What is the difference between molecular sieve desiccant and ordinary desiccant.
2025-11-10

Molecular sieve desiccant outperforms ordinary desiccants in adsorption selectivity, drying depth, and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for more demanding applications.

Core Differences

  • Adsorption Principle: Molecular sieve desiccants feature uniform and precise pore structures that selectively adsorb molecules smaller than their pore diameter, offering high selectivity. In contrast, ordinary desiccants such as silica gel or calcium chloride rely on physical adsorption or chemical reactions without molecular-level discrimination.

  • Adsorption Performance: Molecular sieves effectively capture tiny polar molecules like water vapor even under low humidity conditions, enabling ultra-deep drying with dew points as low as -70°C. Ordinary desiccants have limited capacity and are often inadequate for high-purity drying requirements.

  • Applicable Environment: Molecular sieves remain stable at high temperatures (up to 300°C) and resist interference from other gases. Ordinary desiccants are more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and may easily degrade or deliquesce.

  • Material Composition: Molecular sieves are synthetically produced crystalline aluminosilicates with a regular porous structure. Ordinary desiccants typically consist of natural minerals like montmorillonite or simply processed compounds such as calcium oxide.

Application Scenarios

  • Molecular sieve desiccants are employed in precision industries including petrochemical refining, air separation, electronic component packaging, and refrigerant drying.

  • Ordinary desiccants are commonly used in consumer goods such as food, clothing, and furniture, or in general industrial applications where basic moisture protection suffices.

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