Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Functional differences between molecular seive sizes (not pore size)? 4x8 vs 8x12

Sidmadra - 22-1-2018 at 20:45

I've been looking at purchasing some molecular sieves, and online I'm mainly interested in 3A sieves , but of all the sieves I see offered mesh sizes of 4x8 and 8x12, regardless of pore size. What are the functional differences between the two sizes? Does one absorb faster than the other? Does one absorb more/less weight % than the other?

Sigma Aldrich says this
"A 4 to 8-mesh sieve is normally used in gasphase applications, while the 8 to 12-mesh type is common in liquidphase applications. The powder forms of the 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X sieves are suitable for specialized applications."


But what does this actually mean in terms of behavior and functionality?