Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-06-05 Origin: Site
Recently, CHEMXIN received an urgent inquiry from a customer facing a common but critical challenge:
trace amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) in their hydrogen production process were significantly reducing the activity and lifetime of downstream catalysts.
To address this issue, CHEMXIN recommends an efficient and proven solution — 13X molecular sieve。
Why Choose 13X Molecular Sieve?
In hydrogen purification systems, the feed gas is typically a multi-component mixture, including hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH₄).
Based on adsorption thermodynamics, the affinity of 13X molecular sieve for these gases follows the order:
CO₂ > CO > CH₄ ≈ H₂
Hydrogen, being a small and weakly polar molecule, is barely adsorbed and can easily pass through the adsorbent bed as the product gas.
In contrast, CO molecules interact strongly with the cations (such as Na⁺) in the 13X framework, allowing them to be effectively captured and removed.
Compared with 5A molecular sieve, 13X offers a larger pore size (~10 Å) and higher adsorption capacity. This makes it particularly suitable for handling complex gas mixtures and ensures stable hydrogen purity even in the presence of CO₂.
PSA Process Overview
The PSA process is a dynamic pressure cycling system rather than simple filtration.
During the adsorption phase, the hydrogen stream enters the adsorption tower filled with CHEMXIN 13X molecular sieve under pressure. At this stage, CO and CO₂ are selectively adsorbed due to the sieve’s large surface area and microporous structure, while high-purity hydrogen passes through.
Regeneration & Long-Term Performance
As adsorption continues, the adsorbent gradually becomes saturated. The system then switches to the regeneration phase.
CHEMXIN 13X molecular sieve can be regenerated by pressure reduction, vacuum, or temperature swing, allowing the adsorbed CO to desorb and be removed from the system.
Thanks to the reversible nature of physical adsorption, 13X molecular sieve can be reused for thousands of cycles without significant performance loss, making it a highly cost-effective solution for industrial hydrogen purification.
Key Operational Recommendations
To ensure optimal performance and long service life, two critical factors should be carefully controlled:
1. Feed Gas Pretreatment
13X molecular sieve is sensitive to liquid water and heavy hydrocarbons.
It is strongly recommended to install gas-liquid separators and activated carbon filters upstream to prevent pore blockage and contamination.
2. Temperature Control
Adsorption is an exothermic process, while desorption is endothermic.
Maintaining the bed temperature within 20–40°C can significantly enhance CO adsorption efficiency and system stability.
Conclusion
With its high selectivity, large pore size, excellent regenerability, and long service life, CHEMXIN 13X molecular sieve is an ideal solution for removing CO from hydrogen streams.
Combined with PSA technology, it provides a reliable, economical, and industrially proven approach to achieving high-purity hydrogen.
About Chemxin:
Guangzhou Chemxin Environmental Material Co., Ltd. has specialized in the production of molecular sieve, activated molecular sieve powder, activated alumina, and ceramic ball for over 24 years. Our factory covers 50,000 square meters and employs more than 250 staff members, including a dedicated R&D team committed to innovation and quality.
If you have any inquiries or requirements, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to provide you with professional solutions and reliable service.
E: info@chemxin.com
