Uses :
Catalyst applications
Activated alumina is used for a wide range ofadsorbent and catalyst applications including the adsorption of catalysts inpolyethylene production, in hydrogen peroxide production,as a selective adsorbent for many chemicals including arsenic, fluoride, in sulfur removal from fluid streams (Claus Catalystprocess).
Desiccant
Used as a desiccant, it works by a process called adsorption.The water in the air actually sticks to the alumina itself in between the tinypassages as the air passes through them. The water molecules become trapped sothat the air is dried out as it passes through the filter. This process isreversible. If the alumina desiccant is heated to approx. 200 Deg. C, it will releasethe trapped water. This process is called regenerating thedesiccant.
Fluoride adsorbent
Activated alumina is also widely used to removefluoride from drinking water. Activated alumina filters can easily reducefluoride levels from 10 ppm to less than 1 ppm.
Defluorination
Defluorination is the downward adjustment of the level of fluoride in drinking water. Activated Alumina processis one of the widely used adsorption methods for the defluoridation of drinkingwater.
Chemisorbent
Activated aluminaimpregnated with potassium permanganate (KMNO4) media (alsocalled potassium permanganate activated alumina) is a chemisorbent, filteringby adsorption and then oxidation, and has a low pressure drop due to itsuniform size and spherical shape. It is useful in removing Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S),Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Mercaptans, as well as lightorganics from airstreams. It highly adsorb ethylene, so it is as ethylenefilter or ethylene adsorber.