The invention relates to alumina agglomerates of the type obtained by
dehydrating an aluminium oxyhydroxide or hydroxide, agglomerating the
alumina thus obtained, hydrothermally treating the agglomerates and
calcinating same. Said agglomerates are characterised in that: the
V.sub.37 .ANG. thereof is greater than or equal to 75 ml/100 g,
preferably greater than or equal to 80 ml/100 g and, better still,
greater than or equal to 85 ml/100 g; the V.sub.0.1 .mu.m thereof is less
than or equal to 31 ml/100 g; and the V.sub.0.2 .mu.m thereof is less
than or equal to 20 ml/100 g, preferably less than or equal to 15 ml/100
g and, better still, less than or equal to 10 ml/100 g. The invention
also relates to a catalyst carrier, an intrinsic catalyst or an
absorbent, in particular for use in the petroleum and petrochemical
industry, comprising such alumina agglomerates. Moreover, the invention
relates to methods for preparing said agglomerates.