Molecular Sieve 3A

Product Overview

Molecular Sieve 3A is a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite whose 3 Å effective pore is created by potassium-ion exchange of the parent 4A structure. The reduced pore preferentially admits water (kinetic diameter 2.65 Å) while excluding most hydrocarbon species, making it the selectivity-first desiccant for gas and liquid drying.

Each batch is manufactured at Medaad and tested against a standard certificate of analysis covering water adsorption capacity, bulk density, crush strength, and loss on ignition.

Key Performance Characteristics

The ≥ 22 % water adsorption capacity is maintained across the service life when operated within design conditions. Low equilibrium loading of light hydrocarbons directly reduces co-adsorption losses in natural-gas dehydration trains, and the crystalline structure tolerates a large number of regeneration cycles without significant capacity loss.

Typical Applications

Deep dehydration of natural and associated gas to pipeline specification, ethanol dehydration from ~92 % to > 99.5 % absolute, drying of LPG and refrigerants, and instrument/process air drying in heatless and heated regeneration dryers.

FAQ

What is the difference between 3A and 4A?

3A has a 3 Å pore and preferentially adsorbs water while excluding most hydrocarbons; 4A has a 4 Å pore and additionally adsorbs ammonia, H₂S, and small hydrocarbons. For natural gas and ethanol, 3A avoids co-adsorption of valuable feed components.

What outlet dew point can it achieve?

In a well-designed TSA unit with clean inlet gas and adequate bed depth, 3A consistently achieves outlet water dew points below −70 °C at pipeline conditions, meeting GPA 2140 and most pipeline operator specifications.

How long does it last in service?

Under design conditions — no liquid carryover, operation within temperature limits, correct regeneration — a service life of 3–5 years is typical for industrial gas dehydration.