The decision of which coagulant to use in water treatment is a critical one, impacting everything from treatment efficiency to operational costs and environmental impact. For decades, aluminum sulfate (often called alum) has been a mainstay in the industry. However, Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) has steadily emerged as a superior alternative for many applications. As a leading chemical manufacturer and supplier, we provide insights into the comparative advantages of PAC over aluminum sulfate to help procurement managers and R&D professionals make informed decisions.

Both PAC and aluminum sulfate function as coagulants, working to destabilize and aggregate suspended particles in water. The fundamental difference lies in their chemical structure and performance characteristics. Aluminum sulfate is a simple salt that hydrolyzes in water to form aluminum hydroxide precipitates. While effective, this process is highly sensitive to pH and temperature, typically requiring a narrow operating window (pH 5.8-8.5) for optimal performance. It also tends to leave behind significant amounts of residual aluminum in the treated water and generates a large volume of sludge.

Polyaluminium Chloride, on the other hand, is an inorganic polymer that is pre-hydrolyzed. This means that the aluminum species are already in a more complex, polymerized form with a higher positive charge density. This advanced structure offers several distinct advantages when you need to buy Polyaluminium Chloride:

  • Wider pH and Temperature Range: PAC is effective across a much broader pH range (typically 5-9) and is less affected by low temperatures, making it more reliable and easier to use in varied conditions.
  • Lower Dosage Requirement: Due to its higher charge density, PAC generally requires significantly lower doses than aluminum sulfate to achieve comparable or superior results. This translates directly into cost savings on chemicals.
  • Reduced Residual Aluminum: PAC leaves less aluminum in the treated water, which is crucial for meeting drinking water standards and minimizing environmental concerns associated with aluminum discharge.
  • Less Sludge Production: The more efficient coagulation process with PAC generates less sludge, which reduces handling, disposal costs, and the frequency of tank cleaning for water treatment facilities.
  • Faster Floc Formation and Settling: PAC often leads to the formation of denser, faster-settling flocs, improving the efficiency of downstream separation processes and potentially increasing plant throughput.

For industries and municipalities, the shift towards PAC represents a move towards more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound water treatment practices. While aluminum sulfate may still be suitable for certain niche applications, the overall performance benefits of PAC often make it the smarter choice. When you are sourcing water treatment chemicals, consider these critical differences. If you are looking for a high-efficiency flocculant and want to buy Polyaluminium Chloride from a reputable manufacturer, understanding these advantages will guide your selection process and ensure optimal results for your water treatment needs.