ISO 9001:2015 & Industrial Process Certified

Wholesale 5a Zeolite Factory & Pricelist

Global engineering white paper on Type 5A calcium-exchanged aluminosilicate molecular sieves: crystal architecture, selective paraffin extraction, PSA gas purification, factory-direct volume tier pricelists, and Industry 4.0 Chinese supply chain resilience.

Factory Inventory — Batch 01

Engineered Process Equipment & High-Performance Media

Precision mass transfer equipment, inert catalyst bedding, and specialized structured packing manufactured in Pingxiang, Jiangxi to stringent ASTM/ASME global standards.

China 90% Al2O3 Honeycomb Ceramic Proppant Filter Bird Nest Support Media

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Wholesale Metal Intalox Saddle Ring Tower Packing

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Stainless Steel Metal Fixed Valve Tray

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Ceramic Intalox Saddle Ring Random Tower Packing

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Cordierite Honeycomb Ceramics for DOC

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Thermal Storage RTO Honeycomb Ceramic

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Stainless Steel Metal Trough Liquid Distributor

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High Strength Ceramic Proppant Bauxite Fracturing Media

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5.0 Å
Effective Pore Aperture
≥ 21.5%
Static Water Adsorption (RH 75%)
≤ 0.15%
ASTM D4058 Attrition Rate
≥ 75 N
Crush Strength (3.0-5.0mm Bead)
Chemical Engineering Fundamentals

Crystallographic Structure & Adsorption Thermodynamics of Zeolite 5A

Synthetic Zeolite 5A represents the calcium-exchanged variant of the crystalline Linde Type A (LTA) aluminosilicate family. Engineered with sub-nanometer precision, its nominal framework formula 0.7CaO · 0.3Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 2SiO₂ · xH₂O yields a three-dimensional interconnecting pore system with window openings measuring precisely 5.0 Angstroms (0.50 nm).

Calcium Cation Exchange Dynamics

During our hydrothermal synthesis, sodium ions ($Na^+$) occupying the 8-ring window of parent 4A zeolite are substituted by divalent calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) at exchange levels exceeding 70-80%. The higher charge density and localized coordinate positioning of $Ca^{2+}$ dilates the effective free aperture from 4.2 Å to 5.0 Å, unlocking distinct molecular sieving capabilities.

Shape-Selective Steric Exclusion

The 5.0 Å pore size acts as an absolute physical barrier. Straight-chain normal paraffins ($n$-alkanes) possess a critical kinetic cross-section of ~4.3 Å and rapidly diffuse into the inner alpha-cages (11.4 Å diameter). Conversely, branched iso-paraffins, aromatics, and naphthenic rings (>5.0 Å) are entirely excluded, empowering petrochemical separation processes like Molex™ and Ensorb™.

Quadrupole & Dipole Affinity

Beyond size exclusion, the electrostatic framework of Zeolite 5A demonstrates selective polarization towards polar molecules. Molecules with permanent dipole moments ($H_2O, H_2S, NH_3$) or strong quadrupole moments ($CO_2, N_2$) experience profound potential energy well depths within the cage, driving deep natural gas sweetening and industrial oxygen enrichment (PSA/VPSA).

Procurement Benchmarks

Wholesale 5A Zeolite Factory Pricelist & Supply Framework

Transparency in chemical procurement: Our factory-direct wholesale pricing tiers are indexed to raw sodium silicate/alumina feedstocks, binder clay optimization, calcination energy metrics, and purchase volumes for EPC contractors and refinery operators worldwide.

Product Grade Physical Form & Mesh Size Static H₂O Cap. (%) Bulk Density (g/ml) Packaging Mode Wholesale Tier (FOB China)
5A-HG (Hydrogen Grade) Bead 1.6–2.5 mm (8×12 mesh) ≥ 21.8% 0.70 – 0.74 140 kg Hermetic Steel Drum $2,250 – $2,580 / MT (20+ MT FCL)
5A-OX (Oxygen PSA Grade) Bead 1.6–2.5 mm / 0.4–0.8 mm ≥ 22.0% 0.68 – 0.72 150 kg Air-tight Metal Drum $2,400 – $2,750 / MT (20+ MT FCL)
5A-PX (Paraffin Extraction) Pellet / Extrudate 1/16" (1.6mm) ≥ 21.5% 0.66 – 0.70 750 kg Sealed Super Sack $2,100 – $2,380 / MT (40+ MT)
5A-DG (Deep Gas Drying) Bead 3.0–5.0 mm (4×8 mesh) ≥ 21.5% 0.68 – 0.73 25 kg Poly-Lined Box / Drum $1,950 – $2,250 / MT (Full Container)
5A-CO (Cryogenic Air Prep) Extrudate 1/8" (3.2mm) ≥ 21.5% 0.65 – 0.69 1000 kg Moisture-Barrier Bag $1,880 – $2,180 / MT (Bulk Order >50MT)

Standard Packaging Configurations

Moisture ingress directly poisons molecular sieve adsorption kinetics. Zhongtai implements rigorous hermetic barriers: 25 kg nitrogen-flushed cardboard cartons with vacuum foil liners, 140 kg electro-galvanized sealed steel drums with internal gaskets, and 750 kg/1000 kg multi-layer composite woven big bags with heat-sealed polyethylene barriers on fumigated export pallets.

Volume TCO & Attrition Savings

Procuring on initial price alone frequently risks operational disaster. Substandard low-cost sieves utilize degraded attapulgite clay binders resulting in rapid bed pulverization, dynamic differential pressure spikes (ΔP > 1.5 bar), downstream valve erosion, and bed changeouts every 14 months. Zhongtai premium sieves deliver 36 to 60+ months of stable service life.

Third-Party Inspection & COA

Each production batch leaves Pingxiang with comprehensive traceable test certificates. We support pre-shipment inspections by SGS, Bureau Veritas (BV), or Intertek, verifying ASTM D4179 individual crush resistance, ASTM D4058 ball mill attrition resistance, dynamic moisture breakthrough curves, residual moisture content (≤ 1.5% at 550°C), and particle sizing tolerances.

Global Industrial Landscape

Market Dynamics: Clean Energy, Biofuels & Molecular Decarbonization

The global 5A Zeolite market is transitioning from conventional oil refining drying agents into highly sophisticated catalytic support and pressure swing adsorption components essential for net-zero energy infrastructure and advanced circular manufacturing.

Green Hydrogen Purification (PSA)

With electrolyzer scaling and blue hydrogen steam methane reforming (SMR) retrofits, 12-bed and 16-bed PSA units require ultra-consistent 5A zeolite adsorbents to selectively trap $CH_4, CO, N_2,$ and residual $H_2O$. Achieving fuel cell grade hydrogen (99.999% purity per ISO 14687) demands Zeolite 5A with strict micro-pore distributions to minimize hydrogen recovery losses.

SAF & Bio-Jet Fuel Hydroprocessing

The rapid ramp-up of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) derived from hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) requires the separation of straight-chain paraffinic hydrocarbons from isomerized jet fractions. Zeolite 5A provides optimal dynamic selectivity for normal paraffin dewaxing, enabling precise control over the freeze point and cetane index of synthetic kerosene.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Upgrading

Biomethane generated from anaerobic digesters and landfill gas contains trace hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$), siloxanes, moisture, and $CO_2$. Multi-layered molecular sieve beds utilizing specialized 5A and 13X zeolite formulations allow simultaneous deep dehydration (down to −80°C dew point) and co-adsorption of volatile sulfur species without catalytic mercaptan formation.

Smart Manufacturing Leadership

China Factory 4.0: Pingxiang Industrial Resilience & Quality Engineering

Pingxiang, Jiangxi has served as the chemical packing and industrial ceramics epicenter of Asia for over five decades. Pingxiang Zhongtai Environmental Chemical Packing Co., Ltd. combines generational ceramic mastery with Industry 4.0 automation, guaranteeing unmatched supply continuity and batch-to-batch consistency.

Fully Integrated Hydrothermal Synthesis

Unlike independent blenders who procure third-party synthetic powders, Zhongtai operates an end-to-end production loop: starting from high-grade raw silica fume and sodium aluminate synthesis, crystallization autoclaves with automated PID thermal tracking, through continuous multi-stage counter-current calcium chloride ion-exchange reactors. Controlling crystal nucleation guarantees a crystalline purity exceeding 95% with zero unwanted phillipsite or hydroxysodalite phases.

Automated Tunnel Kilns & Low-Attrition Binders

Mechanical durability determines whether an adsorbent bed maintains flow or collapses under cyclic pressure surges. Our automated rolling pelletizers utilize high-purity sepiolite and attapulgite clay matrices free from quartz contaminants. Calcinations occur in continuous 65-meter computer-regulated mesh-belt roller kilns at 580–620°C with nitrogen purge capability, ensuring uniform hydroxyl removal, hyper-low dusting (<0.05 wt%), and resilient bead morphology.

Field Case Applications

Industrial Application Scenarios & Operational Field Data

Engineered for severe-service continuous chemical processes: Examine how our 5A molecular sieve adsorbents perform across actual industrial installations worldwide.

Refinery Petrochemicals

Normal Paraffin Extraction ($C_{10}-C_{14}$ Liquid Phase)

In linear alkylbenzene (LAB) manufacture and kerosene de-aromatization, liquid-phase simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorbers utilize 5A extrudate media. The straight-chain paraffin molecules diffuse freely into the 5A pore network, leaving branched paraffins and aromatics in the raffinate. Desorption with lighter n-pentane achieves normal alkane purities >98.5% with high desorbent interchange longevity.

Cryogenic Gas Processing

Air Separation Unit (ASU) Pre-Purification Units

Cryogenic liquefaction cold boxes can tolerate no more than 1 ppmv $H_2O$ and 0.5 ppmv $CO_2$ to prevent catastrophic heat exchanger freeze-ups. Multi-bed TSA systems combine a bottom protective layer of 13X/alumina with an upper zone of high-capacity 5A zeolite, simultaneously polishing residual traces of nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) and hydrocarbons ($C_2H_2$) to eliminate cryogenic explosion hazards.

Energy & Offshore Platforms

Sour Gas Dehydration & Mercaptan Sweetening

Associated natural gas streams on offshore platforms contain high partial pressures of acid gases. Zeolite 5A achieves dynamic water dew points below −100°C while selectively co-adsorbing methyl and ethyl mercaptans ($R\text{-}SH$). Its elevated hydrothermal stability tolerates harsh thermal swing regeneration cycles (260°C to 300°C) with dry fuel gas without structural framework collapse.

Medical & Metallurgy

VPSA / PSA Industrial & Medical Oxygen Generation

By exploiting the difference in quadrupole interaction between nitrogen ($N_2$, quadrupole moment $0.31 \times 10^{-26} \text{ esu cm}^2$) and oxygen ($O_2$, $0.10 \times 10^{-26}$), Zeolite 5A rapidly adsorbs nitrogen gas during pressurized feed cycles, permitting oxygen to pass unhindered. Delivers continuous oxygen output of 93% ± 3% for industrial steel cutting and medical hospital manifold supply systems.

Specification Guidelines

Comparative Engineering Properties: 3A vs 4A vs 5A vs 13X

Precision engineering requires matching the exact zeolite framework geometry to your stream composition. Use our technical matrix below to cross-evaluate critical performance thresholds.

Property Parameter Molecular Sieve 3A Molecular Sieve 4A Molecular Sieve 5A Molecular Sieve 13X
Cationic Counter-Ion Potassium ($K^+$) Sodium ($Na^+$) Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Sodium ($Na^+$)
Nominal Pore Diameter 3.0 Å (0.3 nm) 4.0 Å (0.4 nm) 5.0 Å (0.5 nm) 10.0 Å (1.0 nm)
Bulk Density (g/ml) 0.70 – 0.75 0.68 – 0.74 0.68 – 0.74 0.62 – 0.68
Static Water Adsorption (RH 75%) ≥ 21.0 wt% ≥ 21.5 wt% ≥ 21.5 wt% ≥ 26.0 wt%
Crush Strength (N/pellet 1/16") ≥ 35 N ≥ 32 N ≥ 38 N ≥ 30 N
Standard Attrition Rate (%) ≤ 0.15% ≤ 0.15% ≤ 0.15% ≤ 0.20%
Regeneration Temp. Range 175°C – 260°C 200°C – 280°C 200°C – 300°C 200°C – 315°C
Primary Application Target Cracked gas, ethanol drying Natural gas, closed system desiccants PSA $H_2$, $n$-alkane extraction, $O_2$ Air separation prep, LNG deep purification
Factory Inventory — Batch 02

Specialized Random Packing, Ceramic Media & Tower Internals

Expand your mass transfer efficiency with our world-renowned ceramic random packing, high-alumina bed supports, and gas processing consumables.

China Ceramic Raschig Ring Tower Packing

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Wholesale Mid-Alumina Ceramic Ball Tower Packing

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China SIC Ceramic Foam filter For metal filtration

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China Ceramic Mini Lessing Ring Tower Packing

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China Carbon Graphite Raschig Ring Tower Packing

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Wholesale Food Grade Calcium Sulfite Ceramic Dechlorination Media Balls

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China 17% AL2O3 Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball

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China High Performance 4A Molecular Sieve Zeolite Adsorbent

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Expert Engineering Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Process & Procurement Engineers

Get authoritative, specification-level answers regarding loading procedures, hydrodynamic pressure drop, thermal regeneration, and quality assurance protocols.

How do you calculate pressure drop across a molecular sieve bed, and what bead size is ideal?
Bed differential pressure ($\Delta P$) is calculated using the classic Ergun Equation, accounting for gas velocity, gas density, viscosity, bed void fraction, and equivalent particle diameter ($D_p$). A smaller bead size (such as 1.6–2.5 mm / 8×12 mesh) offers superior mass transfer rates and shorter mass transfer zones (MTZ), making it ideal for rapid-cycle PSA hydrogen units. However, for deep fixed-bed natural gas dehydration towers with elevated superficial velocities, a larger 3.0–5.0 mm (4×8 mesh) bead or 1/8" extrudate is preferred to maintain total bed pressure drop below 0.2–0.3 bar/m and eliminate bed fluidization risks.
What is the standard thermal swing regeneration procedure for Zeolite 5A?
Effective Thermal Swing Adsorption (TSA) regeneration requires counter-current stripping with dry, non-reactive purge gas (such as methane or dry nitrogen) heated to 200°C–300°C (390°F–572°F) entering the bed. The temperature profile should be ramped gradually (approx. 1.5°C to 2.5°C per minute) to prevent hydrothermal steaming shocks which degrade the crystal lattice. Once bed outlet temperature stabilizes above 180°C for at least 2 hours, the purge gas is switched to a cooled dry stream until the bed returns to operational temperature (<45°C).
What precautions must be taken during molecular sieve dense-phase loading?
Free-fall sock loading should never exceed 50 cm to prevent particle mechanical fracturing. Dense phase loading using calibrated mechanical rotating distributors (e.g., Snowstorm or Dengraph systems) is strongly advised. This ensures a uniform packing density without void channeling, guarantees a flat horizontal bed profile, and prevents gas bypass along vessel walls. Ceramic support balls (Zhongtai 17–23% Al₂O₃) must be placed at graduated heights at both the bottom and top hold-down grids.
How does feed contamination (liquid water, heavy aromatics, amine carryover) affect 5A life?
Liquid water droplets carry dissolved salts that poison cationic exchange sites and degrade clay binders, causing rapid clay swelling and mud formation. Free heavy aromatics ($C_9+$) and compressor lube oils can enter the macropores and crack during thermal regeneration, generating stubborn coke deposits that permanently block the 5.0 Å pore entries. Installing efficient upstream coalescing filter separators and a protective guard layer of silica gel or activated alumina at the bed inlet is essential.
What is the shelf life of unopened hermetic drums, and can aged sieves be reactivated?
Stored indoors in original, undamaged nitrogen-sealed steel drums with airtight clamp gaskets at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C, Zhongtai 5A molecular sieves have a certified shelf life of 36 months. If drums have suffered atmospheric exposure and adsorbed environmental humidity (loss on ignition > 3.0%), the sieve material can be completely reactivated without structural damage by heating in a dry purged oven or calciner at 250°C–320°C for 4 to 6 hours.

Request Factory Quotation & Engineering Consultation

Pingxiang Zhongtai Environmental Chemical Packing Co., Ltd. supplies verified process media directly from our Jiangxi production base. Speak directly with our lead mass transfer engineers for custom mesh tailoring, bulk pricelists, and technical data sheets.