Activated Alumina and Silica Gel

Activated alumina is a kind of desiccant but it cannot be directly used for absorbing moisture like silica gel. The purpose is entirely different for activated alumina. However, the internal structure of this substance is similar to silica gel desiccants. It is a porous substance.

Activated alumina can be used for water treatment or water purification. It is one of the main applications of this item. It can be used either in the beginning process of water purification or in the final process. Activated alumina has the capability to absorb the contaminants. Instead of filtering it, they are absorbed.

Water purification companies are using activated alumina as one of the main ingredients in their entire processes. The capability to absorb contaminants by activated alumina is depended on the characteristics of it and the quality of the water. Instead of filtering, they are absorbing the waste elements, so the chances are high to change it often.

Activated alumina can be regenerated like silica gel. But the process of regeneration is different. Silica gel can be regenerated by heating it. Once the moisture is vapored, silica gel can come back to its initial mode. It may get the full ability to absorb moisture as before. But activated alumina is different.

To regenerate activated alumina, we need to use strong acid and base solutions. It is not desirable to store inside the home. And it is not easy to handle also. This is one of the main drawbacks of activated alumina. But for industrial purposes, it can be stored in a separate place.

Silica gel is very popular among normal people, not like activated alumina. Because activated alumina is mainly used for industrial purposes and silica gel can be seen everywhere. It is familiar. Along with new shoeboxes, or with a new laptop bag we can see it.