Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball specifications
| Property | Unit | Value | Test condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al₂O₃ content | % wt | ≥ 99 | — |
| SiO₂ content | % wt | ≤ [0.2] | — |
| Fe₂O₃ content | % wt | ≤ [0.1] | — |
| Water absorption | % | ≤ [value] | — |
| Bulk density | g/cm³ | [value] | — |
| Crush strength | N / ball | [value by size] | Per diameter |
| Diameter | mm | 3, 6, 9, 13, 19, 25, 38, 50 | — |
Where is Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball used?
Inert alumina ceramic balls are used as support and hold-down layers in hydrotreating, reforming and other refinery reactors, and in high-temperature adsorber and dryer beds.
Refinery reactors
Support and top layers for hydrotreating and reforming catalysts.
Steam and high-temperature service
Where silica leaching must be avoided.
Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball vs other adsorbents: which do you need?
Choose 99% alumina balls where temperature, steam or silica leaching is a concern; standard and medium-alumina balls are more economical for dryers and adsorbers.
| Grade | Al₂O₃ | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 99% alumina (this product) | ≥ 99% | High-temperature, steam, silica-sensitive |
| High-alumina ball | ≥ 90% | Hydrotreating, reforming reactors |
| Standard inert ball | Lower alumina content | Dryer and adsorber beds |
What is Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball?
Inert alumina ceramic balls are dense, high-purity alumina spheres that carry no catalytic activity; they support, cover and distribute flow in fixed beds.
Type
99% alumina ceramic
Function
Support, hold-down, flow distribution
Sizes
3 to 50 mm
How does Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball work?
Layers of balls graded by size sit below and above the active bed: the bottom layers carry the load and keep catalyst out of the outlet, and the top layers spread incoming flow and trap debris.
- Graded support layers — larger balls at the bottom, smaller above.
- Active bed — catalyst or adsorbent in the middle.
- Hold-down layer — balls on top distribute flow and stop bed movement.
When should you use Inert Alumina Ceramic Ball?
Use 99% alumina balls in high-temperature or steam service, and wherever silica leaching could foul catalysts or downstream equipment.
- Reactor temperature beyond the range of standard balls.
- Steam present in the feed.
- Catalyst sensitive to silica.
Do Inert Alumina Ceramic Balls need regeneration?
No. The balls are inert and are reused at each catalyst change after screening; replace broken or fouled balls.
Regeneration
Not required
At turnaround
Screen and reuse
Replace
Broken or fouled balls
