In the realm of heterogeneous catalysis, alumina catalyst supports play a pivotal role in enhancing reaction efficiency, stability, and selectivity. As a leading supplier of advanced materials, Alfa Chemistry offers a comprehensive range of high-performance alumina-based catalyst supports tailored to meet diverse industrial needs.
Why Use Alumina as Carriers?
What Are Alumina Carriers?
Alumina carrier refers to a white powder or formed alumina solid. It is the most widely used catalyst carrier, accounting for about 70% of industrial supported catalysts. For example, in the fields of hydrorefining, hydrocracking, catalytic reforming to produce aromatics, catalytic combustion, methane steam reforming to produce hydrogen, ethylene epoxidation reaction and automobile exhaust control.
Characteristics of Alumina Catalyst Carriers
- Suitable shape and size for specific reactions
- Sufficient mechanical strength
- Sufficient specific surface area and suitable pore structure for catalysts
- Sufficient chemical and thermal stability
- Wide sources of raw materials, low manufacturing cost
- Can be compatible with active components to make catalysts active
- Does not increase side reactions, low impurity content
- Improve catalyst heat resistance
Shape of Alumina Catalyst Carriers
Common shapes of catalyst carriers include: columnar, ring, spherical, pressed sheet, granular, extruded strip, etc. At Alfa Chemistry, our alumina catalyst carriers even extend to clover and butterfly shapes.
Alfa Chemistry's Alumina Catalyst Carrier Portfolio: Product Matching Guide
With Alfa Chemistry's diverse portfolio of alumina-based carriers, selecting the ideal product for your application requires careful consideration of reactor design, process conditions, and catalytic requirements. This guide outlines key factors to evaluate and matches them with Alfa Chemistry's specialized solutions to streamline your decision-making process.
HGDH Type Dehydrogenation Catalyst Carrier
Best For: Fluidized bed dehydrogenation of C3/C4 hydrocarbons.
Key Features:
- Excellent sphericity and low abrasion for sustained fluidization.
- Adjustable particle size, pore volume, and surface area.
Applications: Propane/butane dehydrogenation to olefins.
For Details
HGCS Type Cylindrical Strip Alumina Carrier
Best For: Fixed-bed reactors in harsh environments.
Key Features:
- High compressive strength and corrosion resistance.
- Customizable dimensions and pore structures.
Applications: Hydrocracking, hydrodesulfurization (HDS), catalytic oxidation.
For Details
HGCSP Type Clover-Shaped Alumina Carrier
Best For: Maximizing reactant-catalyst contact in fixed beds.
Key Features:
- Unique clover shape for optimal flow distribution.
- High surface area and mechanical durability.
Applications: Hydrodenitrogenation (HDN), HDS, CO sulfur-tolerant shift reactions.
For Details
HGBF Type Butterfly Alumina Carrier
Best For: High-efficiency dehydrogenation and reforming.
Key Features:
- Butterfly shape enhances porosity and surface area.
- Resists mechanical stress and thermal degradation.
Applications: Petrochemical reforming, adsorption.
For Details
HGRR & HGRRB Type Raschig Ring Alumina Carriers
Best For: Tower reactors requiring vapor-liquid distribution.
Key Features:
- HGRR: High purity, thermal stability, and shock resistance.
- HGRRB: Superior heat resistance with a hollow design for low-pressure drop.
Applications: Gas drying, absorption, catalyst protection in petrochemical/coal chemical industries.
HGRR Details HGRRB Details
HGSP Type Spherical Alumina Carrier
Best For: High-temperature, corrosive environments.
Key Features:
- Spherical geometry ensures uniform packing and minimal attrition.
- Adjustable pore structures for targeted catalysis.
Applications: Refining, chemical synthesis, and emission control.
For Details
Application-Driven Selection Matrix
| Process | Recommended Product | Key Advantage |
| Fluidized Bed Dehydrogenation | HGDH | Low abrasion, adjustable particle size |
| Fixed-Bed HDS/HDN | HGCS, HGCSP, HGBF | High strength, optimized flow distribution |
| CO Shift Reactions | HGCSP, HGBF, HGSP | Enhanced surface area, sulfur tolerance |
| Tower Reactor Operations | HGRR, HGRRB | Superior vapor-liquid distribution, thermal stability |
| High-Temperature Reforming | HGSP, HGRRB | Thermal stabilization, corrosion resistance |
Key Considerations for Selecting Alumina Catalyst Supports
Reactor Type
- Fluidized Bed Reactors: Require carriers with high abrasion resistance, uniform particle size, and excellent fluidization properties.
- Fixed-Bed Reactors: Demand carriers with robust mechanical strength, optimized pore structures, and efficient reactant flow distribution.
- Tower/Column Reactors: Need structured carriers with high vapor-liquid distribution capabilities.
Process Conditions
- Temperature: High-temperature processes (e.g., dehydrogenation, hydrocracking) require thermally stable alumina.
- Pressure: Mechanical strength and structural integrity under pressure are critical.
- Chemical Environment: Acidic, basic, or corrosive conditions necessitate chemically inert alumina.
Catalytic Requirements
- Surface Area & Porosity: Higher surface area improves active component dispersion, while tailored pore structures enhance mass transfer.
- Customizability: Adjustable pore size, bulk density, and phase composition to match specific catalytic reactions.
Application-Specific Needs
- Dehydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodenitrogenation (HDN), CO shift reactions, or adsorption.
