Process for the production of alumina

US4019978A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Laporte Industries Limited · GB

Inventors

• Arthur W. Miller · Boston, US
• William Francis Atkinson

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 1974
• Grant date: Apr 26, 1977
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2006/12
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Low bulk density alumina consisting essentially of pseudoboehmite can be produced by forming aqueous solutions of sodium aluminate and aluminium sulphate having concentrations within defined ranges, controlling the rate of introduction of the sodium aluminate solution into a body of the aluminium sulphate solution and agitation of the mixture such that a substantial proportion of hydrous alumina precipitates under acidic conditions, controlling the temperature of the mixture, and controlling the length of time of alkaline ageing. The hydrous alumina is then filtered, preferably water washed, and then dried. The low bulk density alumina is useful as a catalyst base, particularly for hydrodesulphurization catalysts.