Activated alumina is a high-performance adsorbent commonly used in industry, renowned for its exceptional adsorption capacity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. It is widely used in gas and liquid drying and catalytic reaction processes. To maximize its effectiveness and ensure safe operation, it is crucial to pay attention to the following precautions.
一. Storage and loading and unloading
1. Sealing and Moisture-Proofing: Activated alumina is highly hygroscopic and rapidly absorbs moisture when exposed to air, resulting in a decrease in its adsorption capacity. Therefore, unused material must be stored in a cool, dry place, with the original packaging sealed. If unused after opening, re-tighten the bag or transfer it to a sealed container as soon as possible.
2. Handle with Care: Although activated alumina has high mechanical strength, avoid dropping it from high places or handling it violently to prevent the particles from colliding and generating excessive dust and debris, which could affect the permeability of the bed.
3. Keep away from contaminants: Storage areas should be away from volatile chemicals, oils, and vapors to prevent them from adsorbing these substances and causing premature failure.
二. Loading and Operation
1. Equipment Inspection: Before loading, ensure that the interior of the adsorption tower, piping, and related equipment is clean and dry, free of oil, rust, and other impurities to prevent contamination of the adsorbent and its performance.
2. Standardized Loading: During loading, it is recommended to use a slow pouring method, or, for large equipment, a dedicated loading tool, to ensure uniform distribution of the material and avoid direct pouring that can cause material separation and "channeling." For vertical adsorption towers, tap the tower walls gently after loading to compact the bed and reduce dead zones, but avoid forceful compaction.
3. Dust Prevention: Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as dust masks, goggles, and gloves, during loading and unloading to reduce dust inhalation and exposure.
三. Operation and Regeneration
1. Control Conditions: Strictly adhere to the operating parameters specified in the process design, including inlet material temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Excessively high temperatures may lead to decreased adsorption performance; excessively high flow rates can shorten material contact time, reduce dehydration or purification effectiveness, and even cause premature bed breakthrough.
2. Monitoring and Regeneration: Regularly monitor the quality of the outlet material (such as dew point and purity) to determine whether the adsorbent is saturated. Regeneration is a critical step in restoring performance and must be performed strictly according to the recommended regeneration temperature and gas volume. Care should be taken to avoid excessively high regeneration temperatures, as this may alter the crystal structure and permanently impair adsorption performance. Furthermore, the regeneration gas should be pure and dry.
四. Safety and Protection
1. Dust Control: Maintain good ventilation in the work environment. Clean up scattered dust promptly to prevent dust accumulation.
2. Avoid Inhalation and Contact: Although activated alumina itself is non-toxic, its dry powder may cause mechanical irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes. If large amounts of dust are accidentally inhaled or contact with the eyes occurs, immediately move to fresh air and rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
3. Waste Disposal: Used activated alumina should be sorted and handled according to the nature of the substances it adsorbed. If it has adsorbed harmful substances, it must be treated as hazardous waste and handed over to a qualified professional agency for disposal. It must not be discarded at will.
