Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate Overview

Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate is a hydrated form of aluminium sulfate, a chemical compound with a variety of industrial and municipal applications. Known for its ability to coagulate and clarify water, this compound is commonly used in water treatment, paper manufacturing, and various other industries.

Features of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate

• High Purity: Available in various grades with high levels of purity to meet different industry standards.
• Crystalline Structure: Typically appears as white to off-white crystalline solid.
• Solubility: Soluble in water, making it effective in aqueous applications.
• Strong Coagulating Agent: Effective at binding impurities in water, aiding in purification processes.
• Non-Combustible: Stable under normal conditions, does not burn or ignite easily.

Specifications of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate

• Chemical Formula: Al₂(SO₄)₃·16H₂O
• Molecular Weight: 630.41 g/mol
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
• Melting Point: Approximately 86°C (187°F) (for the hydrated form)
• Solubility: Readily soluble in water, forming acidic solutions
• pH: Typically acidic, around 3-4 in aqueous solution
• Density: Approximately 1.62 g/cm³

Usages of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate

• Water Treatment:
  • Widely used as a coagulant in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Helps in the removal of suspended solids, bacteria, and other impurities by forming flocs that can be easily filtered out.

• Paper Manufacturing:
  • Utilized in the paper industry to improve paper quality and sizing.
  • Helps in binding the pulp fibers and enhancing the paper’s strength and durability.

• Textile Industry:
  • Used as a mordant in the dyeing process, helping the dye adhere to the fabric.
  • Assists in the removal of impurities from textiles during processing.

• Pharmaceuticals:
  • Sometimes used in the formulation of antiperspirants and other pharmaceutical products.
  • Acts as an astringent and antibacterial agent.

• Construction:
  • Used in the construction industry as a waterproofing agent and to improve the setting properties of concrete.

• Cosmetics:
  • Found in some cosmetic products as an astringent or to improve product stability.

• Agriculture:
  • Applied in soil treatment to lower pH levels, making the soil more acidic for crops that require such conditions.

Types of Aluminium Sulphate

1. Solid Aluminium Sulphate:
   • Typically supplied in lump, granular, or powder form.
   • Used in applications where a slower dissolution rate is beneficial.
2. Liquid Aluminium Sulphate:
   • Supplied in solution form, easier to handle and apply in processes requiring immediate dissolution.
   • Commonly used in water treatment and industrial processes.
3. Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate:
   • The hydrated form with 16 molecules of water.
   • Preferred in applications where moisture content is a factor.
4. Non-Ferric Aluminium Sulphate:
   • Purified to remove iron, making it suitable for applications where the presence of iron is undesirable, such as in paper manufacturing.

Manufacturing of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate

The production of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate involves the following steps:

1. Raw Material Preparation:
   • Bauxite or aluminium hydroxide is used as the primary source of aluminium.
   • Sulfuric acid is the primary reagent used to react with aluminium-bearing raw materials.
2. Reaction Process:
   • The aluminium hydroxide is reacted with sulfuric acid in large reactors.
   • The reaction produces a solution of aluminium sulfate, which is then cooled to crystallize into hexadecahydrate form.
3. Crystallization:
   • The solution is allowed to cool gradually, promoting the formation of Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate crystals.
   • The crystals are separated from the remaining liquid by filtration or centrifugation.
4. Drying and Packaging:
   • The separated crystals are dried to remove excess moisture.
   • The final product is then packaged in appropriate containers for distribution, depending on the end-use application.
5. Quality Control:
   • Throughout the manufacturing process, the product undergoes rigorous quality control checks to ensure purity, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.

Conclusion

Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate is a versatile and essential chemical in various industries, from water treatment to paper manufacturing. Its ability to coagulate impurities and its wide range of applications make it an indispensable resource in industrial and municipal processes. With different types and grades available, Aluminium Sulphate Hexadecahydrate continues to be a reliable solution for many industrial challenges.