5A molecular sieve is the calcium form of the type A zeolite crystal, a synthetic aluminosilicate. Calcium exchange opens the type A pore to a nominal 5 angstroms, wide enough to admit normal paraffins from propane up through C22, n-butane among them, while branched-chain (iso) compounds and four-carbon rings are excluded. That selectivity by molecular shape is what sets 5A apart from the other A types. mSORB 5A is supplied as spherical beads made for repeated adsorption cycles, and a spent bed can typically be regenerated by heating.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
- Separating normal paraffins from branched-chain and cyclic hydrocarbons and from aromatics
- Hydrogen purification and inert gas purification, including in pressure swing adsorption units
- Natural gas drying, and removing H₂S, carbon dioxide, and mercaptans from natural gas
- Oxygen purification in PSA units, alongside the JLOX oxygen molecular sieve grades
- Solvent drying
SIZES AND PACKAGING
mSORB 5A is supplied as beads in 4x8 and 8x12 mesh. It ships in 330 lb (150 kg) drums; other sizes, forms, and packaging are quoted on request.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is 5A molecular sieve?
5A molecular sieve is a synthetic zeolite, also written zeolite 5A: the calcium form of the type A crystal, with a nominal pore opening of 5 angstroms. The number gives the nominal pore size in angstroms and the letter the crystal type. Molecules small enough to enter the pore are held; larger ones pass by.
How does 5A differ from 3A and 4A?
All three are type A zeolites. 3A molecular sieve is the potassium form and 4A molecular sieve the sodium form; exchanging calcium into the crystal opens the pore from a nominal 4 angstroms to 5. That takes in straight-chain hydrocarbons the smaller types exclude, while branched and ring compounds still stay out, which is the basis of n-paraffin separation. 13X molecular sieve, built on the type X crystal, opens wider still. The family page compares the four standard types.
Is 5A molecular sieve a desiccant?
Yes. Like the other standard types, 5A adsorbs water and holds it at low relative humidity, and it typically dries gas and solvent streams alongside its separation duty. Where only water should be held and hydrocarbons must stay in the stream, 3A or 4A is typically specified.
Is 5A used in pressure swing adsorption?
Yes. 5A is typically used in pressure swing adsorption units for hydrogen purification and other gas purification, where the bed takes up impurities under pressure and releases them when the pressure drops. Interra Global reviews the service conditions for a given unit when called on.
How is 5A regenerated?
Thermally, with a dry purge gas carrying the desorbed water and hydrocarbons out of the bed, and in pressure swing service by pressure reduction. The applicable conditions are given on the product data sheet.