Typical Properties of Zeolite Molecular Sieves

Type Cation Formula of typical Unit Window Nominal Common Bulk Heat of Eq. H2O Applications
cell Dia., nm form Density Adsorption capacity
, kg/m3 (max), , wt-%
KJ/kg H2O
3A K+ K12 ( AlO2 )12 ( SiO2 )12  Obstructed 0.3 Powder 560 4187 26 Preferred
8-ring Pellets molecular sieve
1.6mm 640 21 adsorbent for the
3.2mm 640 21 commercial
Beads dehydration of
8 X 12 710 21 HC streams such
4X8 710 21 as cracked gas,
propylene,
butadiene, and
acetylene. Also
used for drying
liquids MeOH and
EtOH
4A Na+ Na12 ( AlO2 )12 ( SiO2 )12  Obstructed 0.4 Powder 510 4187 27 Preferred
8-ring Pellets molecular sieve
1.6mm 710 22 adsorbent for
3.2mm 710 22 static
Beads dehydration in a
8 X 12 710 22 closed gas or
4X8 710 22 liquid system.
Mesh Commercially
14 X 30 710 22 used for drying
of saturated HC
streams
5A Ca++ Ca5 Na2 ( AlO2 )12 ( SiO2 )12  Free 8-ring 0.5 Powder 510 4187 26 Separates n-
Pellets paraffiins from
1.6mm 710 21.5 branched chain
3.2mm 710 21.5 and cyclic HC’s
through
selective
adsorption
10X Ca++ Ca43 ( AlO2 ) 86 ( SiO2 )106  12-ring 0.8 Powder 480 4187 36 Aromatic HC
(obstructed) Pellets separation
1.6mm 580 28
3.2mm 580 28
13X Na+ Na86 ( AlO2 ) 86 ( SiO2 )106  12-ring 1 Powder 480 4187 30 General gas
free Pellets drying, air plant
1.6mm 640 26 feed purification
3.2mm 640 26 (simultaneous
Beads removal of H2O
8 X 12 640 26 and CO2), and
4X8 640 26 liquid HC and
natural gas
sweetening
(H2S and
mercaptan
removal)