Activated alumina is an inert material that binds with contaminants to keep them out of the environment. Camfil’s NSF certified activated alumina media can effectively remove an array of oxidizable molecular contaminants.
Activated alumina is created by heating hydrated alumina to release water molecules and disrupt its crystal lattice along planes of weakness, creating well-defined pores with high surface area and an open structure.
Activated alumina is a natural adsorbent
Activated alumina is an efficient adsorbent used for various applications. Due to its porous structure, activated alumina absorbs gases, liquids, and dissolved species. Adsorption capacity depends upon pH-values between 5.5 and 6.5 depending on application requirements; for optimal capacities use pH values between 5.55-6.65.
As H2S-laden gas is passed through an activated alumina system, its intricate pore structure acts like small traps to capture and retain H2S molecules, producing an effective sulfur-free gas stream. Due to this feature, activated alumina has become an invaluable component of air purification systems as it absorbs harmful chemicals and pollutants from indoor environments while serving as a clad catalyst in sulfur recovery units that convert hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur for reduced emissions and environmental risks.
Activated alumina comes in many particle sizes, from beads, pellets, granules and powders. Particle sizes can affect surface area, porosity and absorption capacity of activated alumina materials. Catalytic processes in oil refining, petrochemical production and chemical manufacturing industries rely heavily on catalyst supports to increase efficiency and stability for more effective catalysis processes. This material serves as the backbone for these activities. Desiccant activated alumina is a useful dehumidifier, used to regulate moisture levels and prevent corrosion in industrial applications. For safe handling of activated alumina it is advised that individuals wear appropriate personal protective equipment (OZO). Eye irritation or skin contact could occur, so individuals handling activated alumina must wear eye protection and wear PPE to protect against eye and skin contact as well as breathing in dust particles during handling processes. Activated alumina workers should additionally wear a face mask or respirator inhalation protection to avoid inhalation of dust particles during handling processes.
It is a highly porous material
Activated alumina is an extremely porous material used for moisture adsorption applications, typically as desiccant. Additionally, activated alumina has proven itself to be invaluable in the chemical industry for HOC depletion and pesticide adsorption such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-dichlorophenol, and trichlorophenol. Molinate, atrazine and propazine pesticides may also be adsorbed by activated alumina; its large surface area, chemical inertness, and high ionic strength make it suitable for many other applications.
Activated alumina’s adsorption capacity depends on its heat treatment and pore structure, as it has an affinity for water molecules and hydroxyl groups – much like silica gel but more suitable to higher temperatures.
Under heat treatment, hydrated alumina undergoes numerous transformations that result in its creation of an extremely porous structure. Agglomerations is sometimes employed for easier handling and performance characteristics while it maintains much higher contaminant removal capacities than silica gel.
Once an alumina filter’s capacity has been determined, it should be regularly tested for contaminants to ensure it continues functioning at optimal capacity. Preferably this should take place every month to monitor contaminant levels and avoid over-treating of drinking water; its monitoring schedule should ideally reflect gallon treated as opposed to time in operation as this factor may vary according to water use patterns.
It is a reversible adsorbent
Activated alumina is an adsorbent material which can be used to remove harmful elements from water, including fluoride, arsenic and selenium contaminants that pose serious health threats. Clean drinking water is essential to both human survival as well as animal life.
Adsorption occurs through chemical bonding between activated alumina and hydrogen ions, with those ions then being released when heated above their decomposition temperature. After being released from its bonds by heating above this threshold temperature, rinse water is used to recover them before the activated alumina is heated again to reactivate its absorption properties and restore adsorption properties.
Reversible processes allow alumina to be reused over and over, so water treatment dealers should backwash their alumina material regularly to prevent it from cementing together and keep its absorption capacity and working condition in good shape. It is recommended that dealers backwash alumina regularly so as to keep cementing at bay and preserve good working condition of this eco-friendly material.
Adsorption of these elements onto alumina surfaces is made easy due to its high surface area. Common types used for this application include alkaline, alkaline earth and transitional forms bonded with water that contain large pores for maximum absorption capacity and have 4-7% loss on ignition rates – typically used as intermediate materials in preparation of highly lithiated intercalates with reversible Type II argon/nitrogen isotherms for gas-liquid adsorption applications.
It is a non-toxic material
Clean, safe drinking water is essential to humans and animals alike. Unfortunately, natural sources contain contaminants such as fluoride, arsenic and selenium that pose serious health threats; filtering these chemicals out of the water must therefore be prioritized. Activated alumina offers a suitable solution; its high crush strength makes it resistant to abrasions and water pressures while its non-chalking property ensures it won’t soften or swell when immersed in liquid and its appropriate pore structure reduces impurity content – an effective filter!
Activated alumina is produced by heating various forms of hydrated alumina (alumina hydroxide, oxide-hydroxide or alumina gel). The heat treatment alters its surface properties and structure to facilitate adsorption; hence its widespread use as desiccants and other adsorptive applications.
Activated alumina has proven its antibacterial capabilities many times over, able to eradicate bacteria and other microorganisms from hospitals and food processing facilities to prevent contamination. In order to keep its antibacterial properties intact and avoid future microbial growth, regular regeneration with appropriate chemicals is required in order to preserve antimicrobial effectiveness and halt any possible buildup of humic and fulvic acids on activated alumina that might otherwise lead to corrosion or other negative outcomes.