PAC vs BAC
PAC and BAC in Drinking Water Treatment
As a professional manufacturer, ECOLINK supplies water treatment chemicals to more than 80 countries, providing PAC (Polyaluminum Chloride) and BAC (Basic Aluminum Chloride) for drinking water plants, industrial users, and municipal systems.
Over the years, many customers have asked us:
"What exactly is the difference between PAC and BAC? Which one is more suitable for drinking water treatment? How do they perform under different wastewater treatment conditions?"
This guide summarizes our practical project experience and provides practical, easy-to-understand advice.
Introduction to PAC and BAC
What is PAC? – A stable and adaptable coagulant
Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) is one of the most widely used coagulants globally, known for:
· Al₂O₃ content: 26–30%
· Rapid coagulation and large floc formation
· Strong adaptability to low-temperature, high-turbidity water
· Excellent cost-performance ratio
· [PAC is suitable for most conventional drinking water and industrial wastewater treatment applications.]
What is BAC? – Designed for high-purity water treatment
BAC has higher basicity and more Al(OH)n structures, thus:
· Denser, stronger flocs
· Lower turbidity in treated water
· 10–25% lower dosage compared to PAC
· Better compatibility with membranes and advanced filtration systems
· [BAC is typically used for premium drinking water, bottled water, and food-grade process water.]
Performance Comparison – PAC vs BAC
Parameter | PAC | BAC |
Alumina content | 26%–30% | 30–40% |
Basicity | 30%–90% | 60–85% |
Dosage | Higher | Reduced |
Floc strength | Moderate | Stronger |
Residual aluminum | Low | Very low |
Water temperature adaptability | Excellent | Good |
Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
Summary: BAC provides cleaner water and lower residual aluminum, while PAC offers broader adaptability and higher cost-effectiveness.
Application in Drinking Water Treatment
PAC is suitable for:
· High-turbidity surface water
· Seasonal water quality variations
· Cold or low-turbidity raw water
· Cost-sensitive drinking water projects
·
BAC is recommended for:
· High-purity drinking water
· Bottled water production
· Pretreatment for ultrafiltration, ceramic membranes, or reverse osmosis
· Food and pharmaceutical water systems
· [BAC consistently delivers cleaner water and lower residual aluminum.]
Application in Industrial Wastewater
Food processing wastewater
PAC → Primary coagulation
BAC → Polishing
Paper mill wastewater
PAC → Suitable for high-volume treatment, cost-effective
BAC → Improved clarity for reuse
Chemical wastewater
PAC → Wide applicability
BAC → For high-purity or difficult-to-treat wastewater
Mining and metal wastewater
PAC → Turbidity and metal removal
BAC → Ensures lower residual aluminum in high-end systems
Product Selection Guide Based on Water Quality Conditions
· High turbidity → Choose PAC
· Ultra-low turbidity requirement → Choose BAC
· Low temperature → PAC performs better
· High-purity drinking water → BAC is the best choice
·
Frequently Asked Questions
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: About 10–25% lower than PAC.
Q4: Can PAC and BAC be used together?
A4: Yes, especially for complex wastewater. Our engineers can design the dosing ratio.
Q5: Which works better in cold water?
A5: PAC.