Description
PAC most commonly refers to Polyaluminum Chloride, which is a widely used chemical, particularly in water and wastewater treatment.
- PAC is a type of coagulant and inorganic flocculant.
- It’s a polymerized form of aluminum chloride and hydroxide.
- It’s considered one of the most efficient water treatment chemicals available today.
It works by causing suspended particles, organic matter, and other impurities to clump together (coagulation and flocculation), which makes them easier to remove through filtration and sedimentation.
Key Characteristics and Uses
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) |
| Chemical Formula | Alₙ(OH)ₘCl₍₃ₙ₋ₘ₎ |
| Chemical Type | Inorganic polymer coagulant |
| CAS Number | 1327-41-9 |
| Molecular Weight | Variable (polymeric) |
| Appearance | Yellow to pale yellow liquid or powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| pH (1% solution) | ~3.5 – 5.0 |
| Basicity | 40% – 70% (grade dependent) |
| Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) | 10% – 18% (liquid), up to 30% (powder) |
| Solubility in Water | Completely soluble |
| Density (liquid, 25 °C) | ~1.20 – 1.30 g/cm³ |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
| Reactivity | Reacts with strong bases |
| Hydrolysis | Forms Al(OH)₃ flocs in water |
| Ionic Nature | Cationic |
| Function | Coagulant, flocculant |
Key Applications of PAC:
- Water and Wastewater Treatment: This is the primary use of PAC. It is used to purify both drinking water and industrial wastewater. Its effectiveness is due to its ability to work over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, produce large flocs that settle quickly, and have a minimal effect on pH, which reduces the need for additional chemicals.
- Paper and Pulp Industry: PAC is used as an auxiliary agent to improve drainage rates in the papermaking process and as a retention aid.
- Oil and Gas Industry: It’s used to treat produced water and clarify water used in hydraulic fracturing.
- Other Industries: PAC also finds applications in the textile industry, mining, and cosmetics (e.g., in deodorants and antiperspirants).
Forms of PAC:
- PAC is available in both liquid and solid forms.
- The liquid form is typically a clear to pale yellow color.
- The solid form can range from white to light yellow powder or granules.
Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) is a corrosive chemical, and proper storage and handling are crucial for safety and maintaining product effectiveness. Whether in liquid or solid form, a number of key precautions must be taken.
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