As environmental regulations tighten globally, selecting the right coagulant for water treatment is crucial. Aluminum sulfate and poly aluminium chloride (PAC) are two commonly used inorganic coagulants. This article provides a detailed comparison of both, covering their performance, cost, environmental impact, and industry-specific recommendations.
A conventional coagulant used for decades in water purification.
✅ Pros: Low price, well-established usage
❌ Cons: Higher dosage, narrow pH range, more sludge, less effective in cold water
PAC is a newer, high-efficiency coagulant with enhanced performance and environmental benefits.
✅ Pros: Wide pH range, low dosage, better floc formation, lower sludge
❌ Cons: Slightly higher price, storage requires care
Feature | Aluminum Sulfate | Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) |
---|---|---|
Aluminum Content | Low | High |
Required Dosage | High | Low |
pH Range | 6.5–7.5 | 5.0–9.0 |
Cost Efficiency | Lower unit price, higher use | Higher unit price, lower total cost |
Sludge Volume | Large | Low |
Water Adaptability | Neutral water | Wide range of water types |
Environmental Impact | More residual aluminum | More eco-friendly, better effluent quality |
Application Area | Recommended Coagulant | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Drinking Water | PAC | High purity, low residual aluminum, regulatory compliant |
Municipal Wastewater | PAC | High adaptability, better organic matter removal |
Industrial Wastewater | PAC | Effective for high-COD, high-color wastewater (chemical, textile) |
Rural Small-Scale Systems | Aluminum Sulfate | Lower cost, suitable for stable water quality |
Food Processing Wastewater | PAC | High clarity requirement and food-grade safety |
Cement/Paper Industries | Aluminum Sulfate | Focus on cost control over high performance |
Both aluminum sulfate and PAC remain important tools in the water treatment industry.
√ For higher treatment performance and eco-compliance, PAC is the superior choice.
√ For budget-limited projects with predictable water conditions, aluminum sulfate offers good value.
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