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Aluminum Sulfate for Water Treatment

Coagulation Efficiency and the Economics of Water Treatment

When unstable coagulation leads to excessive reagent consumption, reduced clarification performance or increased sludge generation, selecting the appropriate coagulant becomes a key factor in water treatment operations. Aluminium Sulphate is widely used in drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment applications.

Product suitability for specific operating conditions affects clarification efficiency, process stability and sludge management costs. As a result, coagulant selection has a direct impact on the overall cost of water treatment.

Available Options

Aluminum sulfate, 1250 kg Big Bag

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Hicri Ercili

Turkey

Formula

Al₂(SO₄)₃

CAS Number

10043-01-3

EC Number

233-135-0

Synonyms

aluminium sulfate; aluminum sulfate; alum; aluminium sulphate; aluminum sulphate; aluminium sulfate coagulant; aluminum-based coagulant

E Number

not applicable

INS Number

not applicable

Functional Class

coagulant

Selection Criteria

Common Selection Mistakes and Risks

Typical Production Challenges

How the Product Supports the Process

Typical Industrial Applications

Economics of Product Selection

Coagulant dose × water volume = coagulant consumption.

Following addition, process performance is determined by floc formation, settling efficiency and filter run length.

pH and residual alkalinity influence aluminium hydroxide formation, residual aluminium levels and filtration performance.

Sludge generation determines the load placed on thickening, dewatering and disposal systems.

Key process indicators:

• coagulant dose;
• pH;
• residual alkalinity;
• clarified water turbidity;
• filter run length;
• backwash water consumption;
• sludge volume;
• residual aluminium.

FAQ

Why Is Aluminium Sulphate Used in Water Treatment?

Aluminium sulphate is widely used as a coagulant in water treatment processes to reduce turbidity and remove suspended solids. During coagulation, it helps aggregate fine particles into larger flocs that can be removed through sedimentation and filtration. This improves the efficiency of downstream treatment stages and supports the production of water that meets required quality standards.

Why Is the Price per Tonne Not the Main Criterion When Selecting a Coagulant?

The purchase price of a coagulant is only one factor in the overall economics of water treatment. Reagent consumption, treatment efficiency, sludge generation, and the impact on downstream processes can have a greater influence on operating costs than the price per tonne alone. For this reason, specialists typically evaluate the cost of treatment performance rather than comparing product prices in isolation.

How Should Two Aluminium Sulphate Offers with Different Al₂O₃ Concentrations Be Compared?

When comparing aluminium sulphate offers with different Al₂O₃ concentrations, the price per tonne should not be evaluated in isolation. A product with a lower purchase price may require a higher dosage to achieve the same treatment result. Specialists typically compare the active component content, actual reagent consumption, treatment efficiency, and total cost of water treatment rather than relying only on the nominal product price.

How Does Liquid Aluminium Sulphate Differ from the Solid Form?

Liquid aluminium sulphate is supplied ready for dosing and can simplify handling and operation in facilities equipped with appropriate dosing systems. Solid aluminium sulphate typically requires on-site solution preparation before use. The most suitable form depends on consumption volumes, available infrastructure, storage conditions, and the operational requirements of the water treatment process.

Which Water Characteristics Influence Coagulant Selection?

Several water quality parameters can influence coagulant selection, including turbidity, colour, and organic loading. Additional factors such as pH, temperature, and the composition of suspended matter may also affect treatment performance. Evaluating these characteristics helps determine the most suitable coagulant and supports efficient, stable water treatment operation.

What Information Should Be Provided for Product Selection?

To recommend the most suitable aluminium sulphate product, it is helpful to provide information about the type of water being treated, available water analysis data, and the treatment system capacity. Parameters such as turbidity, colour, organic loading, and target water quality can significantly influence product selection and dosage requirements. Providing this information helps support accurate product recommendations and efficient treatment performance.

Related Industries

Chemicals & Mineral Raw Materials
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Water treatment
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Regulatory References

REACH

REACH registered / compliant

CLP

Eye Dam. 1 H318

UN Number

not applicable

ADR Class

not applicable

HS Code

2833220000

GNG Code

283322

ETSNV Code

48303

DKPP Code

20.13.4

Applicable Standards

DSTU EN 878; EN 878

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