gas, if COS   minimization is essential, or a minimum co-adsorption of hydrocarbons is   required.
4) Drying of highly polar   compounds, such as methanol and ethanol
5) Drying of liquid alcohol
6) Static, (non-regenerative)   dehydration of insulating glass units, whether air filled or gas-filled.
7) Drying of CNG.
8) Solvent treatment dehydration   such as pharmaceutical factory, etc

1. What is 3A molecular sieve?

3A Molecular Sieve is a synthetically produced microporous crystalline material, belonging to the zeolite molecular sieves. It is named for its effective pore size of 3 Å (0.3 nm). Its primary component is aluminosilicate, and its pore size is adjusted via potassium ion (K⁺) exchange, making its channels smaller than those of 4A molecular sieve (Na⁺ type). This allows it to selectively adsorb small molecules (such as water) while excluding larger ones.

2. Chemical Composition and Structure of 3A Molecular Sieve

  • Chemical Formula: K₂O·Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·4.5H₂O (Potassium-exchanged Type A zeolite)

  • Crystal Structure: Cubic crystal system with uniform micropores (pore size ≈ 0.3 nm).

  • Cation Type: K⁺ (potassium ions) occupy cation sites in the pores, resulting in a smaller pore size compared to Na⁺ type (4A molecular sieve).

3. Properties of 3A Molecular Sieve

Property                         Parameter/Description
Pore Size                        0.3 nm (3 Å)
Surface Area                  600–800 m²/g
Adsorption Capacity     20–22% by weight (for water)
Thermal Stability            Withstands temperatures up to 600°C
Chemical Stability          Resistant to acids and bases (pH 5–11)
Shape                               Spherical, pelletized, or powdered forms

4. Adsorption Characteristics of 3A Molecular Sieve

– Adsorbable Molecules

  • Water (H₂O) (kinetic diameter ≈ 0.26 nm) – Primary application, deep drying.

  • Ammonia (NH₃) (0.26 nm) – Partial adsorption.

  • Hydrogen (H₂) (0.29 nm) – Minor adsorption.

– Non-Adsorbable Molecules

  • Acetylene (C₂H₂) (0.33 nm) – Near upper limit, very low adsorption.

  • Ethylene (C₂H₄) (0.42 nm) – Completely excluded.

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) (0.33 nm) – Minimal adsorption.

  • Nitrogen (N₂), Oxygen (O₂) (>0.3 nm) – Not adsorbed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           —-Key Point: The core advantage of 3A molecular sieve is its selective adsorption of water while blocking larger molecules (e.g., hydrocarbons, CO₂), making it the preferred material for industrial drying.

5. Major Applications of 3A Molecular Sieve

– Industrial Gas Drying

  • Petroleum cracking gas, natural gas – Removes moisture to prevent pipeline freezing or corrosion.
  • Air separation (O₂/N₂ production) – Pre-treats air to prevent water vapor from freezing and clogging equipment.
  • Refrigerant drying (e.g., R134a) – Improves refrigeration system efficiency.

– Chemical Industry

  • Olefin drying (ethylene, propylene) – Prevents water from deactivating catalysts.
  • Ethanol dehydration – Used in producing anhydrous ethanol (fuel-grade).

– Other Applications

  • Electronics industry – Protects semiconductor manufacturing environments (moisture control).
  • Pharmaceuticals & Food – Used as a desiccant in packaging for hygroscopic materials.

6. Comparison: 3A vs 4A vs 5A Molecular Sieves

Type       Pore Size (Å)          Cation          Primary Applications
3A           3 Å (0.3 nm)           K⁺                 Deep drying (only adsorbs H₂O, NH₃, etc.)
4A           4 Å (0.4 nm)           Na⁺               Adsorbs H₂O, CO₂, N₂, small hydrocarbons
5A           5 Å (0.5 nm)           Ca²⁺              Adsorbs n-alkanes, O₂/N₂ separation
Core Advantage of 3A Molecular Sieve: Specialized for strict drying with large-molecule exclusion, whereas 4A/5A are used for larger-molecule adsorption.

7. Regeneration Methods for 3A Molecular Sieve

  • Thermal Regeneration: Heat at 250–350°C under nitrogen or dry air to desorb water.

  • Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA): Cyclic regeneration via pressure changes.

  • Lifespan: Can be reused hundreds of times but must avoid oil or acidic gas contamination.

8. What should I pay attention to when storing 3A molecular sieve?

  • Seal and moisture-proof: After opening, keep it sealed to prevent moisture exposure.

  • Avoid contamination: Keep away from oils, acidic gases, and organic solvents.

9. What are the packaging specifications for 3A molecular sieve?

Spherical: 1–3 mm, 3–5 mm (for fixed bed adsorption)

Pellet: 1.5 mm, 3 mm (for airflow drying)

Powder: For special applications like coatings and composites.

10. Can 3A molecular sieve be used for household dehumidification?

Yes, but it’s more expensive than alternatives like silica gel or calcium chloride. It’s best for industrial drying, such as instrument moisture protection.

11. What is the temperature limit of 3A molecular sieve?

It can withstand up to 600°C briefly, but for long-term use, keep below 350°C to avoid damage.

12. Is 3A molecular sieve environmentally friendly?

Non-toxic: It contains no heavy metals and meets RoHS standards.

Recyclable: Can be regenerated at high temperatures or disposed of as industrial waste.

Factory Introduction

Molecular Sieve Manufacturer

We Ensure Quality Control

– Strict SOPs implemented by experienced technicians
– Regular sampling and lab testing throughout production
– Retained sample storage for 5 years for traceability
– Final inspection before shipment to ensure compliance with technical standards

SienChem Technology Co., Ltd, founded in 2019, specializes in the production and marketing of molecular sieve, activated molecular sieve powder, and activated alumina for industrial use. Our products serve applications such as gas purification, water treatment, and air separation. Located in Anhui, our factory produces 8,000 tons annually and operates under the ISO 9001 quality management system. We maintain a modern lab and quality control center staffed by 8 engineers and 12 technicians. 

Molecular Sieve Manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Question

Our factory specializes in the manufacturing of molecular sieve products, including:
Molecular Sieve Powder (Activated)
Molecular Sieve Beads and Pellets (3A, 4A, 5A, 13X)
Activated Alumina
These are widely used in gas drying, solvent recovery, air separation, polyurethane systems, coatings, and more.

Our factory has an annual capacity of 8,000 tons of molecular sieve, with advanced dehydration and activation equipment, ensuring consistent quality and large-scale supply for both domestic and international clients.

Yes, we provide OEM, ODM, and private labeling services based on customer needs, including customized packaging, branding, and technical formulation support.

Yes, for every batch we supply a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS), including information on moisture adsorption, particle size,bulk density, and etc.

– Strict SOPs implemented by experienced technicians
– Regular sampling and lab testing throughout production
– Retained sample storage for 5 years for traceability
– Final inspection before shipment to ensure compliance with technical standards
– Third party inspection such as SGS or ClQ is acceptable.

Yes, free samples (500g–1kg) are available for quality testing and formulation trials. Shipping costs may be covered by the customer and refund to next order.

Yes, we are manufacturer. You are very welcome to visit our factory! We encourage customer visits to see our production process, quality control system, and laboratory facilities firsthand. Please contact us in advance to arrange the schedule—we’ll be happy to provide airport pickup, hotel booking assistance, and a full factory tour. We look forward to meeting you in person and building a long-term partnership. 

Our standard payment terms are flexible to meet customer needs. Common options include:
– T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): 30% deposit in advance, 70% balance before shipment
– L/C (Letter of Credit): Available for large or long-term orders
– Negotiable terms: For trusted or repeat customers, we can discuss more favorable terms
– Other options: PayPal, or RMB payments for sample orders or small quantities

Our standard MOQ is 1000 kg for most molecular sieve products. However, for trial orders, samples, or new customers, we can be flexible and accept smaller quantities, such as 450 kg (one pallet). We’re happy to support your testing or initial market development before larger purchases.

Normally regular products are in stock.

– Standard orders: 7–10working days
– Custom orders: 12–15 working days
Delivery time depends on order quantity and packaging requirements.

We offer:
– 15kg/ carton box
-150kg /steel drum
-1000kg/jumbo bag
– Custom packaging available upon request
All packaging is moisture-proof and sealed to maintain product performance.

Yes, our technical team can provide formulation advice, compatibility testing, and usage guidelines to help integrate our molecular sieve powder into your system effectively.

Yes, we offer competitive pricing and volume-based discounts. The final price depends on factors such as order quantity, packaging requirements, and payment terms. For regular or bulk customers, we’re happy to provide special pricing or long-term cooperation discounts.

We take after-sales service seriously and are committed to long-term customer satisfaction. For all molecular sieve products, we provide:
Technical support for product application, usage guidance, and troubleshooting
Follow-up service to ensure product performance meets your expectations
Free replacement or compensation for any confirmed quality issues
Responsive communication, with inquiries replied to within 24 hours
Document support including COA, MSDS, TDS, and RoHS/REACH certifications as needed

Yes. Our molecular sieve powders are non-toxic, odorless, and recyclable after regeneration. They are safe for use in industrial and consumer applications.

You can contact our sales team via email or phone with your specific requirements (grade, quantity, packaging). We will respond with a detailed quotation within 24 hours.

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