In the 1960s, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) was first introduced as an efficient water treatment agent. Initial research focused on improving coagulation effect and reducing settling time, which brought new breakthroughs in industrial water treatment. In the 1970s, with the gradual improvement of technology, the production process of PAC was improved, making its cost-effectiveness significantly improved. In the 1980s, the application of polyaluminum chloride gradually expanded. It not only occupied an important position in drinking water treatment, but was also widely used in industrial wastewater treatment.
In the 1990s, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, polyaluminum chloride was increasingly used in various industrial sectors. Paper mills, electroplating plants, leather processing industries, etc. have all begun to use PAC for wastewater treatment. In these areas, data show that polyaluminum chloride is effective in reducing suspended solids, colloids and organic matter levels in water. These performance data enable PAC to gradually replace traditional aluminum salts and iron salts and become the preferred agent for industrial water treatment.
After 2000, with the development of nanotechnology, the particle size and chemical composition of polyaluminum chloride have been further optimized. Modern PAC products not only have stronger coagulation effects, more stable chemical properties, but also can be used in a wider pH range. For example, according to a 2008 research data, improved polyaluminum chloride still has good treatment effects in the pH range of 5-9, making it more applicable.
As of 2020, the global polyaluminum chloride market size has exceeded US$1 billion and is expected to maintain an annual growth rate of approximately 5% in the next few years. This growth is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for water treatment globally, especially in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region. In the future, as water shortages intensify and water quality standards improve, the demand for polyaluminium chloride is expected to continue to grow.
Modern industry requires chemicals that are not only efficient but also meet environmental standards. Polyaluminum chloride excels in this regard. Traditional aluminum brine treatment agents tend to produce a large amount of sludge, which is difficult to handle, while the amount of sludge generated by PAC is reduced by more than 30% compared with traditional aluminum salts. In addition, because PAC has better coagulation effect, it can reduce the use of other chemicals, thereby reducing treatment costs and environmental burden.
As an excellent water treatment agent, polyaluminium chloride combines high efficiency, stability and environmental protection, and plays an important role in the field of industrial water treatment. From technological exploration in the 1960s to widespread application in modern times, PAC's innovation process has fully demonstrated its huge potential in the future market. With the further development of technology and the increasing market demand, polyaluminum chloride will play a more important role in the innovation of industrial water treatment.