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Molecular Sieve for n-Paraffin Separation
Core Adsorbent supplies 5A molecular sieve for separating normal paraffins from branched and cyclic hydrocarbons by molecular size.
5A
Separation grade
5 Å
Admits linear paraffins only
15–35 days
Delivery time
1 t
MOQ per grade
01 Overview
How does 5A molecular sieve separate normal paraffins?
5A molecular sieve has a 5 Å pore that admits straight-chain (normal) paraffins and excludes branched and cyclic hydrocarbons. This shape selectivity is used to recover normal paraffins for detergents and solvents and to raise the octane of isomerate by removing low-octane normal paraffins.
| Main grade | 5A Molecular Sieve |
| Admits | Normal (linear) paraffins |
| Excludes | Branched and cyclic hydrocarbons |
| Uses | n-Paraffin recovery, isomerisation |
| Support | Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball |
02 Challenges
What decides separation performance?
Shape-selective separation depends on pore size and bead quality.
Purity of the extract
Branched molecules must stay out of the pores.
Diffusion rate
Slow diffusion lengthens cycles and lowers throughput.
Coke and contaminants
Heavy aromatics and olefins foul the sieve over time.
Mechanical wear
Frequent cycling wears weak beads.
03 Solutions
Recommended grades for separation service
01
n-Paraffin recovery
Typical requirement: recover linear paraffins for detergents
- 5A Molecular Sieve — shape-selective adsorption
02
Isomerate upgrading
Typical requirement: remove low-octane normal paraffins
- 5A Molecular Sieve — recycles normal paraffins to the reactor
03
Feed pretreatment
Typical requirement: protect the separation bed
- 13X Molecular Sieve — removes larger polar contaminants
- Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball — support and hold-down
04 Selection guide
Paraffin separation adsorbent selection
Full specifications are on each product page.
| Product | Use | Key figure |
|---|---|---|
| 5A Molecular Sieve | n-Paraffin adsorption | 5 Å pore |
| 13X Molecular Sieve | Contaminant guard | ≈ 10 Å pore |
| Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball | Support and hold-down | 17–99 % Al₂O₃ |
05 Key properties
5A data for separation units
5 Å
Admits linear paraffins
≥ 22.0 %
Static water adsorption
Ca-A
Calcium-exchanged A framework
COA
Lot test report with every shipment
Product data from our specifications. Full data: 5A Molecular Sieve.
06 From our plant
What you receive
The adsorbent, the packing and the plant it ships from.
Photos are replaced with real product, packing and plant images as they become available.
07 Support
Customisation and engineering support
- Process review — send feed composition and cycle; we propose bead size and form.
- Grade matching — send the data sheet of the adsorbent you use now; we propose an equivalent grade.
- Complete bed supply — main adsorbent, guard layer and ceramic balls in one shipment, under one COA system.
- Packing — steel drums or jumbo bags, sealed against moisture; samples from 5–10 kg.
08 Related solutions
More refining and petrochemicals solutions
09 Recommended products
Products for n-paraffin separation
10 FAQ
Molecular Sieve for n-Paraffin Separation FAQ
Can’t find your answer? Ask our sales engineer.
Why does 5A separate n-paraffins?
Its 5 Å pore admits straight chains and excludes branched and cyclic molecules.
Can 5A also be used in PSA hydrogen?
Yes, 5A Molecular Sieve is a main layer in PSA hydrogen units.
Do you supply pellets?
Ask us for the forms available for your unit.
How is the bed regenerated?
By desorbent or pressure/temperature swing depending on the process licence.