Activated alumina has a regeneration function, and because of its regeneration capability, it is considered cost-effective. There are also multiple regeneration methods, and a suitable method can be chosen during the regeneration operation. Below is an introduction to its regeneration methods:
1. The heating regeneration method is generally used, often involving purging with hot nitrogen gas. This is because water and activated alumina have a strong interaction, making it difficult to completely desorb adsorbed water using other methods. The process includes three steps: heating, purging, and cooling. The higher the heating temperature, the better the desorption regeneration effect. Since high concentrations of water vapor at high temperatures can severely damage the structure, it is necessary to purge the activated alumina bed with nitrogen, air, product gas, or other suitable gases during heating. The purging gas should ideally be free of moisture, as the moisture content in the purging gas directly affects the regeneration effect.
2. After regeneration, the activated alumina bed needs to be cooled before adsorption operations can be performed. When cooling the bed with gas, the gas used should also be as moisture-free as possible, and the flow direction of the cooling gas should be the same as that of the adsorption cycle. When used for liquids, such as drying propylene, the liquid in the bed must first be driven out during regeneration, leaving no dead zones.
The choice of regeneration method for activated alumina is crucial to its performance after regeneration. Therefore, after understanding its regeneration methods, it is essential to make a reasonable selection to ensure the regeneration process is completed smoothly.
The price of activated alumina varies among different manufacturers, and many users have noticed this issue when purchasing. Due to various influencing factors, the product's price can differ. So, what are the factors affecting its price?
1. Environmental Protection
In the long term, environmental protection requirements will become increasingly strict. Activated alumina and prebaked anodes are raw materials for producing electrolytic aluminum, and their production emits pollutants. Therefore, related enterprises will be constrained by environmental policies.
2. Imports
Due to the continuous growth in alumina production, the demand for bauxite has significantly increased. Global bauxite resources are abundant but unevenly distributed. Bauxite resources are relatively scarce, and due to high demand, a large amount of bauxite needs to be imported.
3. Heating Season
With the upcoming heating season, production enterprises of activated alumina are key targets for production restrictions. This will further widen the gap between market supply and demand. As a result, many traders are stockpiling in advance, leading to an increase in market demand, which further drives up prices.
4. Supply and Demand
Since the alumina market is highly concentrated, most of it is sold through long-term contracts, leaving little available for the spot market. With the continuous expansion of electrolytic aluminum production, the demand for activated alumina is also growing.