Aluminium Sulphate (Al₂(SO₄)₃)
Aluminium Sulphate is a widely used industrial chemical primarily utilized in water treatment, paper manufacturing, textile processing, and various industrial applications.
It is commonly known as Alum and acts as an effective coagulating agent that helps remove impurities from water.
It appears as a white crystalline solid, powder, or granular form and is highly soluble in water. Aluminium sulphate plays a crucial role in purification processes, where it helps suspended particles clump together and settle out of water.
Due to its excellent coagulating properties, Aluminium Sulphate is widely used in municipal water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and industrial processing units.
Chemical Information:
- Chemical Name: Aluminium Sulphate
- Chemical Formula: Al₂(SO₄)₃
- Molecular Weight: 342.15 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder / granules
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- pH: Acidic solution
Chemical Reaction
Al(OH)₃ + H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃ + H₂O
Manufacturing Process:
Aluminium Sulphate is typically produced by reacting Aluminium Hydroxide or Bauxite Ore with Sulphuric Acid under controlled conditions.
Chemical Reaction
Al(OH)₃ + H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃ + H₂O
The process is carried out in industrial reactors where raw materials are mixed and processed to produce high-purity aluminium sulphate suitable for industrial applications.
Forms Available:
Aluminium Sulphate is commercially available in several forms depending on industrial requirements:
Form & Its Application:
- Powder: Water treatment plants
- Granules: Industrial processing
- Lumps: Bulk chemical manufacturing
- Liquid: Alum Municipal water treatment
Key Features:
- Highly effective coagulating agent
- High purity industrial grade product
- Excellent solubility in water
- Improves water clarity and quality
- Widely used in municipal water treatment plants
Applications:
Water Treatment: Aluminium Sulphate is widely used as a coagulant in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. It helps remove suspended particles, bacteria, and impurities, improving water clarity and safety.
Paper Industry: It is used in paper manufacturing to control paper sizing and improve paper strength and quality.
Textile Industry: Aluminium Sulphate acts as a mordant in textile dyeing, helping dyes bind effectively to fabrics.
Construction Industry: It is sometimes used in cement formulations and construction chemicals.
Agriculture: In agriculture, Aluminium Sulphate helps adjust soil pH levels, making alkaline soils more suitable for plant growth.
Storage and Handling:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
- Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
- Use protective gloves and safety equipment when handling.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to maintain product quality.