Alpha-alumina inorganic membrane support and method of making the same

Abstract

Compositions for making alpha-alumina supports for, for example, inorganic membranes are described. Methods for controlling the alumina and pore former particle sizes and other process variables are described which facilitate desirable porosity, pore distribution and strength characteristics of the resulting alpha-alumina inorganic membrane supports.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An α-alumina support comprising a mean pore size of from 6 microns to 15 microns and having a pore size distribution (d ps ) of from 0.50 to 1.70 as described by the formula:
     d   ps =( dp   90   −dp   10 )/ dp   50 ; 
 wherein dp 10  is a pore size wherein 10% of the pore volume has a smaller pore size; 
 dp 50  is a median pore size wherein 50% of the pore volume has a smaller pore size; and 
 dp 90  is a pore size wherein 90% of the pore volume has a smaller pore size. 
 
     
     
         18 . The α-alumina support according to  claim 17 , having a d f  of from 0.20 to 0.60 as described by the formula:
     d   f =( dp   50   −dp   10 )/ dp   50 . 
 
     
     
         19 . The α-alumina support according to  claim 17 , comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner channel having surfaces defined by porous walls and extending through the support from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         20 . The α-alumina support according to  claim 19 , wherein the α-alumina support is in the form of a honeycomb monolith.