In the critical domain of water treatment, selecting the optimal coagulant is key to achieving efficient purification and cost-effective operations. Two prominent inorganic polymer coagulants frequently considered are Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) and Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC). While both serve the purpose of removing impurities, their performance characteristics, particularly in sensitive applications like potable water treatment, differ significantly. As a dedicated supplier and manufacturer of water treatment chemicals, we aim to provide clarity on these differences to help professionals make informed decisions. This comparison focuses on why ACH often emerges as the preferred choice.

Understanding the Chemical Differences:

At their core, both ACH and PAC are aluminum-based coagulants designed to destabilize suspended particles in water, leading to flocculation and sedimentation. However, their structural differences lead to distinct performance attributes:

  • Aluminum Concentration and Basicity: ACH typically features a higher aluminum concentration (often 23% Al2O3 for liquid, 46-50% for solid) and significantly higher basicity (80-85%) compared to most PAC products (which typically have around 10-15% Al2O3 and 40-60% basicity). Higher basicity means ACH has a greater capacity to neutralize negative charges on impurities, making it a more potent coagulant.
  • Cationic Charge Density: The highly polymerized aluminum species in ACH possess a higher cationic charge density. This allows ACH to work more effectively at lower dosages and to form more compact, faster-settling flocs than PAC.

Performance Advantages of ACH:

These structural differences translate into tangible performance benefits for ACH:

  • Lower Dosage Requirements: Due to its superior charge neutralization capability, ACH generally requires significantly lower dosages to achieve comparable or better water quality results than PAC. This translates to reduced chemical consumption, lower transportation costs, and less material to handle and store.
  • Wider pH Operating Range: ACH is effective across a broader pH range (5-9.5) compared to many PAC formulations. This inherent versatility simplifies water treatment operations by minimizing the need for pH adjustment chemicals, thereby reducing costs and operational complexity.
  • Reduced Aluminum Residuals: A crucial factor, especially for drinking water, is the level of residual aluminum left in the treated water. ACH, when properly dosed, tends to leave lower aluminum residuals than PAC. This is a key reason why ACH is often favored for potable water applications and holds NSF certification.
  • Improved Floc Formation: ACH forms denser, more robust flocs that settle more rapidly and are more easily dewatered. This improves the overall efficiency of sedimentation and filtration processes.
  • Fewer Insoluble Impurities: High-quality ACH often contains fewer insoluble substances and impurities, contributing to a cleaner treatment process and higher purity in the final water.

When to Choose ACH:

While PAC remains a viable option for many water treatment scenarios, ACH presents a compelling case for applications demanding higher performance, lower chemical usage, and greater safety, particularly in:

  • Potable water treatment, where NSF certification and low aluminum residuals are critical.
  • Wastewater treatment requiring efficient removal of stubborn contaminants like heavy metals and phosphates.
  • Situations where operational simplicity and reduced chemical costs are prioritized.

Your Reliable Supplier for High-Quality ACH

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of Aluminum Chlorohydrate in China, we are committed to providing products that offer superior performance and value. We understand the technical nuances of water treatment and are equipped to supply you with high-quality ACH that meets stringent specifications. If you are looking to buy Aluminum Chlorohydrate for your treatment needs, consider the advanced benefits ACH offers over PAC and partner with us for reliable supply and expert support.