Last Updated: August 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Introduction
Poly aluminium chloride (PAC) is a highly efficient inorganic CoAgulant widely used in water and wastewater treatment. Unlike traditional aluminum sulfate (alum), PAC offers superior coagulation performance across a broader pH range (5.0 to 9.0), lower dosage requirements, and reduced sludge production. Available in various grades—yellow powder (Al2O3 28 to 30%), brown powder (Al2O3 29 to 32%), and white powder (Al2O3 30%+ high purity)—PAC suits drinking water purification, industrial effluent treatment, and municipal wastewater processing. Its pre-hydrolyzed structure provides rapid floc formation, excellent turbidity removal, and stable performance in cold water. This technical guide covers PAC chemistry, manufacturing processes, specification parameters, dosing calculations, and application best practices to help engineers and procurement teams optimize treatment performance and reduce costs.
Key Properties & Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow/White powder | Visual |
| Active Content | Varies by grade | Titration |
| pH (1% solution) | 3.0-5.0 | pH meter |
| Insoluble matter | ≤0.5% | Gravimetric |
Applications Across Industries
| Industry | Primary Use | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Water | Coagulation | 20-80 mg/L |
| Textile | Color removal | 100-300 mg/L |
| Mining | TSS removal | 50-200 mg/L |
| Paper & Pulp | Retention | 100-400 mg/L |
| Food | Solids removal | 50-200 mg/L |
How to Select the Right Grade
- Water quality: pH, turbidity, COD, TSS
- Treatment stage: Primary vs polishing
- Industry: Different wastewater characteristics
- Discharge standards: Local regulatory limits
- Cost optimization: Balance cost vs performance
Always conduct a jar test to determine optimal product and dosage.
Chemical Dosing Guide
| Stage | Chemical | Dosage | pH | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coagulation | PAC 30% | 50-300 mg/L | 5.5-8.0 | 30-55% COD |
| Coagulation | PFS | 30-200 mg/L | 4.5-8.0 | 40-60% COD |
| Flocculation | PAM | 0.5-5 mg/L | 6-9 | Improves settling |
| Adsorption | Carbon | 50-500 mg/L | 5-9 | 20-80% COD |
Cost Analysis
| Method | Capital | Operating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coagulation | $50-150 | $0.10-0.30 | Suspended solids |
| Biological | $100-250 | $0.05-0.20 | Biodegradable COD |
| Fenton AOP | $80-200 | $0.30-1.00 | Refractory COD |
| Activated Carbon | $50-150 | $0.20-0.80 | Polishing |
FAQ
What is poly aluminium chloride?
poly aluminium chloride is a water treatment chemical used for coagulation, flocculation, or adsorption in wastewater and drinking water treatment. It effectively removes suspended solids, colloidal particles, and dissolved organic compounds through physicochemical processes.
How does poly aluminium chloride work in water treatment?
poly aluminium chloride works by destabilizing colloidal particles through charge neutralization, forming flocs through bridging and sweep coagulation, and facilitating removal through sedimentation or flotation. The mechanism depends on the specific chemical type and water quality conditions.
What dosage of poly aluminium chloride should I use?
Typical dosage: 20-80 mg/L for drinking water, 50-300 mg/L for industrial wastewater, 0.5-5 mg/L for PAM. Actual dosage must be determined by jar testing. Contact HydroChemix for free technical guidance.
How to choose the right grade of poly aluminium chloride?
Selection depends on water pH, turbidity, COD level, industry, and discharge standards. Use our Chemical Selection Tool or request a free sample for jar testing.
Need Expert Help?
HydroChemix provides free technical consultation, jar testing support, and free samples. Our engineers help you select the right chemical and optimize treatment.
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