Aluminum Sulphate
CAS No : 10043-01-3
Formula : Al 2 ( S O 4 ) 3
AL2O3 % : ≥17
pH : 3 (1% aqueous solution)
Appearance : White powder, flakes, granular
Package : Net 25 kg PP bag
Aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Al2(SO4)3, usually found in white crystalline or powder form. This compound is a salt formed with sulfate ions (SO4²⁻), which is an aluminum salt. Aluminum sulfate has a wide range of industrial uses and is used for various purposes in various sectors.
Aluminum sulfate, when dissolved in water, releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) and creates acidity in the environment. Thanks to this feature, it is used to remove various pollutants and particles from water by lowering the pH of the water. For example, it is used in purification plants to increase the clarity of water and reduce pollution.
Areas of Use of Aluminum Sulfate
Aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound that has a wide range of uses. Here are the common uses of aluminum sulfate:
- Water Treatment: Aluminum sulfate is widely used in water treatment plants to clarify water. It dissolves in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺) and triggering the sedimentation of particles by precipitating aluminum hydroxide.
- Paper Industry: In papermaking, aluminum sulfate is used to strengthen the structure of the paper and increase water clarity. It can also be used in the preparation and processing of paper pulp.
- Leather Processing: Aluminum sulfate increases the dyeability of leather and strengthens the fiber structure by precipitating proteins in the leather processing industry.
- Textile Industry: In the textile industry, aluminum sulfate is used to fix the colors of fabrics and strengthen the fibers.
- Deodorants: Some deodorants contain aluminum sulfate. It helps reduce the sweat secreted by the sweat glands.
- Swimming Pools: It can be used to clarify water in swimming pools. It ensures the sedimentation of particles and cleaning of water.
- Garden Care: Aluminum sulfate can be used in garden care to increase the effectiveness of some herbicides.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: It can be used in some pharmaceutical preparations and medical applications.
These diverse uses of aluminum sulfate make it an industrially and commercially important compound.
Aluminum Sulfate in Water Treatment Systems
In water treatment, aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound generally used as a coagulant. Coagulants are substances used in water treatment plants to clarify water and remove contaminants. When dissolved in water, aluminum sulfate releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) and creates an acidic environment in the environment, triggering the precipitation of aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃).
The purpose of using aluminum sulfate in water purification is to bring together solid particles in water to form large floccules and then to cause them to settle. This process is known as flocculation and sedimentation. Flocculation allows small particles in water to bind together, thus forming large floccules. Sedimentation causes these large floccules to settle to the bottom of the water and form sediment. Afterwards, the water is purified from sediments and a clean water is obtained.
Aluminum sulfate can be used in different dosages depending on the type of pollution and the characteristics of the water. The dosage is adjusted according to the pH of the water, its temperature, the level of pollution and the technical characteristics of the treatment plant. However, excessive use of aluminum sulfate can cause environmental and health problems, so its dosage should be carefully controlled.
There are some concerns regarding the use of aluminum sulfate in water treatment. In particular, there are concerns about some health problems associated with aluminum accumulation. Therefore, care should be taken in the use and dosage of aluminum sulfate and appropriate safety precautions should be taken.
Aluminum Sulfate in Swimming Pools
Aluminium sulphate can also act as a coagulant, which can be used in some cases to clarify swimming pool water and remove contaminants. Cleaning the water in swimming pools is important for removing unwanted particles and increasing the clarity of the water. These processes are necessary to improve the health and comfort of swimmers.
When used in swimming pools, aluminum sulfate can help small particles in the water to come together to form larger floccules. These floccules are then removed from the water by filtration or sedimentation, thus improving water clarity.
However, there are some disadvantages to using aluminum sulfate in swimming pools. For example, excessive use of aluminum sulfate can change the pH balance of the water and create undesirable effects in pool water. It is also known that aluminum sulfate can cause skin irritation for some people.
Chemicals used in swimming pools should generally be used with caution and instructions for use should be followed. Regular water tests should be carried out to ensure the quality and chemical balance of the pool water and appropriate corrective measures should be taken if necessary. In addition, precautions should be taken regarding the safe storage and use of pool chemicals.
Aluminum Sulfate in Paper Making
In the papermaking industry, aluminum sulfate is a chemical widely used for water clarification and paper fiber separation. In this industry, the use of aluminum sulfate plays an important role in several stages of the papermaking process.
- Preparation of Paper Raw Material: The paper production process begins with the grinding of wood or plant fibers and the preparation of the fiber mixture. Mixing this fiber mixture with water creates the pulp. Aluminum sulfate can be used as an additive in this process. It is used to clarify water and remove unwanted particles.
- Pulp Shaping: The pulp is shaped into sheets of the desired thickness and properties. During this process, aluminum sulfate is sometimes added to the pulp. This helps the fibers come together and helps the paper form a homogeneous structure.
- Compression and Drying of Paper: The formed paper sheets are then compressed and dried to remove water. The use of aluminum sulfate can quickly absorb water and allow the paper to reach the desired consistency.
- Paper Surface Treatment: Some papers may need to have their surfaces smoothed or made suitable for printing. Aluminum sulfate can be used in the process of treating the paper's surface.
The use of aluminum sulphate in the papermaking industry is important for improving the quality of paper, optimizing production processes and achieving the desired results. However, caution should be exercised in its use and its environmental impact should be taken into account.
Since it has a corrosive property when diluted, plastic or stainless steel tanks should be used during use and storage. In addition, it is used in sectors such as fire extinguishers, textiles, paper, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.