molecular sieve inside filter bad?

The molecular sieve is just a desiccant and has no PH to my knowledge. The only corrosion would be a completely wet sieve causing the aluminum to corrode but you probably could NOT push air through it if it were that wet (plugged). Maybe the filter shell exploded from over pressure due to the plugged sieve?

It’s not bad to use it in direct contact with the Aluminun. Just sandwich it between two one inch pieces of the cotton tampon. No worries. Check it every 5 to 7 hours run time on your compressor. 

Oxidized carbon steel dust + Aluminum dust = "Thermite Reaction" . . .

Ahhhh! Runnnn!  

Seriously though ^^^

But no, you don't have to worry about anything like that when using molecular sieve in the aluminum tube.. 
Some people have placed a thin walled plastic tube/sleeve inside to separate the two, but, 
I don't see where it's really needed. Just as long as the pellets aren't just rattling around..

I'm using a multi-chamber setup consisting of Molecular Sieve and Silica Gel Desiccant.. 
Alternating the two - sandwiched in between shortened layers/sections of the cotton filters.. 

Which reminds me - I need to finish my setup, and change the oil in my comp. 

 

Sam -

Click to expand...

A seller of a $400 filter competing with an $80 one providing the same protection is not an unbiased source of facts. How much neglect does it take for a nearly quarter inch thick anodized aluminum cylinder to corrode to the point of failure? Filter owners periodically inspect them and replace the desiccant. In the unlikely event that a filter is totally neglected it won't build pressure then suddenly detonate. It will leak under pressure long before it is a danger. It is common for hucksters, used car salesmen, and pushy telemarketers to use uncorroborated claims as scare tactics to justify a high price. No certified testing lab or recognized scientific source publishes warnings for industrial users that zeolite desiccant attacks metal after it becomes moist. The desiccant bead air channeling claim is also pseudo-science. A manufacturers desiccant filter cartridge is packed no tighter than a home packed filter compressed with tampon end pads. Air channeling is prevented by tightly packing zeolite 4X8 or 8X12 desiccant beads. Compress the beads by screwing the end caps tightly against 1" cut sections of round tampon material that is included with a filter. The best solution for new buyers is the gold filter that includes a repackable cartridge. Tuxing sells them for $82 shipped from within the U.S on Ebay or Aliexpress.

Corrosion was in a un-anodized filter.. If you are worried about it just get some clear plastic report covers from a stationary store and cut to length, roll up and place a piece of tampon in both ends and sieve in the middle..