As a supplier of PAC (Poly Aluminium Chloride) water treatment chemicals, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact these chemicals have on water treatment processes. In this blog, I'll delve into the functions of PAC water treatment chemicals, exploring their diverse applications across various sectors.
1. Coagulation and Flocculation
One of the primary functions of PAC in water treatment is coagulation and flocculation. Coagulation is the process of neutralizing the electrical charges of suspended particles in water, causing them to clump together. Flocculation then involves the formation of larger aggregates, or flocs, which can be easily removed from the water.
PAC is an effective coagulant due to its high charge density. It contains positively charged aluminum ions that can neutralize the negatively charged particles in water, such as clay, silt, and organic matter. Once the charges are neutralized, the particles can come closer together and form larger flocs. These flocs are heavier and settle more quickly, making them easier to separate from the water through sedimentation or filtration.
For example, in municipal water treatment plants, PAC is often used to remove turbidity and color from raw water. By adding PAC to the water, the suspended particles are coagulated and flocculated, allowing the water treatment plant to produce clear and clean drinking water. The use of PAC in this process can significantly improve the efficiency of water treatment and reduce the cost of operation.
2. Removal of Heavy Metals
PAC can also be used to remove heavy metals from water. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium are toxic and can pose serious health risks to humans and the environment. PAC can react with heavy metal ions in water to form insoluble complexes, which can then be removed through sedimentation or filtration.
The mechanism of heavy metal removal by PAC involves the formation of hydroxide precipitates. PAC hydrolyzes in water to form aluminum hydroxide, which can adsorb heavy metal ions onto its surface. The heavy metal ions are then removed from the water along with the aluminum hydroxide precipitate.
In industrial wastewater treatment, PAC is commonly used to treat wastewater containing heavy metals. For instance, in the electroplating industry, PAC can be used to remove heavy metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc from the wastewater. By using PAC, the heavy metal concentration in the wastewater can be reduced to acceptable levels, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Disinfection and Microorganism Removal
Another important function of PAC in water treatment is disinfection and microorganism removal. PAC can help to reduce the number of microorganisms in water by disrupting their cell membranes and inactivating their enzymes. This can prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and ensure the safety of drinking water.
Although PAC is not a strong disinfectant like chlorine, it can enhance the effectiveness of other disinfectants. When used in combination with chlorine, PAC can help to reduce the amount of chlorine required for disinfection, thereby reducing the formation of disinfection by - products.
In swimming pool water treatment, PAC can be used to clarify the water and remove suspended particles, which can also help to improve the efficiency of disinfection. By removing the organic matter and suspended particles, the disinfectant can work more effectively to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the water.
4. pH Adjustment
PAC can also play a role in pH adjustment in water treatment. The hydrolysis of PAC in water releases hydrogen ions, which can lower the pH of the water. This can be beneficial in some water treatment processes, especially when the water has a high pH.


For example, in some industrial processes, the wastewater may have a high pH due to the presence of alkaline substances. By adding PAC to the wastewater, the pH can be adjusted to a more suitable level for further treatment. This can improve the efficiency of other treatment processes, such as coagulation and flocculation.
5. Applications in Different Industries
- Municipal Water Treatment: As mentioned earlier, PAC is widely used in municipal water treatment plants to produce clean drinking water. It helps to remove turbidity, color, and microorganisms from raw water, ensuring that the water meets the quality standards for drinking.
- Industrial Wastewater Treatment: PAC is used in various industries, such as the textile, paper, and food processing industries, to treat their wastewater. It can remove pollutants such as suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic matter from the wastewater, making it suitable for reuse or discharge into the environment.
- Swimming Pool and Spa Water Treatment: In swimming pools and spas, PAC is used to clarify the water and improve its clarity. It can also help to reduce the amount of disinfectant required, making the water safer and more comfortable for swimmers.
Product Links
If you are interested in our PAC products, you can click on the following links for more information:
- Sewage Treatment Poly Aluminium Chloride
- Polyaluminum Chloride 28%
- Polyaluminium Chloride CAS NO.:1327 - 41 - 9
Contact for Purchase
If you are looking for high - quality PAC water treatment chemicals for your water treatment needs, we are here to help. Our PAC products are of excellent quality and have been proven effective in various water treatment applications. Whether you are a municipal water treatment plant, an industrial facility, or a swimming pool operator, we can provide you with the right PAC solution. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements and start a purchase negotiation.
References
- "Water Treatment Chemicals: A Guide to Their Use and Application" by Water Treatment Association.
- "Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations" by Glenn R. Biermann.
