Activated Alumina for Air Drying

Compressed Air Pretreatment for PSA Systems

Activated Alumina is a highly porous, aluminum oxide based adsorbent used extensively in industrial gas drying applications. In the context of PSA nitrogen generation systems, it plays a vital role in air pretreatment, particularly in the removal of water vapor from compressed air prior to contact with the Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) bed.
Moisture in the inlet air can significantly reduce the performance and lifespan of CMS. Over time, this leads to inconsistent nitrogen purity, reduced cycle efficiency, and premature material degradation. Activated Alumina provides a stable and efficient solution for lowering dew points and protecting downstream adsorbents from hydrothermal damage.

Function and Integration in PSA Systems

In a PSA nitrogen generator setup, Activated Alumina is used in the upstream air dryer towers to remove moisture from the compressed air. As air flows through the alumina bed, water vapor is adsorbed through a physical process, made possible by the material’s high surface area and pore structure. This drying step is critical to ensure that only dry, stable air reaches the Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) columns, supporting consistent adsorption and desorption behavior throughout each PSA cycle.
By maintaining a dry air stream, Activated Alumina helps achieve:

• Longer CMS service life
• Stable nitrogen purity
• Fewer regeneration or replacement cycles
• Minimized system downtime

Its compatibility with regenerative drying cycles also makes it a practical component in systems where heatless or heat regenerated dryers are used.

Key Technical Properties

• High adsorption capacity for water vapor
• Low dust generation, high mechanical strength
• Stable performance under varying pressure and temperature conditions
• Regenerable via thermal cycling or pressure swing processes

Available in multiple bead sizes and bulk densities, Activated Alumina can be tailored to fit standard industrial air dryers and customized configurations.

Application of Activated Alumina

• Air dryers for PSA nitrogen and oxygen generators
• Compressed air drying systems
• Moisture removal in instrument air lines
• Desiccant beds in regenerative dryers
• Drying of process gases in petrochemical plants
• Feed gas preparation in hydrogen and biogas systems