Product Information

DOWEX OPTIPORE V503

Polymeric Adsorbent for Removal of Organics from Humid Air Streams

Features

Dow has commercialized a new product for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOC) from
air. Designated as DOWEX* OPTIPORE* V503 polymeric adsorbent, this product replaces
DOWEX OPTIPORE V502. The new adsorbent is a 1.0 mm diameter, spherical bead
material, designed to give lower pressure drop in vapor phase applications while retaining all
the other attributes of the smaller particle size adsorbent, DOWEX OPTIPORE V493.
DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 polymeric adsorbent is available in dry form, ready to use for most
applications. Since DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 is a powerful adsorbent, it may adsorb odors
and solvents during transportation and storage. The adsorbent can be precycled through a
regeneration cycle prior to use to remove these materials. Table 1 lists typical properties for
the adsorbent.

Table 1. Typical physical and chemical properties of DOWEX OPTIPORE V503

adsorbent
DOWEX OPTIPORE V503
Matrix structure
Physical form
Particle size (mm)
Moisture content
BET surface area (m2/g)
Total porosity (cc/g)
Average pore diameter ()
Apparent density (g/cc)
(lbs/cf)
Ash content (%)
Crush strength (g/bead)

Macroporous styrenic polymer

Orange to brown spheres
1.0
<5%
>1,100
0.94
34
0.34
21.3
<0.01
>1,000

These properties are typical of the product and should not be confused with nor regarded as specifications.

Figure 1 shows a pressure drop curve for DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 adsorbent as a function
of air velocity downflow through a packed bed. For upflow applications, DOWEX OPTIPORE
V503 adsorbent will begin to fluidize at an air velocity of 30 to 40 ft/min, depending on the bed
depth.
Low Moisture
Uptake

Figure 2 shows a typical moisture uptake for DOWEX OPTIPORE V503. This product is
produced with a patented chemistry to make it very hydrophobic. Low moisture uptake means
that water does not compete for adsorption sites and reduce capacity, energy is not wasted to
desorb the water and less water is subsequently recovered with the product solvent.

Page 1 of 2

* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

DOWEX Ion Exchange Resins and Adsorbents

Form No. 177-01885-603

Figure 2. Moisture uptake for V503

and activated carbon

Figure 1. Air pressure drop

50

18

Water Adsorption Capacity

(percent of dry weight)

Pressure Drop
(in H2O/ft Bed Depth)

24

12

20

40

60

80

40

ACTIVATED
CARBON

30

20

V503
10

100

20

Air Velocity (ft/min)

Catalytic Activity

40

60

80

100

Relative Humidity (%)

In contrast to activated carbon, DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 adsorbent can be used to adsorb
reactive solvents without catalyzing their decomposition. Reactive solvents such as acetone,
methylethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and styrene have been adsorbed desorbed without
measurable change in composition. With most activated carbons however, measurable
solvent degradation occurs. In extreme cases, solvent degradation on carbon beds can lead
to an uncontrollable exotherm and subsequent bed fire. The lack of catalytic decomposition
when using DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 adsorbent may be attributed to its extremely low
mineral ash content.

Vapor Phase Adsorption Isotherms for DOWEX OPTIPORE V503 Adsorbent

1.2

..

1.0

ADSORPTION CAPACITY (g/g)

ADSORPTION CAPACITY (g/g)

1.2

PERCHLOROETHYLENE

0.8

TRICHLOROETHYLENE

0.6

.
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
0.4

0.2

METHYLENE CHLORIDE

0.0 0

5000

10000

15000

20000

1.0

0.8

XYLENE

0.4

0.2

0.00

25000

TOLUENE

0.6

5000

10000

CONC (vppm)

1.0

0.8

For more information about DOWEX

resins, call the Dow Liquid Separations
business:
North America: 1-800-447-4369
Latin America: (+55) 11-5188-9277
Europe:
(+32) 3-450-2240
Japan:
(+81) 3-5460-2100
Australia:
(+61) 3-9226-3545
http://www.dowex.com

Page 2 of 2

25000

0.6

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

0.4

0.2

ACETONE

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

1.0
BUTYL ACETATE
0.8

0.6
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
0.4

METHANOL

0.2

0.0 0

5000

CONC (vppm)

DOWEX Ion Exchange Resins

20000

1.2

ADSORPTION CAPACITY (g/g)

ADSORPTION CAPACITY (g/g)

1.2

0.0

15000

CONC (vppm)

10000

15000

20000

25000

CONC (vppm)

Warning: Oxidizing agents such as nitric acid attack organic ion exchange resins under certain conditions. This could lead to
anything from slight resin degradation to a violent exothermic reaction (explosion). Before using strong oxidizing agents, consult
sources knowledgeable in handling such materials.
Notice: No freedom from any patent owned by Seller or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws
may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products
and the information in this document are appropriate for Customers use and for ensuring that Customers workplace and
disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other governmental enactments. Seller assumes no obligation or
liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

Form No. 177-01885-603