The activated alumina spheres are very porous, have a high surface area, and do not change form. They will not soften or disintegrate when immersed in liquids. When used to adsorb water, they act as an efficient desiccant. Molecules with the highest polarity are preferentially adsorbed. In the absence of irreversible fowling, they may be regenerated by heating to a temperature between 177-316C. Applications: Drying and purification of organic liquids and gases; adsorption of heavy metals such as fluorides, phosphates, arsenic acids, and humic acids; purification of processing liquids, industrial water, and waste water by removing highly polar compounds such as: TBC, alcohols, ethers, etc.; removal of acids formed from the degradation of transformer oils, lubricating oils, and refrigerants; removal of residual halides and water during the manufacture of chlorinated and/or fluorinated hydrocarbons, yielding a non-corrosive product.