Polyaluminium chloride (PAC) is a class of aluminum-based inorganic polymeric coagulants containing aluminum, chloride and hydroxide. Commercial PAC is not defined by the letters alone: form, Al2O3 basis, basicity, insolubles and the target water all affect selection.
This page is the product and RFQ hub for PAC used in water and wastewater treatment. The plant must qualify the proposed grade and lot by jar test or its approved validation method. We do not publish a universal dose, guaranteed turbidity-removal claim or invented public price.
Solid and liquid PAC
| Form | Procurement focus | Logistics focus |
|---|---|---|
| Solid powder or granule | Al2O3 basis, basicity, insolubles, dissolution behaviour and lot consistency | Moisture protection, bags, pallets and dissolution system |
| Liquid | Al2O3 on the delivered-liquid basis, basicity, density and stability | IBC or bulk handling, temperature range and compatible storage |
Specification and COA fields
- Product form and basis: solid or liquid, with the reporting basis clearly stated.
- Alumina content: Al2O3 minimum and test method.
- Basicity: agreed range; do not assume that a higher value is automatically better for every water.
- Insoluble matter, pH, density and appearance: limits relevant to receiving and dosing equipment.
- Trace elements or destination standards: only the limits required by the intended water-treatment duty.
- Documents: recent lot COA, current SDS, packing and origin documents.
Colour alone is not a grade. A photograph cannot establish basicity, alumina basis, insolubles or performance in the buyer's water.
Water-treatment uses and qualification
EPA supply-chain material describes polyaluminum chlorides as coagulants used in drinking-water and municipal wastewater primary coagulation and in sludge dewatering. Industrial water and wastewater plants also use PAC where their process approval permits it.
Qualification should define the raw water, target turbidity or solids, test pH, mixing conditions, settling or filtration criteria and acceptable residuals. A changed basicity or formulation can require a new trial even when the trade name remains PAC.
Packing, storage and receiving
For solids, specify bag or jumbo bag, liner, pallet and humidity protection. For liquids, specify IBC or bulk delivery, compatible tank and transfer equipment. At receipt, match the product form, lot number, COA and seal condition to the order before unloading or dissolution.
Do not confuse PAC with
- Aluminium sulfate (alum), a different coagulant.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate or another specially formulated polyaluminum product unless the specification names it.
- A polymer flocculant, which may be used at a different treatment stage and is not PAC.
RFQ checklist
- Solid or liquid form and intended water-treatment duty
- Al2O3 basis, basicity, insolubles, pH/density and agreed methods
- Quantity, packing, destination and Incoterm
- Water sample or jar-test plan for a first supply
- Recent lot COA, SDS and destination evidence
PAC technical and buyer resources
FAQ
What does PAC mean? Polyaluminium chloride, a class of aluminum-based inorganic polymeric coagulants.
Can one universal PAC dose be quoted? No. Dose and grade must be qualified against the buyer's water and process.
Is PAC the same as alum? No. Aluminium sulfate is a different coagulant.
Technical reference
See the U.S. EPA Polyaluminum Chloride Supply Chain Profile for the product class, common forms and water-treatment uses.
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