Industrial Zeolite Molecular Sieves

Zeolite molecular sieves are used in industrial applications since more than 60 years, mainly as highly efficient adsorbents for separation processes in gas or liquid phase. Zeolite molecular sieves may be applied in powder form, preferably in static applications, but to a much larger extent as shaped material in both static and dynamic (flowing media) applications. Many shaping technologies for molecular sieves have been developed over the last decades, reflecting the different requirements for molecular sieves in different applications. This review deals with the influence of the applied zeolite synthesis and shaping methods for hydrophilic zeolite molecular sieves (procedures, materials, recipes) on the potential industrial applications; thereby considering powders, binder-containing shapes as well as binderless shapes (including compact structures such as honeycombs, multi-channel, and foam-like structures). Due to new challenges from the market, more specialized, tailor-made types of zeolite molecular sieves are required. Such a higher specialization can be achieved by applying new types of zeolites or zeolite-like materials, modified synthesis and/or post synthesis treatments, and by modified, to the needs of the application adjusted shaping processes

Preparation, hydrothermal stability and thermal adsorption storage properties of binderless zeolite beads

Abstract Novel binderless zeolite beads of types A and X have been synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion, nitrogen adsorption, thermogravimetry, water adsorption isotherm measurements, cyclic hydrothermal treatments and storage tests. The binderless molecular sieves show an improved adsorption capacity, sufficient hydrothermal stability, higher specific energies and the potential for a better performance density of the storage. Both open and closed storage tests have shown comparable adsorption capacities and specific energies for the binderless molecular sieves. A significantly higher discharging temperature, however, could be realized with the open storage system