PAC vs BAC in Drinking Water Treatment 

As a professional manufacturer with 28 years of experience supplying water treatment chemicals to more than 80 countries, we provide both PAC (Polymeric Aluminium Chloride) and BAC (Basic Aluminium Chloride) for drinking water plants, industrial users, and municipal systems.

Over the years, many customers have asked us:

“What are the real differences between PAC and BAC? Which one is better for drinking water? How do they perform in different wastewater conditions?”

This guide summarizes our real project experience and provides practical, easy-to-understand recommendations.

Introduction to PAC and BAC 

What Is PAC? – A Stable and Highly Adaptable Coagulant

PAC is one of the most widely used coagulants worldwide, known for:

• Al₂O₃ content: 26–30%

• Fast coagulation and large floc formation

• Strong adaptability to low-temperature and high-turbidity water

• Excellent cost-performance ratio

PAC is ideal for most conventional drinking water and industrial wastewater applications.

What Is BAC? – Designed for High-Purity Water Treatment

BAC contains higher basicity and more Al(OH)ₙ structures, providing:

• Denser and stronger flocs

• Lower turbidity in treated water

• 10–25% lower dosage compared with PAC

• Better compatibility with membrane and advanced filtration systems

BAC is commonly used for premium drinking water, bottled water, and food-grade processing water.

Performance Comparison – PAC vs BAC

In summary:
BAC offers cleaner water and lower residual aluminum, while PAC provides wider adaptability and better cost efficiency.

Application in Drinking Water Treatment

PAC Is Suitable for:

• High-turbidity surface water

• Seasonal water quality changes

• Cold or low-turbidity raw water

• Cost-sensitive drinking water projects

BAC Is Recommended for:

• High-purity drinking water

• Bottled water production

• Ultrafiltration, ceramic membrane, or RO pretreatment

• Food and pharmaceutical water systems

BAC consistently delivers clearer water and lower residual aluminum.

Application in Industrial Wastewater

Food Processing Wastewater

PAC → Primary coagulation
BAC → Deep polishing

Paper Mill Wastewater

PAC → Cost-effective for large-volume treatment
BAC → Improves clarity for reuse

Chemical Wastewater

PAC → Broad applicability
BAC → For high-purity or difficult-to-treat wastewater

Mining & Metal Wastewater

PAC → Removes turbidity and metals
BAC → Ensures lower residual aluminum for high-end systems

Product Selection Guide Based on Water Conditions

• High turbidity: Choose PAC

• Ultra-low turbidity demand: Choose BAC

• Cold temperature: PAC performs better

• High-purity drinking water: BAC is the best option

FAQ

Q1: Which product is better for drinking water?

A1: PAC is suitable for standard treatment; BAC is ideal for high-purity applications.

Q2: Why is BAC more expensive?

A2: Its higher basicity and stronger flocculation performance provide cleaner water and lower dosage.

Q3: How much lower is the BAC dosage?

A3: Approximately 10–25% lower than PAC.

Q4: Can PAC and BAC be combined?

A4: Yes, especially for complex wastewater. Our engineers can design the dosing ratio.

Q5: Which one works better in cold water?

A5: PAC.