For decades, Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) was the workhorse coagulant in water treatment. However, advancements in chemical technology have introduced superior alternatives, with Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) emerging as a leading choice for many municipal and industrial applications. As a dedicated Polyaluminum Chloride manufacturer and supplier, we often get asked about the differences between PAC and Alum. Understanding these distinctions is vital for procurement managers making critical purchasing decisions.

Performance Differences: Floc Formation and Efficiency
The primary difference lies in their chemical structure and how they perform in water. Aluminum Sulfate is a simple salt, while PAC is a pre-polymerized inorganic polymer. This structural difference leads to significant performance variations:

  • Floc Size and Settling: PAC typically forms larger, denser, and stronger flocs that settle much faster than those produced by Alum. This enhanced settling rate improves the efficiency of sedimentation tanks and reduces the load on subsequent filtration stages.
  • Dosage Requirements: Due to its polymeric nature and higher charge density, PAC generally requires significantly lower dosages to achieve comparable or superior water clarity compared to Alum. This translates directly to lower chemical consumption and cost savings.
  • pH Impact: Alum tends to lower water pH more drastically than PAC. PAC has a less pronounced effect on pH, often reducing the need for additional alkaline chemicals for pH adjustment, which further lowers operational costs.
  • Temperature and Turbidity Adaptability: PAC demonstrates better performance across a wider range of water temperatures and turbidities, offering more consistent results even in challenging conditions.

Sludge Production and Environmental Considerations
Another critical factor is sludge generation. Alum treatment typically produces a higher volume of sludge, which is often gelatinous and difficult to dewater. PAC, on the other hand, generates less sludge, and the sludge is usually denser and easier to dewater. This reduction in sludge volume lowers disposal costs and simplifies waste management, a significant advantage for both industrial and municipal facilities.

Cost-Effectiveness and Sourcing from a PAC Supplier
While the per-kilogram price of PAC might sometimes appear higher than Alum, the overall cost-effectiveness often favors PAC. The lower dosage requirements, reduced need for pH adjustment chemicals, and lower sludge disposal costs typically make PAC the more economical choice in the long run. As a prominent PAC supplier in China, we offer competitive polyaluminum chloride price structures, especially for bulk purchases. When you decide to buy Polyaluminum Chloride from us, you are investing in a superior chemical solution that enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, and provides better environmental performance.

For procurement managers looking to optimize their water treatment processes, switching to PAC from traditional Alum is often a strategic decision that yields significant benefits in performance, cost, and environmental impact. We encourage you to contact us to discuss how our high-quality PAC can meet your specific needs.