What is Aluminum Sulfate?
Aluminum Sulfate, also known as Alum or Zaj, is a salt of the metal aluminum that is soluble in water and possesses neutralizing properties for electric charges. Its chemical formula in the dry state is Al2(SO4)3, but it can also exist in various hydrated forms, such as hex decahydrate and octa decahydrate. Aluminum Sulfate with a purity of 14% to 17% is used in industrial sectors, while higher purity forms are utilized in pharmaceutical production.
Aluminum Sulfate Applications:
1- Water Treatment:
Due to its coagulation properties, Aluminum Sulfate is widely used in the treatment of drinking water, industrial wastewater, and swimming pools. It can effectively absorb impurities in water through electrical attraction, forming settled sludge that can be easily removed from the bottom of the reservoir. Factors such as non-toxicity, minimal pH change, ease of application, and affordability have contributed to the widespread use of Aluminum Sulfate in water treatment. This process is called coagulation and is employed to remove water turbidity.
2- Swimming Pools:
The frequent use of swimming pools can cause water turbidity. Aluminum Sulfate is added before filtration to address this issue. It usually reduces the pool's pH and makes the water slightly acidic, necessitating the addition of certain alkaline substances to balance it.
3- Coloring:
When Aluminum Sulfate is dissolved in almost alkaline water, it produces aluminum hydroxide gelatin, which finds application in dyeing and printing textiles and garments. The produced gelatinous sludge causes the dye molecules to adhere to the fabric, making the color insoluble in water.
4- Agriculture:
The presence of sulfate ions in Aluminum Sulfate imparts acidic properties to it, making it useful for lowering the pH of agricultural lands with lime-rich soil (i.e., soils with high calcium carbonate content).
5- Personal Care:
Various forms of alum, such as Potassium Aluminum Sulfate or Ammonium Aluminum Sulfate, are used as active ingredients in the production of deodorants and antiperspirants.
6- Fire Extinguisher Capsule Production:
When Aluminum Sulfate is heated to temperatures between 580 to 900 degrees Celsius, it decomposes and transforms into alumina and sulfur trioxide, forming hydrated salts upon adding water. This process is employed in the production of fire extinguisher capsules.
7- Food Applications:
White alum is used in the food industry and food preparation. This product is employed for adjusting the acidity of vegetables and vegetables, as a leavening agent in cake preparation, clarifying non-alcoholic beverages, and treating wastewater from sugar and confectionery factories.
8- Other Uses:
Various compounds of Aluminum Sulfate can be used in the production of sweet soda, waterproofing concrete, making fire foams, manufacturing pencils, insect bite relief ointments, fungicides, in dentistry, and for producing aluminum-containing compounds.
What is Aluminum Sulfate?
Aluminum Sulfate, also known as Alum or Zaj, is a salt of the metal aluminum that is soluble in water and possesses neutralizing properties for electric charges. Its chemical formula in the dry state is Al2(SO4)3, but it can also exist in various hydrated forms, such as hex decahydrate and octa decahydrate. Aluminum Sulfate with a purity of 14% to 17% is used in industrial sectors, while higher purity forms are utilized in pharmaceutical production.
Aluminum Sulfate Applications:
1- Water Treatment:
Due to its coagulation properties, Aluminum Sulfate is widely used in the treatment of drinking water, industrial wastewater, and swimming pools. It can effectively absorb impurities in water through electrical attraction, forming settled sludge that can be easily removed from the bottom of the reservoir. Factors such as non-toxicity, minimal pH change, ease of application, and affordability have contributed to the widespread use of Aluminum Sulfate in water treatment. This process is called coagulation and is employed to remove water turbidity.
2- Swimming Pools:
The frequent use of swimming pools can cause water turbidity. Aluminum Sulfate is added before filtration to address this issue. It usually reduces the pool's pH and makes the water slightly acidic, necessitating the addition of certain alkaline substances to balance it.
3- Coloring:
When Aluminum Sulfate is dissolved in almost alkaline water, it produces aluminum hydroxide gelatin, which finds application in dyeing and printing textiles and garments. The produced gelatinous sludge causes the dye molecules to adhere to the fabric, making the color insoluble in water.
4- Agriculture:
The presence of sulfate ions in Aluminum Sulfate imparts acidic properties to it, making it useful for lowering the pH of agricultural lands with lime-rich soil (i.e., soils with high calcium carbonate content).
5- Personal Care:
Various forms of alum, such as Potassium Aluminum Sulfate or Ammonium Aluminum Sulfate, are used as active ingredients in the production of deodorants and antiperspirants.
6- Fire Extinguisher Capsule Production:
When Aluminum Sulfate is heated to temperatures between 580 to 900 degrees Celsius, it decomposes and transforms into alumina and sulfur trioxide, forming hydrated salts upon adding water. This process is employed in the production of fire extinguisher capsules.
7- Food Applications:
White alum is used in the food industry and food preparation. This product is employed for adjusting the acidity of vegetables and vegetables, as a leavening agent in cake preparation, clarifying non-alcoholic beverages, and treating wastewater from sugar and confectionery factories.
8- Other Uses:
Various compounds of Aluminum Sulfate can be used in the production of sweet soda, waterproofing concrete, making fire foams, manufacturing pencils, insect bite relief ointments, fungicides, in dentistry, and for producing aluminum-containing compounds.