Aluminium sulfate, also known as cake alum or aluminium salt, is a chemical matter with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It is applied in various industries, such as the wastewater treatment industry, water purification, and paper industry. Aluminium sulfate appears as white crystalline solid and is odorless. It is hygroscopic and hence, able to absorb and retain water from the surroundings. It is also water-soluble, non-volatile, and non-flammable. It is extremely acidic such that it can burn human skin and also corrodes metal. When dissolved in water, pH can be less than two.
Aluminium sulfate is dangerous if inhaled or swallowed. The inhalation will cause coughing and potentially shortness of breath. Eating or swallowing aluminium sulfate can cause severe irritation of the intestines and stomach. Ingestion will induce vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Upon contact with skin or eyes, it will cause irritation, redness, itching, and pain. Besides that, adding water to aluminium sulfate can cause sulfuric acid to form.
In industrial product, the synthesis of aluminium sulfate is carried out in several stages:
Sulfuric acid is fed into a heat-resistant and acid-resistant reaction vessel. Aluminium hydroxide is then added to the vessel and is heated to a high temperature of about 100°C to 130°C. The concentration of sulfuric acid added to the mixture must be high in order for the reaction to be efficient.
Recently, a more advanced method has been developed to increase the efficiency of aluminium sulfate production. This allows the reaction to be held at a lower temperature, shorter time, and can require a lower concentration of sulfuric acid without a heating source. Contrary to the method mentioned above, an additional product (nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide solution) has to be added to the reaction.
Concentrated aluminium sulfate solution is cooled and followed by evaporation to separate aluminium sulfate from water.
Aluminium sulfate is well known for wastewater treatment. Because of its non-toxicity, it is used in a water treatment reactor to purify drinking water. It is also used to maintain the stability of the lake or reservoir. Excess phosphorus in the lake water induces ‘booming algae’ which aluminium sulfate can combat this problem by reducing the phosphorus concentrations and also, maintaining the normal phosphorus concentration.
Aluminium sulfate is used as a buffer solution for balancing of soil pH. The flower changes its color when the pH of the soil is different from the standard conditions. Gardeners even use aluminium sulfate to increase the acidity of the soil.
Aluminium sulfate is also used for waterproofing and to accelerate the setting of concrete. It is also used to produce antiperspirants, firefighting foaming, lubricating compositions, sizing paper, baking powder, molluscicide, material for fire retardant, catalyst, and decolorisation agent. Moreover, it is also applied as a coagulant to absorb the impurities which are removed as particulates via filtration. Aluminium sulfate is widely applied in the textile industry as well.
Aluminium sulfate is used as mordant in dyeing and textile printing. It is also used as water purification by the coagulation of impurities. Find other industrial applications of aluminium sulfate at the Application tab.
Tradeasia is fulfilling the needs of many international and national companies by offering premium quality of the chemical products, which is prepared by professionals. We are a leading aluminium sulfate suppliers in India, Singapore, Indonesia, China, UAE, Mauritius, and other Asian and African countries that serve the purpose of many of our clients, at budget-friendly rates. Paired up with our comprehensive supply capability, We are one of the best aluminium sulfate suppliers based in South East Asia. Tradeasia International tends to make sure that the desired product is delivered within the given time frame without compromising on the quality at all.
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