Activated alumina is widely utilized in industrial processes to remove moisture from gases and liquids, particularly natural gas processing to avoid hydrate formation which could compromise pipelines or equipment.
Water adsorption on an AO surface is controlled by many acidic and basic sites, including Lewis acid sites and Bronsted acid sites.
High porosity
Activated alumina is a highly porous, granular substance with large networks of interconnected pores that give it remarkable moisture-absorbing capabilities and an extraordinary adsorption capacity. This structure makes activated alumina an exceptional moisture sorbent, with impressive moisture-absorbency rates to remove air moisture molecules efficiently and the capability of resisting thermal shock and abrasion without shrinkage, swelling or disintegration when immersed in water; its high porosity allows it to be used as a drying medium for various gases or liquids.
Adsorption of water by alumina depends on the concentration of active sites and hydroxyls on its surface, which are determined by temperature, duration, impurity content of initial hydroxides during heat treatment, as well as modification processes that produce desiccants with different acidities and absorption characteristics.
Alumina offers several distinct advantages over silica gel for moisture control applications, with its complex and slower adsorption mechanisms making it ideal for applications requiring moisture control. Furthermore, regeneration at lower temperatures makes this material particularly advantageous.
With these advantages in mind, replacement desiccant alumina balls are a perfect fit for compressed air dryers, natural gas dehydration systems and other industrial applications. Their use may prevent the formation of hydrates during transportation of natural gas; protecting pipelines and compression equipment from damage due to ice-like structures which block flow; as well as protecting electronics against corrosion, mould and degradation by absorbing moisture adsorbing by these desiccants.
High adsorption capacity
Activated alumina has an outstanding capacity to absorb moisture, particularly water vapour and humidity, making it an excellent material choice for industrial uses. Furthermore, its strength makes it resistant to mechanical stress and corrosion; making it suitable for compression air drying applications as well. Adsorption properties of activated alumina are determined by its structure and preparation conditions – its polar interaction with water molecules drives this process until equilibrium with relative humidity of its environment has been reached; at which point moisture absorption ceases and regeneration must take place.
Desiccants made of aluminium oxide can achieve dynamic adsorption capacity through increasing their concentration of basic sites on their surfaces, with this factor especially significant in cases involving g-Al2O3-based desiccants, typically manufactured through precipitation from pseudoboehmite or bayerite with weaker basicity than gibbsite; additional basic sites may be added by impregnation with alkalis or by hydration with carbonate solutions.
Activated alumina has many industrial uses, from gas and compressed air dryers to air conditioning systems. Due to its low bulk density and high adsorption capacity, activated alumina makes an effective replacement for zeolite for gas dehydration, with its higher crush strength permitting its use at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Low toxicity
Activated alumina is an aluminum oxide-based highly porous granular substance with an impressive surface area for moisture absorption. It is produced by heating aluminum hydroxide to high temperatures and allowing its water molecules to escape, creating tunnel-like pores with vast absorption areas. Non-toxic and chemically stable, activated alumina is safe to use for industrial applications including air drying and natural gas dehydration.
Aluminum oxide desiccant has the added advantage of being resistant to high temperatures without suffering degradation, making it an excellent choice for humid conditions in which fast adsorption rates are required, such as in humid regions. However, note that activated alumina absorbs moisture slower than silica gel.
The adsorption capacity of activated alumina depends on its structure and heat treatment of aluminium hydroxide. Modifying its structure affects concentration of basic sites on its surface as well as distribution of Al3+ ions over tetra- and octa-oxygen positions which has an impact on acidity levels; differences in acidity can significantly change desiccant properties based on activated alumina desiccants; these differences in acidity play an integral part of desiccant performance which can increase dynamic capacity dramatically.
Wide application
Aluminum oxide desiccant is widely utilized in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to manage humidity levels while simultaneously trapping dust particles and mold spores that contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. Furthermore, its industrial air treatment applications make it incredibly effective as it absorbs potentially toxic gasses and chemical vapors, leading to cleaner environments.
Dryer balls are also commonly utilized for compressed air dryers as they are less expensive than silica gel and have high crush strength that can withstand pressure from an air compressor. When saturated, indicators that change color indicate this making monitoring and replacement easier.
Activated alumina is an invaluable ingredient in water purification, helping remove fluoride and arsenic from drinking water supplies, protecting water supplies while upholding higher standards of quality across industries.
Desiccants play an integral part of natural gas processing, where they prevent hydrate formation during transportation, protecting pipelines and equipment from the formation of ice-like structures which may damage machinery or hinder flow. Furthermore, desiccants are used in aerospace to prevent moisture damage to satellites and rocket fuel tanks. To make sure that your project is protected properly, AGM offers its Desiccant Unit Calculator and Humidity Calculator so you can gain a general idea of the amount of desiccant you will require; alternatively contact their engineering department where professional engineers will assist.