In the realm of water treatment, selecting the appropriate coagulant is a critical decision that impacts both the efficiency of purification and the overall cost-effectiveness of the process. Two of the most commonly used inorganic coagulants are Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) and Aluminum Sulfate (also known as Alum). While both serve the purpose of removing impurities from water, they possess distinct properties and performance characteristics. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., a leading Polyaluminium Chloride supplier in China, offers insights into making the right choice.

Understanding Aluminum Sulfate (Alum):

Aluminum Sulfate has been a workhorse in water treatment for decades. It is a cost-effective inorganic salt that functions by hydrolyzing in water to produce positively charged aluminum hydroxide precipitates. These precipitates neutralize the negative charges on suspended particles, causing them to aggregate into larger flocs that can be settled or filtered out. However, Alum has limitations:

  • pH Dependence: Alum is most effective within a specific pH range. Outside this range, its efficiency decreases, often requiring additional chemicals to adjust the pH, thereby increasing operational complexity and cost.
  • Higher Dosage Requirements: Typically, Alum requires a higher dosage to achieve comparable purification results to PAC, especially in challenging water conditions.
  • Sludge Volume: The flocs formed by Alum can be less dense, leading to larger sludge volumes that require more extensive disposal.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: Alum's performance can be significantly affected by water temperature, being less effective in cold water.

The Advantages of Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC):

Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) represents a more advanced generation of coagulants. Its polymeric structure with a higher charge density offers several advantages:

  • Wider pH Range: PAC is effective over a much broader pH range than Alum, reducing the need for pH adjustment and simplifying the treatment process.
  • Lower Dosage: Generally, PAC requires a significantly lower dosage to achieve excellent water clarity, translating to lower chemical costs and reduced sludge generation.
  • Faster Flocculation and Settling: The larger, denser flocs formed by PAC settle more rapidly, shortening treatment cycles and increasing throughput. This makes it an effective water purification coagulant.
  • Better Performance in Cold Water: PAC maintains its efficacy better than Alum in colder water temperatures, ensuring consistent performance year-round.
  • Lower Corrosivity: PAC is typically less corrosive to equipment than some other inorganic coagulants.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs:

When considering whether to buy PAC for water treatment or stick with Alum, several factors come into play:

  • Water Quality: For raw water with high turbidity, low temperatures, or a wide pH range, PAC often proves to be the more efficient and cost-effective choice.
  • Cost Analysis: While the per-kilogram price of PAC might be higher than Alum, the lower dosage requirements and reduced need for auxiliary chemicals can make PAC more economical overall.
  • Operational Simplicity: The broader applicability and less stringent operational parameters of PAC can simplify treatment plant operations.

As a leading Polyaluminium Chloride supplier in China, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is committed to helping our clients select the most appropriate coagulant. We offer high-quality PAC at competitive Polyaluminium Chloride price points. Whether you are looking for an industrial wastewater treatment chemical or a solution for drinking water purification, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision. Contact us to discuss your specific water treatment challenges and discover the benefits of our premium PAC products.