Ag400 silver molecular sieve is a highly efficient degassing material

Ag400 silver molecular sieve is a highly efficient degassing material. In low-temperature vacuum vessels or transfer lines, it performs a function similar to that of palladium oxide—namely, removing hydrogen that slowly outgasses from stainless steel enclosures. Ag400 is a Type X silver molecular sieve capable of removing hydrogen while ensuring that the vessel maintains an ultra-high vacuum environment.

Ag-Zeolite Hydrogen Getter is spherical in form and is pre-activated at the factory prior to use. This hydrogen scavenger is typically placed on the slightly warmer side of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) system. Before initiating the vacuum pumping process, the Ag400 hydrogen-scavenging molecular sieve is introduced through the vacuum pump's exhaust port.

Alternatively, it may be placed inside the vacuum vessel prior to final seal welding. Once the vessel begins to undergo evacuation, the Ag400 immediately commences its hydrogen-scavenging action. Furthermore, it continues to perform this effective and sustained function throughout the operational lifespan of the vacuum equipment.

Should the equipment require major overhaul necessitating the opening of the vacuum vessel, it is recommended that fresh Ag400 be installed before resealing the vessel and resuming vacuum pumping.

Ag400 Zeolite contains active silver ions; the presence of hydrogen leads to a reduction of these ions to their zero-valent state. During this process, the hydrogen—now chemically bonded—becomes embedded within the crystal lattice of the molecular sieve carrier. Additionally, the silver ions catalyze the reaction between hydrogen and any form of oxygen molecules present, resulting in the formation of water.

The primary advantage of utilizing Ag400 lies in its cost-effectiveness, representing merely 6% of the cost of palladium oxide. When substituting Ag400 for palladium oxide, it is recommended to use a quantity weighing five to ten times that of the palladium oxide it replaces. Depending on the specific dosage employed, this substitution can ultimately result in a two- to four-fold reduction in overall costs.