13X molecular sieve is a sodium silicate crystal material with a core pore size of 9-10 Å, which can selectively adsorb molecules with a diameter less than 10 Å. Based on its unique pore structure and adsorption characteristics, 13X molecular sieve has demonstrated irreplaceable core application value in the following fields:
1. Gas adsorption and separation (dominant application, accounting for 70% of consumption)
1) Air separation for oxygen and nitrogen production
Oxygen production: By selectively adsorbing nitrogen gas (kinetic diameter 3.64 Å), oxygen is enriched with a purity of 90-95%, which is widely used in medical, metallurgical and other fields.
Nitrogen production: Utilizing the difference in oxygen and nitrogen diffusion rates, high-purity nitrogen gas is produced through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology for use in food packaging, chemical protection gas, etc.
2) Carbon dioxide capture
In the flue gas treatment of coal-fired power plants, the CO ₂ adsorption capacity of 13X molecular sieve reaches 1.5-2.0 mmol/g (25 ℃), which contributes to the goal of carbon neutrality.
3) Natural gas dehydration and purification
Reduce the dew point of natural gas to below -60 ℃, while removing hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S) and mercaptan to meet pipeline transportation standards.
4) Refrigerant drying
Used in automotive air conditioning systems to replace traditional refrigerant R134a and improve system energy efficiency.
5) Industrial waste gas treatment
Efficiently adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and xylene to reduce air pollution.
2. Industrial gas drying and purification
1) Purification of raw gas for air separation unit
Simultaneously removing water, carbon dioxide, and some hydrocarbons to ensure stable operation of the air separation equipment.
2) Deep drying
Deeply dehydrate industrial gases such as hydrogen and nitrogen to meet the demand for ultra pure gases in industries such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.
3) Liquid hydrocarbon treatment
Used for drying and desulfurization of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and liquid hydrocarbons to prevent pipeline corrosion.
3. Catalyst carrier
Catalytic reaction support: With its large pore size (9-10 Å), 13X molecular sieve can serve as a carrier for alkylation, isomerization and other reactions, improving catalytic efficiency.
Composite material development: Combining with activated carbon or metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to enhance the selective adsorption ability for specific molecules.
4. Hydrogen energy and carbon neutrality field
1) Hydrogen purification
Adsorb impurities such as methane and carbon dioxide in hydrogen gas to improve the energy efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells.
2) Carbon dioxide capture
Assist carbon intensive industries such as coal-fired power plants and cement plants in achieving CO ₂ emissions reduction, in line with China's 2030 carbon peak target.
5. Special application areas
1) Drying of pharmaceutical and air compression systems
Used for high-precision adsorption of moisture and carbon dioxide, ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical production environment and compressed air.
2) Nanotechnology and Composite Technology
Laboratory stage research aims to enhance adsorption kinetics performance through nanomaterialization or composite enhancement of selectivity with MOFs.
3) Technical parameters support application implementation
Pore size characteristics: Accurate screening of molecules with a pore size of 9-10 Å ensures efficient adsorption of polar molecules such as water, CO ₂, and H ₂ S.
Adsorption capacity: Static water adsorption rate ≥ 25%, static CO ₂ adsorption rate ≥ 15%, meeting industrial grade treatment requirements.
Regeneration performance: It can be recycled through heating (≤ 350 ℃) or depressurization desorption, reducing operating costs.
6. Conclusion
13X molecular sieve, with gas adsorption and separation as its core, has been extended to industrial purification, catalytic carriers, new energy, and environmental protection fields, becoming an indispensable key material in industries such as chemical, energy, and environmental protection. With the development of nanotechnology and composite materials, their application scenarios are expected to further expand.