| Typical material composition | Alumina-based clay, silica, and other ceramic oxides | Usually about 70–99% Al2O3, depending on grade | Ceramic matrix with a treated or catalytically active surface | Request a batch-specific chemical analysis and permitted impurity limits |
| Common applications | Inert support, liquid distribution, filtration, and general packing service | Chemical processing, petroleum refining, high-temperature service, and catalyst support | Adsorption, drying, purification, and selected catalytic processes | Match the grade to temperature, chemical exposure, pressure drop, and process duty |
| Typical ball diameter | Approximately 3–76 mm | Approximately 3–76 mm; smaller sizes are also available for selected uses | Commonly 3–25 mm, depending on the process design | Confirm nominal size, size tolerance, grading method, and undersize percentage |
| Bulk density | Often about 1.3–1.7 g/cm³ | Often about 1.5–2.2 g/cm³ | Varies by ceramic formulation and treatment; commonly about 1.2–1.8 g/cm³ | Check the test method because bulk density is not the same as true density |
| Water absorption | Common commercial range: ≤10–15% | Higher-density grades commonly target ≤5–10% | Depends on pore structure and activation treatment | Ask for the test standard, conditioning procedure, and lot result |
| Crushing strength | Typically increases with ball diameter and density; supplier values must be size-specific | Generally higher than standard ceramic grades at comparable size | Must be evaluated together with porosity and surface treatment | Do not compare crushing-strength figures unless ball size and test method are identical |
| Operating temperature suitability | Suitable for many moderate-to-high temperature services when chemically compatible | Preferred for demanding high-temperature applications | Limited by the stability of the active treatment and process chemistry | Obtain the maximum continuous temperature, thermal-shock data, and compatibility statement |
| Quality documents normally available | Certificate of analysis, packing list, and dimensional inspection record | Certificate of analysis, alumina assay, density report, and mechanical test data | Certificate of analysis plus surface-treatment or activity information | Require traceability from raw material and production lot to final shipment |
| Indicative export price range | About US$250–700 per metric ton for common bulk grades | About US$500–1,500+ per metric ton, depending on alumina content and specifications | About US$700–2,500+ per metric ton, depending on treatment and performance requirements | Use these as screening ranges only; confirm Incoterm, quantity, packaging, freight, and test requirements |
| Typical production lead time | Approximately 2–5 weeks for standard sizes and regular production | Approximately 3–8 weeks, especially for high-purity or custom grades | Approximately 4–10 weeks when activation or special testing is required | Confirm production capacity, order cut-off dates, inspection time, and shipping schedule |
| Packaging options | Typically 25 kg bags, 500–1,000 kg jumbo bags, or pallets | Moisture-resistant bags, jumbo bags, and palletized export packaging | Sealed, moisture-protected packaging is commonly required | Verify net weight, pallet configuration, moisture protection, labeling, and container loading plan |
| Best supplier-selection priority | Consistent dimensions, low breakage, stable supply, and competitive landed cost | Verified alumina content, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and technical support | Documented performance, treatment consistency, storage stability, and application expertise | Compare total cost of ownership rather than quoted price alone |