Molecular Sieve 13X
Sodium-X zeolite with a 10 Å pore and the highest capacity of the family — the air-separation pre-purification sieve that strips water and CO₂ before the cold box.
Overview
Type 13X is a sodium X zeolite with a pore opening of about 10 ångströms — large enough to admit everything the A-type sieves adsorb, plus aromatics and branched hydrocarbons. Its crystal structure also carries the highest water and CO₂ capacity of the commercial sieves, which is why it is the standard adsorbent in air-separation pre-purification units (PPUs).
In an ASU, the 13X bed sits behind an activated-alumina guard layer that takes the bulk of the water load; the 13X then polishes water to sub-ppm levels and removes CO₂ that would otherwise freeze in the cold box. The same co-adsorption makes 13X the sweetening sieve for natural gas and LPG, and a deep-drying medium for aromatics and solvents.
Applications
- Air-separation pre-purification (PPU / APG) — H₂O + CO₂ removal
- Natural-gas and LNG-feed sweetening — H₂S and mercaptan removal
- LPG drying and sweetening
- Aromatics and solvent deep drying (benzene, toluene streams)
- General deep dehydration of bulky hydrocarbon streams
- PSA oxygen units (nitrogen-selective layers)
Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Sphere 1.6–2.5 mm | Sphere 3.0–5.0 mm | Pellet 1.6 / 3.2 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | — | Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · (2.8±0.2)SiO₂ · (6–7)H₂O | Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · (2.8±0.2)SiO₂ · (6–7)H₂O | Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · (2.8±0.2)SiO₂ · (6–7)H₂O |
| Bulk density | g/ml | ≥ 0.64 | ≥ 0.64 | ≥ 0.62 |
| Crush strength | N/piece | ≥ 35 | ≥ 85 | ≥ 40 / ≥ 65 |
| Static water adsorption (25 °C, 60% RH) | wt% | ≥ 26.0 | ≥ 26.0 | ≥ 25.5 |
| CO₂ adsorption capacity | wt% | ≥ 18.0 | ≥ 18.0 | ≥ 17.5 |
| Attrition loss | wt% | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Package moisture | wt% | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.5 |
| Regeneration | °C | 200–310 (do not exceed 450) | 200–310 (do not exceed 450) | 200–310 (do not exceed 450) |
Typical values for orientation. The grade-specific datasheet governs any quotation — request it with your inquiry.
Packing, documents & delivery
Packing
25 kg bags, steel drums or bulk bags — the format is confirmed in the quotation and matched to your unloading and storage.
Documents
Datasheet before order, batch COA with shipment, packing list and commercial invoice with every consignment.
Delivery terms
Prices are quoted EXW Zibo. Ocean freight is calculated for your order and destination port at the time of quotation.
Frequently asked
Why is there an activated alumina layer in front of 13X?
The alumina guard bed removes the bulk of the water cheaply and protects the 13X from liquid-water slugs and heavy contamination, so the 13X bed can be sized on its CO₂ duty. Plants that run 13X alone usually see shorter effective life. We supply both layers.
What CO₂ capacity should I size on?
Our APG grade is specified at ≥ 18.0 wt% static CO₂ adsorption. Working capacity in a real PPU is lower and depends on cycle time, temperature and inlet CO₂ — share your PPU cycle data and we will check the loading against your current bed.
How hot can 13X be regenerated?
Regenerate at 200–310 °C under dry purge gas. Do not exceed 450 °C: above that the X crystal lattice degrades permanently and capacity does not come back.
Technical articles
- Molecular Sieve 13X for Cryogenic Air Separation Pre-Purification: How CO2, H2O, and C2+ Hydrocarbons Are Removed Before the Cold Box
- 13X vs 5A Molecular Sieve for Medical Air Drying: Dew Point, CO2 Control, and Safe Bed Design
- Molecular Sieve 13x CO2 Capture Flue Gas PSA Vs Chemical Absorption TCO
Request a quotation
To confirm the right grade, it helps to send: plant type and air/gas flow, inlet CO₂ and water content, cycle time, vessel dimensions and the bed layering in use today.
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