4A Molecular Sieve
Overview
4A Molecular Sieve is a kind of synthetic, with
micropore cubic lattice of alkali metal aluminosilicate salt. It also called
Sodium A molecular sieve, its structure is similar to NaCl. Due to its
effective pore diameter is 0.4nm, so it is called 4A molecular sieve, its space
network structure is staggered by silicon-oxygen tetrahedron (SiO4) and
aluminium-oxygen tetrahedron (AlO4). 4A molecular sieve decides the adsorption
order according to the polarity of different molecules, adsorbs only those with
a molecular diameter of less than 4A. For small polar molecules and unsaturated
molecules, the greater polarity, the higher degree of unsaturation, the
stronger of selective absorption.
In the skeleton of 4A molecular sieve, each oxygen atom
is shared by two adjacent tetrahedrons, these structures formed a large crystal
cave, positive ions and water molecules can be exchanged and reversible
dehydration in the crystal cave. The ion-exchange of 4A molecular sieves is in
crystals which have aluminium ions, each of aluminum ions with a negative
charge, which can be combined with cations such as sodium, calcium and
magnesium. Calcium ions and magnesium ions can replace sodium ions and enter
crystal caves which were occupied by the sodium ions. It shows that sodium ions
can be exchanged by Ca2+, Mg2+ ions in hard water, so 4A molecular sieve can
soften water. 4A molecular sieve also can remove a small amount harmful heavy
metal ions (such as Pb2+, Cd2+, Hg2+) in water, it is very important for
purifying water.
4A molecular sieve adsorbs those substances which
molecular diameter is less than 4A, such as water methanol, ethanol, hydrogen
sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ethane, propylene, ammonia,
doesn’t adsorb molecules which diameter are greater than 4A (include propane),
the selective adsorption performance to water than any other molecules.
4A molecular sieve is nonpoisonous and tasteless, no
irritations to eyes and skin, does not cause allergies. 4A molecular sieve
deposition in the soil after washing will not cause pollution, furthermore can
improve soil, so it is a natural and environment-friendly product.
Yuanying 4A molecular sieve has excellent adsorption
performance, high mechanical strength, large specific surface areas and big
pore volume.
Application
(1) Argon gas making and purifying
(2) Detergent Builder: 4A molecular sieve as a
detergent builder mainly used to exchange of calcium ions in water to soften
water, remove dirt and prevent dirt deposition. 4A molecular sieve substitute
trisodium phosphate as detergent builder is a significant role on solving
environmental pollution. 4A molecular sieve also is used for SOAP plasticizer,
toothpaste abrasive, etc.
(3) Sewage Disposal: 4A molecular sieve as a softening
agent instead of domestic widespread sulfonated coal, thereby reducing costs.
In sewage 4A molecular sieves can remove ammonia nitrogen, Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+,
Cd2+, etc. In addition to ensure water quality qualified, but also can recycle
heavy metal.
(4) Metallurgical Industry separating agent:
separation, extraction of potassium, rubidium and cesium in brine. In the
industry it is used for collection, separation and extraction of metals and
other processes.
(5) Petrochemical industry as catalyst, drying agent,
adsorbent: depth drying gas and liquid such as air, natural gas, LPG, inert gas, hydrocarbons,
saturated hydrocarbons, refrigerant; dehydrating agent for paint, polyester,
dyes and coatings.
(6) For agricultural soil conditioner.
(7) Medicine for silver zeolite antibacterial agent
(8) Static desiccant for household refrigerating
systems, pharmaceutical packaging, automotive air conditioning, electronic
components, easy to wet and deteriorate material, perishable chemicals.
(9) Used in the R-12 and R-22 system, molecules
adsorbed by 3A molecular sieve can all be adsorbed by 4A molecular sieve.
Regeneration:
1. Water desorption: for re-use by purging or
evacuating at temperatures of 200~350°C and pressure of 0.3~0.5kg/cm2
2. Organics desorption: use water vapors replace
organics, then water desorption.
Storage:
On room temperature, relative humidity not more than
90%; not lay bare in the air; keep away from water, acid and soda