Adaptability Analysis of PAC and PAM for Different Water Qualities

As a professional water treatment chemical manufacturer with 28 years of experience, we supply high-quality Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC) and Polyacrylamide (PAM) to global customers. Although both are widely used coagulants, their mechanisms, application scenarios, and advantages differ significantly.

Key Differences Between PAC and PAM

 

Best PAC and PAM Options for Different Water Types

1. High Turbidity Surface Water

PAC advantages:

     → Very effective for >100 NTU

     → Fast floc formation

     → Cost-efficient

PAM synergy:

     → Anionic PAM improves floc size and settling

Recommended: PAC (20–50 mg/L) + Anionic PAM (0.5–2 mg/L)

2. Low Turbidity Water (<10 NTU)

PAM advantages:

     → Captures fine particles

     → Suitable for deep purification

     → Avoids excessive metal ion residue

PAC limitations:

     → Lower efficiency

     → May cause aluminum residue

Recommended: Cationic PAM (1–3 mg/L) with minimal PAC (5–10 mg/L)

3. Industrial Wastewater Applications

     → Oily Wastewater

Cationic PAM → Best for demulsification and oil removal

     → Dyeing Wastewater

PAC → Strong decolorization
Nonionic PAM improves COD removal

     → Paper Mill Wastewater

High-charge cationic PAM + PAC for COD reduction

4. Sludge Dewatering

Best Choice: Cationic PAM

     ● Improves dewatering

     ● Reduces sludge moisture

     ● PAC only used for conditioning

 

Key Factors Affecting PAC and PAM Selection

     ● Water quality parameters: turbidity, pH, COD, organics

     ● Cost considerations: PAC uses higher dosage; PAM uses less

     ● Downstream impact: metal ions vs polymer residue

     ● Seasonal variations:

         ⭕ PAC dosage increases during rainy season

         ⭕ PAM dissolves slower in winter

 

Conclusion

PAC and PAM are complementary rather than competing products. The correct selection depends on:

     ● Water characteristics

     ● Treatment targets

     ● Operational cost

     ● Downstream requirements

We provide free jar testing, formula design, and technical consultation to help you determine the optimal PAC–PAM combination.

 

FAQ

Q1 : Can PAC and PAM be used together?

A1 : Yes. PAC handles coagulation, and PAM handles flocculation—ideal synergy.

Q2 : Which PAM type is best for sludge dewatering?

A2 : Cationic PAM is the most effective.

Q3 : Will PAC cause aluminum residue?

A3 : If overdosed, yes. Proper dosing prevents this.

Q4 : How do I choose between anionic, cationic, and nonionic PAM?

A4 : Based on wastewater characteristics:

     ● Oil-rich water → Cationic PAM

     ● High organic matter → Nonionic PAM

     ● High suspended solids → Anionic PAM