Hey there! I’m a supplier of Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC), and I often get asked about how to test the quality of this stuff. PAC is a widely used water treatment chemical, and getting its quality right is super important, whether you’re using it for drinking water purification or industrial wastewater treatment. So, let’s dive into the different ways you can test the quality of PAC. Polyaluminium Chloride

Physical Appearance
The first thing you can do is take a good look at the PAC. It usually comes in a solid form, like a powder or granules, or as a liquid. For solid PAC, it should have a uniform color, typically yellowish – brown. If you see any lumps, discoloration, or impurities, that could be a red flag.
When it comes to liquid PAC, it should be clear and free of any visible particles or sediment. Cloudy or murky liquid might indicate a low – quality product or improper storage. Just like you’d check the appearance of food before eating, checking the physical appearance of PAC gives you a quick idea of its basic quality.
Aluminium Oxide Content
One of the most important quality indicators of PAC is the aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) content. This is because the effectiveness of PAC in water treatment largely depends on the amount of aluminium oxide it contains.
To measure the Al₂O₃ content, you can use a titration method. First, you’ll need to dissolve a known amount of PAC in water. Then, you add a specific reagent that reacts with the aluminium ions in the solution. By measuring the volume of the reagent needed to complete the reaction, you can calculate the Al₂O₃ content.
Most of the time, the higher the Al₂O₃ content, the better the quality of the PAC. A good – quality PAC usually has an Al₂O₃ content of around 28% – 32% for solid products and 10% – 12% for liquid ones. But keep in mind, different applications might require different Al₂O₃ levels.
Basicity
Basicity is another key factor in determining the quality of PAC. It refers to the degree of neutralization of the hydrochloric acid used in the production of PAC.
You can measure basicity by titrating the PAC solution with a standard acid solution. The basicity of PAC typically ranges from 40% to 90%. A higher basicity generally means better flocculation performance. But if the basicity is too high, it might lead to instability in the PAC solution.
Density
Density is a simple yet useful parameter to test. For liquid PAC, you can use a hydrometer to measure its density. The density of liquid PAC usually varies depending on its concentration and temperature.
A higher density often indicates a higher concentration of PAC in the solution. But it’s important to note that density alone is not enough to determine the quality. You need to combine it with other tests like Al₂O₃ content and basicity.
Insoluble Matter
Insoluble matter in PAC can cause problems in water treatment systems. It can clog filters and pipes, reducing the efficiency of the treatment process.
To test for insoluble matter, you filter a known amount of PAC solution through a filter paper. Then, you dry the residue on the filter paper and weigh it. The weight of the residue represents the amount of insoluble matter in the PAC.
Good – quality PAC should have a low amount of insoluble matter, usually less than 0.5% for solid PAC and less than 0.1% for liquid PAC.
Iron Content
Iron is a common impurity in PAC. While a small amount of iron might not have a significant impact on water treatment, a high iron content can cause discoloration in the treated water.
You can use a spectrophotometer to measure the iron content in PAC. The iron content should be kept as low as possible, typically less than 0.05%.
Heavy Metal Content
Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury are extremely harmful to human health and the environment. It’s crucial to test the heavy metal content in PAC.
There are various methods to test heavy metal content, such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP – MS). These methods are highly accurate and can detect very low levels of heavy metals.
The heavy metal content in PAC should comply with relevant national and international standards. For example, the lead content should be less than 0.003%, and the cadmium content should be less than 0.0005%.
Performance Testing
In addition to the above – mentioned chemical tests, you can also conduct performance tests to evaluate the quality of PAC.
One way is to do a jar test. In a jar test, you add different amounts of PAC to several jars filled with the water to be treated. Then, you stir the water and observe the flocculation process. A good – quality PAC should form large, dense flocs that settle quickly.
You can also measure the turbidity, pH, and other water quality parameters before and after the treatment to see how effective the PAC is.
Why Quality Testing Matters
As a PAC supplier, I know how important it is to provide high – quality products. Quality testing helps ensure that the PAC meets the requirements of different applications.
For drinking water treatment, high – quality PAC can effectively remove impurities and contaminants, making the water safe to drink. In industrial wastewater treatment, it can help reduce the pollution load and meet the environmental discharge standards.
If you’re using low – quality PAC, it might not work as well, and you might end up using more of it to achieve the same results. This not only increases the cost but also has a negative impact on the environment.
Contact for Purchase

If you’re in the market for high – quality Polyaluminium Chloride, I’d love to have a chat with you. Whether you’re running a water treatment plant, an industrial facility, or any other business that needs PAC, I can provide you with the best products and professional advice.
Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Feel free to reach out and let’s discuss your specific needs. We can talk about the right type of PAC for your application, the quantity you need, and the best pricing options. I’m here to make sure you get the most out of your PAC purchase.
References
- Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, American Public Health Association
- Water Treatment Chemicals: Properties and Uses, by John Wiley & Sons
Zouping Jinxing Chemical Co., Ltd.
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