Activated alumina is a porous form of aluminum oxide. It has a high surface area which adsorbs vapors without any change in form. Activated aluminas will not soften or disintegrate easily when immersed in water.
Dew points to -40°F and lower may be achieved with activated alumina depending on dryer design and operating conditions.
The 1/8 (2-5mm) bead is the size most frequently used in regenerative dryers.
Color and form: White bead
Bulk Density: 48 lbs/cu.ft.
Crush strength: 17-30 lbs
Surface area: 1.74 x 10 6 sq ft/lb
Static adsorption | Humidity
100% RH - 42.0%
90% RH - 37.5%
60% RH - 21.0%
10% RH - 7.5%
1. High adsorption capacity
With high surface area and excellent pore distribution, activated alumina has a high water adsorption capacity. This reduces initial cost, energy consumption and operating costs through smaller bed sizes and/or longer operating cycles.
2. Low abrasion
Insures less dusting during tower depressurization or loading. Low abrasion means low pressure drop and a reduced chance of plugging the afterfilter.
3. Resists liquid water
Water slugging due to upstream failure of aftercooler, separators or drain traps will not fracture the alumina beads. The adsorption capacity of the desiccant can be restored after complete regeneration.
4. High crush stregnth
High crush strength, which limits dusting, is important during loading of desiccant towers. High crush strength makes alumina effective as a prebed material when used with other types of desiccants.
5. Uniform bead sizes
Activated alumina is a uniformly sized bead. It provides low pressure drop to minimize channeling and ensures utilization of the full bed column section.