In wastewater treatment and industrial water treatment, a single coagulant or flocculant may not always provide the desired treatment performance. Combining polyaluminum chloride (PAC) with polyacrylamide (PAM) can take advantage of the complementary functions of inorganic coagulants and polymer flocculants, helping form larger and more stable flocs for improved solid-liquid separation.

1. The Synergistic Effect of PAC and PAM

PAC has good charge-neutralization and coagulation properties. It helps reduce the electrostatic repulsion between suspended particles and promotes the formation of initial flocs.

PAM provides strong adsorption and bridging effects, connecting smaller flocs and particles to form larger aggregates.

When used together, PAC and PAM can improve floc size, strength, and stability, creating better conditions for subsequent sedimentation, filtration, and sludge dewatering.

2. Applications in Different Water Treatment Processes

Combined PAC and PAM flocculation systems can be used in a variety of water treatment applications, including:

• Municipal wastewater treatment
• Industrial wastewater treatment
• Mining and tailings water treatment
• Paper industry wastewater treatment
• Textile and dyeing wastewater treatment
• Sludge settling and dewatering

With suitable product selection and dosage, the combined system can help improve suspended solids removal, settling performance, and sludge dewatering efficiency.

3. Proper Dosage Is Essential

The dosage of PAC and PAM should be adjusted according to water quality, treatment process, and operating conditions.

In many combined flocculation processes, PAC is added first for charge neutralization and initial coagulation. PAM is then added to provide adsorption and bridging, helping the initial flocs grow into larger and stronger aggregates.

In practical applications, jar tests or on-site trials can be used to evaluate different products and dosage ratios. Parameters such as floc size, density, settling speed, and treated water quality can help determine a suitable PAC and PAM combination.

Conclusion

The combined use of PAC and PAM takes advantage of the complementary properties of inorganic coagulants and polymer flocculants. It can help produce more stable flocs and improve sedimentation, solid-liquid separation, and sludge dewatering performance.

Proper product selection, dosage sequence, and dosage control are important for achieving effective PAC and PAM combined flocculation.

Looking for suitable PAC and PAM for your water treatment process? Contact us for samples, product specifications, and technical support.