Molecular Sieve for Refrigerant

3 Å molecular sieve desiccant for refrigeration and air-conditioning filter-driers, drying R-134a and special refrigerants such as butane.

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Category: Molecular Sieve

Refrigerant Molecular Sieve specifications

Property	Unit	Value	Test condition
Pore size	Å	3	—
Shape / size	mm	Bead 1.6–2.5 / 3.0–5.0	—
Static H₂O adsorption	% wt	≥ 21.5	RH 75%, 25 °C
Bulk density	g/ml	≥ 0.70	Tapped
Crush strength	N	≥ 35 / ≥ 100	Avg. of 25 beads (1.6–2.5 / 3.0–5.0 mm)
Loss on attrition	% wt	≤ 0.20	—
Loss on ignition	% wt	≤ 1.5	550 °C, 1 h

Typical values. Each lot ships with a COA.

Where is Refrigerant Molecular Sieve used?

Refrigerant molecular sieve is used as the desiccant in filter-driers of refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other refrigeration circuits.

Household refrigerators & freezers

Dries R-134a and R-600a (isobutane) circuits.

Air conditioners

Removes moisture from residential and commercial AC systems.

Industrial refrigeration

Filter-drier cores for chillers and cold-storage systems.

Special refrigerants

Dehydration of hydrocarbon refrigerants such as butane.

Refrigerant Molecular Sieve vs other adsorbents: which do you need?

Choose a 3 Å refrigerant-grade sieve so water is removed without adsorbing the refrigerant itself; activated alumina is often blended in when acid removal is also needed.

Adsorbent	Adsorbs	Role in filter-drier
Refrigerant sieve (this product)	H₂O only	Main desiccant
4A molecular sieve	H₂O and some small molecules	Older or less demanding systems
Activated alumina	H₂O, acids	Blended for acid control

What is Refrigerant Molecular Sieve?

Refrigerant molecular sieve is a 3 Å aluminosilicate desiccant whose pores admit water but exclude refrigerant molecules, so it dries the circuit without co-adsorbing refrigerant.

Type

3A-type aluminosilicate

Adsorbs

H₂O

Excludes

R-134a, R-600a and other refrigerants

How does Refrigerant Molecular Sieve work?

Moisture in the circulating refrigerant is trapped in the 3 Å pores as it passes the filter-drier, which prevents ice at the expansion device and acid formation in the circuit.

Refrigerant flows through the filter-drier — beads are packed or bonded into the core.
Water is adsorbed in the pores — refrigerant and oil pass through.
Circuit stays dry — less freezing, corrosion and oil breakdown.

When should you use Refrigerant Molecular Sieve?

Use it in any sealed refrigeration or AC circuit where moisture must be kept very low and the desiccant must not adsorb the refrigerant.

Filter-drier manufacturers needing consistent bead size and low dust.
Circuits charged with R-134a, R-600a or other refrigerants compatible with 3 Å sieves.
Replacement driers for service and repair.