The Activated Alumina System as Applied to Air-Conditioning and Drying Problems

The phenomenon of adsorption is discussed. Some of the properties of the solid adsorbent, activated alumina, are given, including a dynamic characteristic curve. This dynamic characteristic is utilized industrially to dry air and gases to dewpoints as low as —76°C (0.0004 grain per cu. ft.; 0.0009 milligram per liter). Apparatus utilizing activated alumina in this way is described and pictured. — Uses of the system include drying controlled atmospheres and bottled gases, and in chemical processing when water-vapor would promote corrosion or adversely affect the processes. Compressed-air lines are kept free of water to prevent freeze-up in winter or spoilage of work. — In industrial and comfort air-conditioning, comparatively large quantities of partially dried air are required. A continuous dehumidifier to meet these requirements is described and illustrated. — It is pointed out that performance is a function of machine design as well as of the fundamental characteristics of the solid adsorbent used. Depending upon the factors of first cost and economy of operation, a wide range of performance may be obtained. A curve shows the present-day characteristic of a line of machines that is commercially available.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1938-04

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J16602