A 13X molecular sieve is a type of synthetic zeolite with a pore size of approximately 10 angstroms (1.0 nm), making it larger than 3A, 4A, and 5A molecular sieves. Due to its high adsorption capacity and broad selectivity, it is widely used for removing moisture, CO₂, H₂S, and other contaminants from gas and liquid streams. It is commonly used in air separation, natural gas purification, and industrial drying applications.

Technical Data:

1. Production Process

Step 1: Raw Material Preparation

• The key raw materials include silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃), which are mixed with an alkaline solution to form a gel.

Step 2: Zeolite Crystallization

• The mixture is subjected to controlled heating to allow the formation of zeolite X crystals (which have a faujasite structure).
• Zeolite 13X is a sodium form of zeolite X, meaning it has Na⁺ ions in its framework.

Step 3: Filtration & Washing

• The crystalline material is filtered and washed to remove any unreacted impurities.

Step 4: Drying & Activation

• The material is dried at high temperatures (450–600°C) to remove moisture and enhance its adsorption properties.

Step 5: Shaping & Packaging

• The molecular sieve is shaped into beads, pellets, or powders, depending on its intended application.
• It is packed in airtight containers to prevent premature moisture absorption.

2. Storage Precautions

Proper storage is essential to maintain the adsorption efficiency of 13X molecular sieves:

• Store in Sealed Containers – Exposure to air can cause premature moisture adsorption.
• Keep in a Dry Environment – Prevents loss of adsorption capacity.
• Avoid Direct Contact with Water – Can cause degradation and reduce efficiency.
• Handle with Care – Prevent mechanical damage to maintain optimal performance.

3. Applications of 13X Molecular Sieve

1. Air Separation & Purification

• Used in Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) units to remove CO₂ and moisture from air.
• Essential in oxygen production by adsorbing nitrogen and other impurities.

2. Natural Gas & Petrochemical Processing

• Removes H₂S, CO₂, mercaptans, and moisture from natural gas to meet pipeline quality standards.
• Used in LNG and LPG purification.

3. Industrial Drying

• Dehydrates industrial gases like nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and argon.
• Used in solvent dehydration and oil refining processes.

4. Environmental & Energy Applications

• Used in air filtration systems to remove CO₂ and moisture.
• Applied in biogas upgrading to remove contaminants before conversion into usable energy.

5. Medical & Pharmaceutical Industry

• Used in oxygen concentrators for medical applications.
• Maintains a dry environment for pharmaceutical products and chemicals.