For professionals in the chemical and water treatment industries, understanding the nuances between different grades of Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) is crucial for optimal application and compliance. While both industrial and drinking water grade PACs are powerful coagulants, their specifications, production standards, and intended uses differ significantly. As a leading manufacturer and supplier, we shed light on these key distinctions.

Drinking Water Grade PAC: Purity and Safety First

Drinking water grade Polyaluminium Chloride is manufactured under the most stringent quality controls to meet potable water standards, such as China's GB/T 15892-2020 and international equivalents. The primary objective is to ensure the safety and purity of drinking water. Key characteristics include:

  • Ultra-Low Impurities: This grade features extremely low levels of heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury) and iron, which are critical for human consumption.
  • Controlled Basicity: Basicity is carefully managed to optimize the coagulation process without negatively impacting water pH or requiring excessive neutralization.
  • High Purity Aluminum Content: A higher concentration of active AL2O3 ensures efficient removal of turbidity, color, and organic matter.
  • Fine and Uniform Particle Size: Typically produced via spray drying, this PAC has a fine powder form that dissolves easily and efficiently in water.

This type of PAC is essential for municipal water treatment plants, bottled water production, and any application where the treated water will be consumed by humans or animals.

Industrial Grade PAC: Robust Performance for Wastewater

Industrial grade Polyaluminium Chloride is formulated to tackle a broader range of contaminants found in industrial wastewater, municipal sewage, and various other effluent streams. While still effective, the purity requirements are generally less stringent than for drinking water applications. Key aspects include:

  • Wider Range of Impurity Tolerance: While still controlled, the limits for heavy metals and other impurities might be higher compared to drinking water grades.
  • Varied Basicity and AL2O3 Content: Formulations can vary to suit specific industrial wastewater challenges, offering flexibility in treatment approaches.
  • Diverse Production Methods: Industrial PAC may be produced through spray drying, drum drying, or other methods, influencing its physical properties.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for High Volume: Often produced at a lower cost per ton, making it suitable for large-scale industrial wastewater treatment where the primary goal is pollutant removal rather than human consumption safety.

Choosing the Right Product from a Supplier:

When you contact a PAC supplier, clearly stating your application is vital. For example, if you need to purchase PAC for a municipal drinking water facility, you must specify 'drinking water grade'. If your requirement is for treating effluent from a textile factory or an industrial chemical plant, an industrial grade might be sufficient and more economical. Always inquire about the product's CAS number (e.g., 1327-41-9), AL2O3 content, basicity, and heavy metal analysis to ensure it meets your project's specific needs. As a dedicated manufacturer and supplier, we ensure our product descriptions and technical support help you make the informed decision.

In summary, the choice between industrial and drinking water grade PAC hinges on the intended use and the required purity standards. Always verify the specifications and compliance of the PAC you buy to achieve effective water treatment and maintain regulatory adherence.