Silica for Industrial Purification, Chromatography & Processing
Compare silica gel and precipitated silica for chromatography, liquid purification, batch processing, decolorization and powder-flow applications. Start with the process objective, then select the silica structure, particle size and grade appropriate for the application.
Not All Silica Is the Same
Industrial silica products can differ substantially in structure, particle size, pore characteristics, purity and intended function. CHROMATOCEL® S-060 and S-200 are silica-gel chromatography grades used in separation, purification, batch extraction and decolorization processes. TIXOSIL® 68B FCC is a precipitated silica processing aid designed to improve powder free-flow and handling in compatible dry formulations.
These materials should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they are all forms of silicon dioxide. Selection should begin with the process function and then consider particle size, pore structure, surface area, formulation requirements and operating conditions.
What Does the Silica Need to Do?
The most useful first question is not simply “which silica?” but “what role does the silica need to perform?” Chromatographic separation, batch purification and powder-flow improvement are fundamentally different applications.
Chromatography
Chromatography-grade silica gel provides controlled surface and pore characteristics for separating compounds as a liquid phase moves through or contacts the stationary silica phase.
Starting products: CHROMATOCEL® S-060 and S-200.
Batch Treatment & Decolorization
Silica gel can also be contacted with compatible process liquids in batch extraction and purification operations before the silica is physically separated from the treated stream.
Starting products: CHROMATOCEL® S-060 and S-200.
Flow & Anti-Caking
Precipitated silica can be incorporated into compatible dry formulations to improve powder handling and free-flow characteristics rather than functioning as chromatography media.
Starting product: TIXOSIL® 68B FCC.
Compare Industrial Silica Products
Sorbents Direct supplies silica products for distinct purification and processing functions. Compare the intended application first, then evaluate the technical properties of the specific grade.
CHROMATOCEL® S-060
Fine chromatography-grade silica gel for large-scale liquid chromatography, small-molecule purification, API purification, fine-chemical purification, batch extraction and decolorization.
- 230–400 mesh
- 450–600 m²/g typical surface area
- 7 nm average pore diameter
- Fine particle-size profile
CHROMATOCEL® S-200
Chromatography-grade silica gel with a coarser particle-size profile for chromatography, purification, batch extraction and decolorization applications.
- 80×230 mesh per current Evonik data
- 450–600 m²/g typical surface area
- 7 nm average pore diameter
- 0.75–1.00 mL/g typical pore volume
TIXOSIL® 68B FCC
White milled precipitated silica processing aid designed to improve the free-flow properties and handling of compatible powders. Meets the FCC monograph and is positioned by Solvay for food-grade applications.
- Precipitated silica
- White milled powder
- Powder-flow processing aid
- FCC grade
Comparing an existing silica grade?
Send us the current product name, particle size or mesh, application, required quantity and any critical technical requirements. We can compare available products using current manufacturer documentation and help identify a practical starting point.
Silica Gel vs. Precipitated Silica
CHROMATOCEL and TIXOSIL are both silicon-dioxide-based materials, but their physical structures and intended process functions are different. A product selected for chromatography should not automatically be substituted for a powder-processing silica, or vice versa.
| Selection Factor | CHROMATOCEL® S-060 / S-200 | TIXOSIL® 68B FCC |
|---|---|---|
| Silica Type | Silica gel | Precipitated silica |
| Primary Role | Adsorption, separation and purification | Powder processing and flow improvement |
| Typical Process | Chromatography, batch extraction and decolorization | Dry blending and powder processing |
| Important Selection Variables | Particle size, surface area, pore structure, pH and process conditions | Formulation, dispersion, powder characteristics and required processing function |
| Food-Grade Positioning | Do not assume food-grade suitability; qualify the exact grade for the intended use | Meets FCC monograph and is positioned for food-grade applications |
| Interchangeable? | No. Select the silica according to its intended process function and current manufacturer documentation. | |
How CHROMATOCEL® Silica Gel Is Used
CHROMATOCEL S-060 and S-200 are powdered silica-gel media designed for separation and purification processes. Their useful performance comes from a combination of particle-size distribution, high surface area, pore structure, pH and silica purity.
Process Stream Is Introduced
The feed or process liquid contains compounds that must be separated, purified, extracted or reduced.
Liquid Contacts Silica
The process stream contacts the chromatography-grade silica under conditions selected for the separation or treatment objective.
Selective Interaction Occurs
Compounds interact differently with the silica surface and mobile phase according to the chemistry and conditions of the process.
Separation Is Completed
The resulting fractions or treated liquid are collected or separated according to the chromatography or batch-treatment process.
CHROMATOCEL® S-060 vs. S-200
Both products are chromatography-grade silica gels with similar surface-area and average-pore-diameter ranges, but their particle-size distributions differ substantially. That difference can influence practical flow, contact and separation behavior.
CHROMATOCEL® S-060
S-060 uses a finer 230–400 mesh particle-size range and is intended for chromatography, purification, batch extraction and decolorization processes requiring that particle profile.
- 230–400 mesh
- 450–600 m²/g typical surface area
- 7 nm average pore diameter
- 0.60–0.80 mL/g typical pore volume
CHROMATOCEL® S-200
S-200 uses a broader, coarser 80×230 mesh particle-size range while maintaining the high-surface-area and pore characteristics associated with the CHROMATOCEL chromatography family.
- 80×230 mesh
- 450–600 m²/g typical surface area
- 7 nm average pore diameter
- 0.75–1.00 mL/g typical pore volume
Finer is not automatically better.
Particle size can affect flow resistance, contact behavior and separation characteristics. Final grade selection should account for the actual equipment, solvent system, target compounds, loading and required process performance rather than mesh size alone.
CHROMATOCEL® S-060 & S-200 Typical Properties
The following values summarize current manufacturer information and are useful for comparison. Typical values should not be interpreted as guaranteed product specifications.
| Property | CHROMATOCEL® S-060 | CHROMATOCEL® S-200 |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silica gel / silicon dioxide | Silica gel / silicon dioxide |
| Grade Type | Chromatography grade | Chromatography grade |
| Particle Size | 230–400 mesh | 80×230 mesh |
| SiO₂ | 99.0–100.0 wt% | 99.0–100.0 wt% |
| Surface Area | 450–600 m²/g | 450–600 m²/g |
| Average Pore Diameter | 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Pore Volume | 0.60–0.80 mL/g | 0.75–1.00 mL/g |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5 wt% | ≤5 wt% |
| Typical Application Emphasis | Fine-particle chromatography and purification | Coarser-particle chromatography and purification |
Where Chromatography-Grade Silica Gel Is Used
Evonik positions CHROMATOCEL silica gel for separation and purification operations where controlled silica properties are important to process performance.
Large-Scale Liquid Chromatography
Chromatography-grade silica can serve as a stationary phase in appropriately designed liquid-separation processes.
Small-Molecule Purification
CHROMATOCEL is positioned for separation and purification of small molecules where silica-based chromatography is appropriate.
API Purification
Evonik identifies active-pharmaceutical-ingredient purification among the typical applications for the CHROMATOCEL family.
Fine Chemical Purification
Silica-gel separation can be used in compatible specialty and fine-chemical processes requiring controlled purification.
Batch Extraction
Powdered silica gel can also be incorporated into compatible batch-treatment processes rather than only packed-column chromatography.
Decolorization
CHROMATOCEL is also positioned for compatible decolorization operations where silica treatment supports the required process objective.
TIXOSIL® 68B FCC Works Differently
TIXOSIL 68B FCC is not a chromatography grade. It is a milled precipitated silica designed to improve the free-flow properties of powders, making compatible dry materials easier to process, manipulate, transport and use.
Powder Ingredients
The starting formulation contains dry ingredients whose flow, handling or storage behavior needs improvement.
Silica Is Added
TIXOSIL 68B FCC is incorporated according to the formulation and processing requirements of the application.
Silica Is Dispersed
Fine precipitated silica distributes through the powder system and can help reduce particle-to-particle clumping while supporting moisture management.
Flow Is Improved
The resulting powder can exhibit improved free-flow and handling characteristics when the silica is properly selected and incorporated.
Powder-Processing Applications
Solvay positions precipitated TIXOSIL silica as a processing aid for dry systems where free-flow, anti-caking behavior, moisture management and consistent handling are important.
Food Ingredients
FCC-grade precipitated silica can support free-flow and anti-caking performance in compatible dry food formulations.
Seasonings & Spices
Powder-flow silica can help reduce caking and improve handling in compatible seasoning, spice and dry-blend systems.
Powdered Dairy & Mixes
Precipitated silica is used in compatible powdered systems where flow, dispersion and storage stability are important processing considerations.
Dehydrated Products
Dry formulations can benefit from silica where moisture-related caking and poor powder flow interfere with processing or packaging.
Flavors & Carriers
Selected precipitated silica products can support the handling and incorporation of compatible flavor and ingredient systems.
Industrial Dry Blending
Compatible industrial powder systems may use precipitated silica to improve handling, dosing, blending and transport characteristics.
How to Select an Industrial Silica
Start with the required process function. Once the silica family is established, evaluate the technical characteristics of the specific grade.
Need Chromatographic Separation?
Start with CHROMATOCEL S-060 or S-200 and compare particle size against the equipment, mobile phase, target compounds and separation objective.
Need Batch Purification?
Evaluate CHROMATOCEL where silica-gel adsorption, extraction or decolorization is appropriate for the process chemistry.
Need Powder Flow Improvement?
Evaluate TIXOSIL 68B FCC where a precipitated silica processing aid is appropriate for improving free-flow characteristics in a compatible dry formulation.
Need Food-Grade Positioning?
TIXOSIL 68B FCC meets the FCC monograph and is positioned by Solvay for food-grade applications. Confirm suitability and applicable regulatory requirements for the finished formulation.
Choosing S-060 vs. S-200?
Compare particle size, pore volume and process behavior rather than assuming the finer grade is automatically superior.
Replacing an Existing Grade?
Compare current manufacturer documentation and validate the proposed silica under actual process conditions before making a production-scale substitution.
Do not select industrial silica by chemical name alone.
Two products identified as silicon dioxide can have substantially different particle structures, pore characteristics, surface areas, regulatory positioning and intended applications. Use the current SDS and technical documentation for the exact grade and validate suitability in the actual process or formulation.
Evaluate Performance, Not Just Price per Pound
Silica economics depend on how effectively the selected grade performs in the actual process. Chromatography media should be evaluated against separation performance and throughput, while powder-processing silica should be evaluated against formulation efficiency, handling and processing behavior.
Silica Handling & Qualification
Use documentation for the exact supplied grade.
Silica products can differ substantially by grade and manufacturing process. Review the current SDS and technical documentation before use, minimize unnecessary airborne dust, use appropriate engineering controls and PPE, and store material in a dry environment protected from contamination and unnecessary atmospheric moisture. Request lot-specific documentation where required by the purchasing or qualification process.
Need Silica for a Production Process?
Sorbents Direct supplies chromatography-grade silica gel and precipitated silica processing aids for commercial and industrial applications. Tell us the current product, process objective, required quantity and ship-to location—or send an existing specification for comparison.
Silica Products & Purification Resources
CHROMATOCEL® S-060
Fine 230–400 mesh chromatography-grade silica gel for purification, separation, extraction and decolorization.
View S-060 →CHROMATOCEL® S-200
Coarser chromatography-grade silica gel for industrial separation, purification and batch-processing applications.
View S-200 →TIXOSIL® 68B FCC
FCC-grade precipitated silica processing aid for improving free-flow characteristics in compatible powder systems.
View TIXOSIL® 68B FCC →Molecular Sieves
Compare 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X molecular sieves where selective adsorption and industrial drying are the primary objectives.
Explore Molecular Sieves →Industrial Silica FAQ
What is industrial silica used for?
What is the difference between silica gel and precipitated silica?
What is CHROMATOCEL® silica used for?
What is the difference between CHROMATOCEL S-060 and S-200?
Is S-060 better than S-200 because it is finer?
What is TIXOSIL® 68B FCC used for?
Can TIXOSIL 68B be used instead of CHROMATOCEL?
Does TIXOSIL 68B FCC prevent all powder caking?
Can Sorbents Direct supply silica in production quantities?
Can Sorbents Direct help compare an existing silica product?
Not Sure Which Silica Grade Fits Your Process?
Send us the application, current media if known, target process function, required quantity and relevant technical requirements. We can help narrow the available options and provide current pricing, freight and manufacturer documentation.
