13X Molecular Sieve Applications in Cryogenic Air Separation

The Role of 13X Molecular Sieves in Post-Processing

In addition, there is a crucial role that molecular sieves also play in the post-processing stage of cryogenic distillation. After air has been separated into its primary components and purification has been initially performed, molecular sieves are used to clean up any remaining contaminants that may still be found in the product streams. It could be such residual water vapor, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons as were not completely eliminated at the pre-purification step or might have been added during distillation.

Use of 13X Zeolite molecular sieves during post-processing stages is indispensable for high purity levels required in different industrial applications. In this way, they ensure that final product streams meet strict specifications of purity according to customers’ needs through selective adsorption of any residual impurities. For example, production of high purity nitrogen for the electronics industry can employ molecular sieves to remove trace impurities that would otherwise lower its quality hence negatively affect manufacturing processes.

The Role of 13X Molecular Sieves in Cryogenic Distillation

Molecular Sieve Pre-Purification Units

The process of cryogenic distillation mainly consists in using molecular sieves to pre-purify air. The compressed air flows through a molecular sieve bed before entering the main air separation unit, this is aimed at removing impurities which may either hinder the cryogenic process or besmirch product quality.

One of the important functions of molecular sieves at this stage is to remove water vapor and carbon dioxide from compressed air. When not removed, these impurities can freeze and block heat exchangers as well as distillation columns causing process interruptions and reduced effectiveness. Molecular sieves are able to trap water vapor and carbon dioxide with their selective adsorption ability hence providing clean dry air feed for cryogenic distillation.

Molecular sieve pre-purification units have several advantages over classical reversing heat exchangers. However, reversing heat exchangers fall short of effectively eliminating carbon dioxide though they are competent in removing water vapor. Unlike the latter, molecular sieves can remove both water vapor and carbon dioxide simultaneously thus giving a comprehensive purification solution. Secondly, molecular sieves have better adsorption capacity and they operate at higher temperatures than reversing heat exchangers thereby leading to improved energy efficiency together with lower maintenance costs.

Molecular Sieve Applications in Air Separation

For the manufacture of pure products in cryogenic distillation, molecular sieves are very important. Molecular sieves remove substances such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons from the air stream so as to make high purity nitrogen, oxygen and argon.

Molecular sieves also protect downstream equipment in cryogenic distillation. By removing impurities that may harm or impair the performance of heat exchangers, distillation columns and other key components, molecular sieves prolong equipment life and reduce maintenance. In cryogenic applications, this protection is essential because these extremely low temperatures lead to fast wear and tear of equipment due to presence of impurities.