Catalyst application
Activated alumina is used for a wide range of adsorbent
and catalyst applications including the adsorption of
catalysts in polyethylene production, in hydrogen
peroxide production, as a selective adsorbent for many
chemicals including arsenic, fluoride, in sulfur removal
from gas streams (Claus Catalyst process).
Desiccant
Use as a desiccant, it works by a process called
adsorption. The water in the air actually sticks to the
alumina itself in between the tiny passages, as the air
passes through them. The water molecules become trapped
so that the air is dried out as it passes through the
filter. This process is reversible, and if the alumina
desiccant is heated to about 200¡ãC it will release all
of the water stored in it. This process is called
regenerating the desiccant.
Fluoride absorbent
Activated alumina is also widely used to remove fluoride
from drinking water. In the US, there are widespread
programs to fluoridate drinking water. However, in
certain regions, such as the Jaipur region of India,
there is enough fluorine in the water to cause
fluorosis. Activated alumina filters can easily reduce
fluoride levels from 0.5ppm to less than 0.1ppm.
