Zeolite 13X Is Ideal for Nitrogen and Oxygen Separation

The process of nitrogen and oxygen separation is not as simple as one might think. The number of applications we get from gas separation cannot be underestimated; they are huge. One of the most important elements used in this process is zeolite 13X.

There are several variants of zeolite 13X and we will look at what are the key properties of zeolite 13X that make it ideal for separating oxygen and nitrogen, and the challenges one would expect to see. If this interests you, then please stick around.

Zeolite 13X

Zeolites are crystalline structures, usually composed of aluminum, silicon and oxygen, that form a network of cavities and channels that allow water molecules and other elements to exist within them. Because of their properties, they are better known as molecular sieves. A large number of zeolites are naturally occurring and are used in many applications around the world, especially at the industrial level.

At the same time, thanks to technological advances, zeolites can now be manufactured synthetically, which has further increased their use across the board. Today, more than 191 zeolites exist and are widely used. These include zeolite 13x.

Why use 13x molecular sieves

Zeolites 13X have higher adsorption rates than most other options on the market. Their high porosity allows them to absorb large amounts of nitrogen, which allows oxygen and other components to be easily trapped.

Zeolite 13X can effectively separate different gases due to its high surface area. When combined with its high porosity, you have a very powerful nitrogen and oxygen separator.

Zeolite 13X is capable of working under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature without decomposing or releasing other compounds that could contaminate the process. When you consider that most oxygen is used in hospitals, the need for clean air is very important.

How do 13x molecular sieves adsorb

The efficiency of a molecular sieve depends on many factors as well as the materials and chemicals used in the process. But this step-by-step process is no different than most other processes used to separate oxygen and nitrogen.

There are about four types of molecular sieves and they include 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X. The process involves the controlled addition of elements such as potassium ions, sodium and calcium, which help to exchange with the molecules and thus adjust the size of the pores. The adsorption process then begins to absorb the gases that can pass through the pores, leaving behind the gases with larger molecules. Since oxygen and nitrogen gases have different gas molecules, the larger ones stay behind and the smaller ones are adsorbed. 

Applications of molecular sieves like these are used in our daily lives in ways that many people don't even realize. They are used in the manufacture of glass windows, steel production, medical oxygen, fuel ethanol, air conditioning, etc.

Separation of oxygen and nitrogen is always in high demand, and manufacturers working in this area are increasingly using zeolite 13x. For more information on how this process works, please see our website. If you need to purchase zeolite, please contact us.