Polyaluminium chloride ( PAC) powder is an important coagulant used in various industries. This organometallic compound of aluminum, chlorine, and oxygen exhibits excellent coagulating properties and effectively removes suspended solids, dyes, oils, and organic substances from liquids. In recent decades, PAC has established itself as a more effective alternative to materials such as aluminum sulfate or alum and is widely used in industries ranging from water treatment to paper and textile production.
In this article, we will learn more about the main industries that use polyaluminium chloride powder and explore why this material is of particular importance in industrial processes.
1. Water treatment industry and water treatment under urban and industrial conditions
Polyaluminum chloride (PAC) is an important component in the treatment of drinking water as well as municipal and industrial wastewater . PAC acts as a coagulant , causing the very small suspended solids (colloids) naturally occurring in water to clump together into larger flakes. These flakes then settle or can be easily filtered out.
The use of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) for water purification offers the following advantages:
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A characteristic feature is its high efficiency across a wide pH range (from 5 to 9).
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Faster sedimentation
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Reduce your use of other chemicals.
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Compared to the use of alum, sediment formation is lower and the sediment volume is smaller.
In large municipal refineries, as well as in the oil and gas, petrochemical, metallurgical and energy production industries, activated carbon in powder or liquid solution form is used to remove turbidity and heavy metals.
2. Paper industry
In the paper industry, polyaluminium chloride powder fulfills a dual function: it can be used as a filler and microfiber binder , as well as an additive to improve paper strength and gloss .
The use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in this industry is steadily increasing for the following reasons:
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Maintaining the pH value within the optimal range for pulp production.
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Improvement of the quality and gloss of the paper surface.
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Reduce the use of organic additives.
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Improving the efficiency of water recycling systems in factories.
In processes such as chemical pulp production, bleaching and recycling of waste paper, activated carbon is an effective alternative to aluminium sulfate and can also reduce the costs of wastewater treatment in the plants.
3. Textile printing and dyeing industry
In the textile printing and dyeing industry, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) is used to remove dyes and organic substances from the wastewater generated during the dyeing process . Synthetic dyes, especially azo and reactive dyes, are water-soluble and difficult to remove. PAC improves the purity of the wastewater by forming larger clumps that separate the dyes from the solution.
Common applications of polyacrylic compounds in the textile industry include:
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Treatment of colored wastewater from textile spinning mills
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This helps to fix the color during the dyeing process.
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Adjusting the pH level in a washing machine
In this industry, the use of activated carbon not only improves the quality of the wastewater, but also saves water and increases the efficiency of the dyeing process.
4. Oil, gas and petrochemical industry
In the oil and gas industry, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) plays a crucial role in the treatment of process water and wastewater containing oil and organic matter. It is used particularly in cooling systems, on drilling platforms, and in refineries , where it separates oil from water and reduces turbidity.
The most important application areas of PAC technology in this field include:
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Removal of suspended solids and oil emulsions.
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Water treatment in a cooling tower
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Preparations for water injection in oil slicks.
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Support in the process of separating the pharmaceutical active ingredient.
Due to its high resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, PAC can be used stably in the acidic or alkaline environments common in these industries.
5. Food industry
In some food industries, such as sugar, beverage, and dairy production , polyaluminium chloride (PAC) is used for drinking water purification and the removal of impurities. In sugar refineries, PAC serves as a substitute for lime and aluminum sulfate in syrup production.
Advantages of using polymer coatings in the food industry:
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This product reduces unwanted color and odor from water and beverages.
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The final product contains no free aluminum.
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Complies with food safety standards (food quality).
It is important to point out that these industries exclusively use food-grade polyacrylate (PAC) , a highly purified material that contains no metallic impurities.
6. Mining and minerals industry
In the mining and mineral processing industries, activated carbon powder is also used to separate solids from extracts and to purify mining wastewater . This material is suitable for sedimenting particles and reducing turbidity, particularly in flotation and extraction processes for metals such as copper , zinc, and aluminum.
Activated carbon powder is used in coal mines to remove fine ash particles and organic matter from the wash water. It is also used in galvanizing plants to remove metal ions and improve wastewater quality.
7. Pharmaceutical and medical industry
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, activated carbon compounds (ACCs) are used to purify ultrapure water, distilled water, and water for injection . High purity is essential for these industries, as impurities can compromise the quality of the final product . Activated carbon compounds improve the clarity and purity of water by removing ions and organic substances.
8. Agriculture and Environment
In recent years, the use of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) in irrigation water treatment, pond maintenance, and algae control has increased. PAC helps reduce microbial load and excess nutrients in water, thus improving water quality . It is also used in some groundwater and wetland restoration projects to reduce dissolved phosphorus and inhibit algae growth .
In conclusion
Polyaluminium chloride (PAC) powder is a versatile material with a wide range of applications across various industries. From water and wastewater treatment to the paper, textile, petrochemical, and food industries, and even mining, all sectors benefit from its use. The advantages of this material extend beyond improved process efficiency; it also contributes to reducing environmental impact by decreasing chemical consumption and sludge formation.
Overall, the use of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) in industry leads to improved product quality, lower costs, and environmental protection. Therefore, demand for this material has increased significantly in recent years , and it is expected to maintain its position in the chemical industry in the future.