13X APG Molecular Sieve specifications
| Property | Unit | Grade I | Grade II | Grade III | Test condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | mm | 1.6–2.5 | 1.6–2.5 | 1.6–2.5 | — |
| Static CO₂ adsorption | ml/g | ≥ 8.0 | ≥ 6.8 | ≥ 6.0 | 2.5 mmHg, 25 °C |
| Bulk density | g/ml | 0.63–0.69 | 0.63–0.69 | 0.64–0.68 | Tapped |
| Crush strength | N | ≥ 25 | ≥ 30 | ≥ 30 | Avg. of 25 beads |
| Packing moisture | % wt | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.5 | 575 °C, 1 h |
Where is 13X APG Molecular Sieve used?
13X APG molecular sieve is used in the pre-purification units of cryogenic air separation plants, and in large air dryers where CO₂ must also be removed.
Air separation pre-purification
Main PPU layer for CO₂ and residual water.
VPSA oxygen pre-treatment
Removes water and CO₂ ahead of the oxygen sieve.
Nitrogen and argon plants
Protects cryogenic equipment from freezing.
13X APG Molecular Sieve vs other adsorbents: which do you need?
Choose 13X APG for PPU service: it adsorbs CO₂ at the very low partial pressure of air, with the strength and low dust a large, long-running bed needs.
| Grade | Pore | Adsorbs | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13X | ≈ 10 Å | H₂O + CO₂ together, mercaptans | Gas sweetening, purification |
| 13X APG (this product) | ≈ 10 Å | CO₂ and H₂O, low dust | Air separation pre-purification |
| CaX | X-type | N₂O, trace hydrocarbons | Extra PPU layer |
| Activated alumina | — | Bulk H₂O | Bottom PPU layer |
What is 13X APG Molecular Sieve?
13X APG molecular sieve is a 13X-type zeolite optimised for air pre-purification: high CO₂ capacity at low partial pressure, high crush strength and low dust.
Type
13X-type zeolite, air-purification grade
Adsorbs
CO₂, H₂O, trace hydrocarbons
Grades
I / II / III by CO₂ capacity
How does 13X APG Molecular Sieve work?
Feed air, already dried by an activated alumina layer, passes through the 13X APG bed, which holds CO₂ and the remaining water so the air reaching the cold box cannot freeze.
- Alumina layer removes most water — protects the sieve and cuts regeneration energy.
- 13X APG adsorbs CO₂ — outlet CO₂ stays below about 1 ppm.
- Beds switch on a timed cycle — one adsorbs while the other regenerates.
When should you use 13X APG Molecular Sieve?
Use 13X APG whenever you load or replace the pre-purification unit of an air separation plant, or need CO₂ and water removed from large air flows.
- Outlet CO₂ must stay below about 1 ppm.
- Bed must run long cycles with little dusting.
- Existing PPU charge is losing capacity.
How do you regenerate 13X APG Molecular Sieve?
It is regenerated by thermal swing with heated dry waste nitrogen, typically 150–200 °C, followed by a cooling step.
Temperature
150–200 °C
Purge gas
Dry waste N₂
Bed life
5–8 years
