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LiX and NaX zeolite molecular sieves for oxygen concentrators

We are a European B2B supplier of LiX and NaX zeolite molecular sieves for companies that service oxygen concentrators. We supply oxygen concentrator zeolite as loose 0.4-0.8 mm beads for replacement sieve beds in stationary and portable PSA oxygen concentrators: LiX, a lithium molecular sieve, and NaX, a sodium X zeolite of the 13X type.

Available as originals of Jalon JLOX-101A and Zeochem ZEOX OII, and as equivalents of these and of Arkema Siliporite NITROXY and Honeywell UOP OXYSIV grades, in tins and drums. Most orders are dispatched within 2-5 working days.

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Glass jar and dish with LiX and NaX molecular sieve beads, 0.4-0.8 mm

Description

Dish with 0.4-0.8 mm molecular sieve beads
Dish with 0.4-0.8 mm molecular sieve beads

Zeolite for oxygen concentrators: LiX or NaX

Molecular sieves are the key material of PSA oxygen concentrators. They adsorb nitrogen from compressed air and leave an oxygen-enriched gas stream. Two main types are used: LiX, a lithium-exchanged type X zeolite, and NaX, a sodium-exchanged type X zeolite. They differ in nitrogen selectivity, separation efficiency and regeneration requirements, and the right choice directly affects the output, operating stability and life of the sieve bed.

NaX molecular sieve: the economical choice

NaX molecular sieves have a lower purchase cost, operate stably and are widely available. They are used mainly in lower-flow oxygen concentrators, older models and devices originally designed for a sodium X bed [1]. Because NaX has a lower nitrogen selectivity and adsorption capacity than LiX, it can need a larger bed volume. NaX suits applications where economical operation, material availability and compatibility with the original device design matter. Original grade: ZEOX OII from Zeochem, 0.4-0.8 mm.

LiX molecular sieve: the high-efficiency adsorbent

LiX molecular sieves have a high nitrogen selectivity and a high adsorption capacity. This can allow a smaller bed volume while keeping the required PSA operating parameters. LiX is used in modern, compact oxygen concentrators, higher-flow devices and systems where high separation efficiency and a low bed mass matter [1]. Because of its higher unit cost, LiX is chosen where the device design calls for it. Original grade: JLOX-101A from Jalon, 0.4-0.8 mm.

How to choose between LiX and NaX

  • Follow the concentrator manufacturer’s recommendations and the original bed specification first.
  • For lower-flow devices, older designs and applications where economical operation matters, NaX is a common choice.
  • For higher-flow and compact concentrators with higher requirements for separation efficiency, LiX may be the preferred choice.

Contact us to select the molecular sieve type for the technical parameters of your device, the bed design and the PSA operating requirements.

LiX and NaX in a concentrator test

An oxygen concentrator service company refilled one stationary concentrator, rated for a maximum flow of 5 L/min, first with our NaX and then with our LiX. The device is rated at 93 ± 3% oxygen at 2 L/min and had about 16,900 operating hours. Before the refill, it signalled low oxygen concentration already at 2 L/min.

Chart: outlet oxygen concentration against flow in one stationary 5 L/min concentrator refilled with NaX and with LiXChart: oxygen concentration against flow for NaX and LiX in one 5 L/min concentrator

In this device, NaX gave more than 90% oxygen up to 4.5 L/min and 82.7% at 5 L/min. LiX gave 93.2% at 2 L/min and 96.2% at 5 L/min, the maximum flow of the device. The test covers one device, with one reading per flow taken with a handheld oxygen analyser. The readings are indicative: a zeolite concentrator cannot exceed about 95.7% oxygen, because argon passes through with the oxygen [1]. The result in another concentrator depends on its design, operating cycle and condition.

[1] Ackley M. W., Adsorption 25 (2019) 1437-1474, doi:10.1007/s10450-019-00155-w

Types and data

Chart: NaX and LiX compared, N2/O2 selectivity of at least 3 and 6.2, N2 adsorption capacity above 8 and 22 ml/g, and oxygen at 5 L/min in a concentrator test, NaX 82.7% and LiX 96.2%
Chart: NaX and LiX compared, N2/O2 selectivity of at least 3 and 6.2, N2 adsorption capacity above 8 and 22 ml/g, and oxygen at 5 L/min in a concentrator test, NaX 82.7% and LiX 96.2%

LiX and NaX: typical parameters

The table gives typical values for the LiX and NaX grades we supply. Flow, oxygen recovery and oxygen concentration depend on the complete PSA unit.

Parameter NaX molecular sieve LiX molecular sieve
Physical properties
Form Spherical Spherical
Bead size 0.4-0.8 mm 0.4-0.8 mm
Bulk density 660 kg/m³ 620 kg/m³
Typical applications
Application Lower-flow devices, older designs, economical operation Higher-flow devices, compact PSA systems, higher separation efficiency
Typical O₂ flow 1-5 L/min 1-20 L/min
Adsorption properties
N₂/O₂ adsorption selectivity ≥3 ≥6.2
N₂ adsorption capacity at 25 °C >8 ml/g >22 ml/g
Typical O₂ recovery in a PSA unit 30-45% 45-68%
Oxygen concentration in the product stream 93 ± 3% 93 ± 3%

How it works

How molecular sieves work in an oxygen concentrator

Diagram: air flows through a molecular sieve bed, nitrogen is adsorbed and oxygen-enriched gas leaves the bed

In a PSA oxygen concentrator, the molecular sieve adsorbs nitrogen from compressed air, leaving an oxygen-enriched gas stream. Lowering the pressure releases the adsorbed nitrogen during regeneration. The device controls the adsorption and regeneration cycle.

Molecular sieve selection by concentrator type

Stationary concentrators, flow up to 5 L/min

The choice of LiX or NaX depends on the adsorber design, the fill mass, the bead size and the PSA cycle parameters.

Stationary concentrators, flow up to 10 L/min

At higher flows, nitrogen selectivity, bed volume, pressure drop and operating stability matter more.

Portable concentrators, pulse flow

In compact designs, a small bed volume, low dusting of the material and repeatable operation in short PSA cycles matter.

Portable concentrators, continuous flow

The sieve choice should take into account the required flow, the column design, the bed regeneration method and the device manufacturer’s recommendations.

These categories are for guidance only [1].

The oxygen concentrator sieve bed

A sieve bed is the adsorbent material inside a concentrator column. We supply loose LiX and NaX beads for replacement fills, without the column or cartridge housing.

Why moisture matters

The same zeolites that adsorb nitrogen adsorb water even more strongly. About 2% water by weight in the sieve can reduce its nitrogen capacity by more than half, and water is the main reason why the sieve stops working [1]. This is why LiX and NaX are delivered in airtight packaging and should be filled into the columns in a dry place.

Before refilling a sieve bed

The sieve is not chemically consumed during normal PSA operation, but exposure to moisture and bead damage can reduce its performance. A drop in oxygen concentration alone does not show that the sieve needs replacing, so also check the compressor, valves, filters and seals.

Industrial PSA oxygen generators

For our molecular sieve grades for industrial PSA and VPSA oxygen generators, see the 13X molecular sieve page.

[1] Ackley M. W., Adsorption 25 (2019) 1437-1474, doi:10.1007/s10450-019-00155-w

Grades and originals

Open oxygen concentrator column filled with molecular sieve beads
Open oxygen concentrator column filled with molecular sieve beads

LiX and NaX grades, originals and equivalents

  • Molecular sieve LiX, spherical, 0.4-0.8 mm: original JLOX-101A from Jalon, or an equivalent of LiX grades such as Arkema Siliporite NITROXY Revolution and NITROXY SXSDM, Honeywell UOP OXYSIV MDX, and Zeochem ZEOX Z12-07PR and Z12-49. CAS 1318-02-1.
  • Molecular sieve NaX, spherical, 0.4-0.8 mm: original ZEOX OII from Zeochem, or an equivalent of NaX grades such as Arkema Siliporite NITROXY 5, Honeywell UOP OXYSIV 5XP and Jalon JLOX-501A. CAS 1318-02-1, EINECS 215-283-8.

We supply original products and equivalent grades. If your device uses a LiX or NaX grade from another brand, send its datasheet and the device manufacturer’s material requirements. We will compare the available data with the grades we supply and point out the relevant differences. A datasheet comparison does not confirm compatibility with a particular device.

Why our molecular sieves

  • Technical selection: we match the bead size and adsorbent type to the device specification you send.
  • Stable operation: repeatable nitrogen adsorption in PSA cycles.
  • Material protection: low dusting, controlled initial moisture and airtight packaging.

TDS and SDS are available on request.

Product names such as JLOX, ZEOX, Siliporite, NITROXY and OXYSIV belong to their respective owners and are used for reference only.

Packaging and delivery

Tins with molecular sieve beads in vacuum-sealed bags
Tins with molecular sieve beads in vacuum-sealed bags

Packaging, ordering and delivery

Molecular sieves must stay dry until the columns are filled, so every package is sealed against moisture. The 2 kg net tins for LiX and NaX are metal tins with a PE liner, and the beads inside are vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag. LiX in 25 kg net is supplied in steel drums with a PE liner, and the beads are sealed in a barrier bag inside each drum. NaX in bulk is packed in 200-litre steel drums with a heavy-duty plastic bag inside. Other packaging is available on request.

Most orders are dispatched within 2-5 working days. The price depends on the grade, quantity and packaging and is given in the quotation.

Refilling the sieve beds of an oxygen concentrator?

We will compare your current material with the LiX and NaX grades we supply and reply with a quotation and the technical data sheet. Please send us:

  • the name of the current material, its datasheet or a photo of its label;
  • the bead size, fill mass per column and number of columns;
  • the concentrator model and the quantity you need.

Request a quote

Glass jar filled with zeolite molecular sieve beads

Frequently asked questions about LiX and NaX molecular sieves

  • Not automatically. A concentrator is designed for a given sieve, bed volume and cycle, and LiX adsorbs nitrogen differently from NaX, so a change of grade can change the oxygen concentration and the operation of the device. Follow the device manufacturer’s specification. If you are considering a change, send the model and the material used now, and we will compare the datasheets.

  • The required fill mass depends on the device and the specified material, so use the device manufacturer’s filling specification. Send the specified mass per column, the number of columns, the bead size and the current material grade. If you only know the mass of the removed material, state this in your enquiry. We do not determine the required fill mass from the model name or the removed material alone.

  • We supply only the adsorbent material as loose beads. We do not supply complete sieve bed assemblies, cartridges or original spare parts of device manufacturers, and we do not keep a list of compatible models. Your service team fills the existing concentrator columns with the material.

  • The name 13X HP alone does not identify a material specification. The ZEOX OII datasheet describes the product as a sodium X zeolite and lists zeolite type 13X as a generic name. Send the datasheet, or a photo of the label of the material used in your device, so that we can compare it with the grades we supply.

  • Keep the material in its unopened, airtight packaging in a dry room until use. Open the packaging directly before filling the columns, and close opened packaging carefully. Handle the beads in a way that avoids dust.

Request a quote for LiX and NaX zeolite molecular sieves

Send what you have: the material label or datasheet, the fill mass per column and the quantity you need. We will reply with a quotation.

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