What are inert ceramic balls? What are their functions? Where are they used? Here, the ceramic ball factory has collected many questions about a series of inert alumina ceramic balls and has attached pictures and videos for everyone to consult. If you need the industry standards of inert ceramic balls, you can send an email to us: lizhi@pxball.cn. We will provide them for free to everyone.

Definition
Inert ceramic balls are a type of inert ceramic filler made by sintering aluminium oxide as the main raw material at high temperatures. They have stable chemical properties, high strength, high temperature resistance, strong corrosion resistance, and do not react chemically with the medium. Therefore, they are called “inert”.

Function
Support and protection of catalysts: In fixed-bed reactors in fields such as chemical engineering, oil refining, and petrochemicals, inert ceramic balls are usually used as the support layer for the catalysts, laid at the bottom of the reactor. They ensure the uniform distribution of fluids (gases or liquids), prevent the fluids from directly impacting the catalysts, and prevent the catalyst bed from clogging or collapsing. At the same time, they filter impurities in the fluids, protect the catalyst’s activity, extend its service life, and disperse heat, preventing local overheating from causing damage to the catalyst.

Purpose
Refinery: Catalytic cracking unit, hydrogenation refining/hydrocracking reactor.
Petrochemical industry: Reforming reactor, isomerization reactor, desulfurization and denitrogenation tower, etc.
Filler layers in towers: Distillation tower, absorption tower, resolution tower and other separation equipment.
Coal chemical and fertilizer industry: Coal water slurry gasifier, powder gasifier, ammonia synthesis plant, shift reactor, synthesis tower.

Selection Considerations
Alumina Content: The content of tricalcium aluminate (such as 17%, 23%, 90%) affects corrosion resistance and strength. The choice should be based on the corrosiveness of the medium.
Specification and Size: The particle diameter is usually 3 to 50 mm. Small particle diameters are used for fine filtration, while large particle diameters are used for the support layer.
Density: It affects the filling volume of the reactor and fluid resistance. It needs to be matched with the process conditions.
Summary: By reasonably selecting inert alumina ceramic balls, the stability, efficiency, and service life of industrial equipment can be significantly improved. It is particularly indispensable in catalyst support and high-temperature corrosion environments.