Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Molecular Sieves

smeesh - 7-3-2012 at 20:31

hey guys. this is my first post so im sorry if i have some etiquette booboos.

im working on a device to liquefy and separate air at home. the only part im having any trouble with (so far) is the molecular sieve. i would rather not purchase one for various reasons...and i have a few questions:

could i use a large carbon filter to get rid of moisture in the air?...

...if not, what problems might i encounter if i dont catch the moisture? ice clogging perhaps?

would the carbon filter catch CO2?...

...if yes, would it also catch the good stuff? (oxygen or nitrogen)

and lastly, does anyone know any good alternatives to a molecular sieve?

Wizzard - 7-3-2012 at 20:55

The project I am working on uses only a dryer on a nitrogen or oxygen tank, depending on what I want liquified with the cryocooler. I recommend the same- Those membranes are PRICEY! And liquifying air will only yield a mess- CO2 and water will clog your cold trap, while oxygen, nitrogen and some noble gasses will be in your liquid.

smeesh - 7-3-2012 at 21:13

thanks man.
ill have to look up the mechanics on dryers as i am not at all sure how they work.
in my ignorance i am skeptical of a dryer's ability to remove co2.
im off to learn i suppose