Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC)
Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC) is an inorganic polymer coagulant used extensively for water treatment and purification. It is a highly efficient flocculating agent, derived from aluminum salts and partially neutralized with chloride, forming polymerized aluminum complexes. PAC is preferred over traditional alum for its rapid floc formation, broader pH range, and lower sludge production. Available in both liquid and powder forms, it is widely applied in municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors for clarification, separation, and purification processes.
Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC)
Primary Uses
- Municipal Water Treatment
- Used to purify drinking water by removing turbidity, suspended solids, and pathogens.
- Offers superior performance over alum at low temperatures and varying pH levels.
- Reduces aluminum residuals in treated water, making it safer for consumption.
- Wastewater Treatment
- Commonly applied in sewage and industrial wastewater plants to remove color, heavy metals, organic matter, and suspended particles.
- Effective in the treatment of oily and high-COD wastewater (e.g., textile, leather, chemical industries).
- Helps in sludge thickening and dewatering processes.
- Paper Industry
- Used in paper sizing and retention systems to enhance paper strength and reduce fiber loss.
- Improves retention of fillers and fines, resulting in better paper quality and machine efficiency.
- Textile & Dyeing Industry
- Employed to remove anionic dyes, reduce BOD/COD levels, and clarify colored effluents.
- Provides excellent color removal efficiency in synthetic and reactive dye wastewater.
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Used in oilfield water treatment to remove emulsified oil and suspended solids.
- Functions as a flocculant in drilling fluid clarification and produced water treatment.
- Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Water Purification
- In pre-treatment stages for ultra-pure water systems.
- Ensures removal of particles and bacteria prior to membrane filtration.
Secondary Uses
- Swimming Pool Water Treatment
- Helps in clarifying pool water by flocculating fine particles and impurities.
- Reduces chlorine demand by removing organics.
- Mining & Metallurgy
- Used in ore washing and separation processes, and for treating tailing water.
- Assists in removing heavy metals and improving water reuse.
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Applied in water treatment for bottled water plants and beverage production, under regulated conditions.
- Ensures microbial safety and visual clarity.
- Sugar Industry
- Utilized to purify cane juice by removing colloidal particles during juice clarification.
- Helps in reducing scaling in evaporators.
- Tanning Industry
- Employed in effluent treatment to remove chromium, fats, and dyes.
- Assists in water recycling systems in leather processing.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Poly(aluminum chloride)
- Common/Trade Name: PAC
- CAS Number: 1327-41-9
- HS Code: 2827.49.00 (Chlorides of aluminum)
- Synonyms: Polyaluminium chloride; PACL; Basic aluminum chloride
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Available in powder or liquid form
- Color & Odor: Light yellow to white (powder); odorless
- pH (1% solution): ~3.5–5.0
- Solubility: Completely soluble in water
- Al₂O₃ Content: 28–31% (for high-grade powder)
- Basicity: 40–90% depending on grade
- Density (Liquid): ~1.2 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardou
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; avoid ingestion and contact with eyes or skin
- Exposure Limits: Use appropriate precautions in case of prolonged exposure
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; avoid moisture for powdered form
- Container Type: HDPE drums, IBC totes, or moisture-proof bags for powder
- Shelf Life:
- Liquid: 6–12 months
- Powder: Up to 24 months if sealed properly
- Handling Precautions: Use gloves and eye protection during handling; avoid inhaling powder dust
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with:
- NSF/ANSI 60 for drinking water additives (select grades)
- ISO standards for water treatment chemicals
- REACH registered (for industrial use in EU)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic – not biodegradable but environmentally stable
- Ecotoxicity: Low at recommended dosages
- Sludge Reduction: Produces less sludge compared to traditional alum
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask (for powder)
- Handling Guidelines: Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation; handle with care in damp environments
- Storage Measures: Keep container tightly sealed; store off the floor to avoid moisture contact
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Rinse with water and soap; seek medical attention for irritation
- Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical help
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical (for surrounding fire)
- Special Precautions: Use protective gear; avoid contact with spilled material
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May release hydrochloric acid fumes at high temperatures
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