PAC and PAM: different treatment roles
PAC means poly aluminium chloride, an aluminium-based coagulant. Coagulation helps destabilize suspended and colloidal material so that it can aggregate. Performance depends on the water chemistry and treatment conditions. See Kemira’s explanation of inorganic coagulants for general process background.
PAM means polyacrylamide, a polymer used in flocculation and solids separation. It can help particles form larger flocs and can be used in sludge conditioning. Depending on the process, a polymer may be evaluated alone or alongside an inorganic coagulant. Kemira’s flocculant overview describes these roles and the anionic, cationic and nonionic polymer families.
PAC vs PAM: selection parameters
| Selection point | PAC | PAM |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Coagulation | Flocculation and solids separation |
| TENORCHEM options | Separate industrial and drinking-water grades, in powder or liquid form | Anionic APAM, cationic CPAM and nonionic NPAM |
| Headline content measure | Al₂O₃ content | Solid content, alongside ionic type and model parameters |
| Further model information | Basicity, impurity limits and grade | Ionic type, molecular weight, hydrolysis or ionicity |
| Evaluation basis | Actual water, treatment target and jar-test results | Actual water or sludge, equipment and model-trial results |
PAC’s Al₂O₃ percentage and PAM’s solid content measure different things. Neither number alone predicts the result in your plant. Compare the PAC specifications and PAM model families using their own parameters.
Choose the next model comparison
Once the treatment role is clear, use liquid vs powder PAC to compare preparation and delivery, or APAM, CPAM or NPAM to build a polymer shortlist. These guides cover the model parameters and trial records for each choice.
Prepare a water or sludge trial
- Water or sludge: source, pH, turbidity or suspended solids, and available composition data. For sludge, include solids content if known.
- Process: treatment sequence, mixing and separation equipment, and current chemicals.
- Baseline: current model and dosage with units and concentration basis, observed settling or dewatering performance, and the problem to solve.
- Target: the required treated-water or sludge outcome, with the measurement method where available.
TENORCHEM has visited an overseas customer’s wood-processing plant for technical discussions concerning wood-cooking wastewater treatment. See the site photographs and field context.
Agree sample models and preparation instructions before testing. Compare results under consistent conditions, then establish the dosage and addition sequence for your process.
From the trial to the order
Carry the selected PAC grade or PAM model, preparation method and dosage basis into the order specification. Request the matching TDS, SDS and representative COA, then confirm quantity and destination.
For receiving equipment, labels and loading arrangements, use the chemical packaging guide.