Aluminium Sulphate (Alum)

Aluminium Sulphate for Water Treatment and Paper Making

Aluminium Sulphate, commonly called alum, is one of the oldest and most widely used water treatment coagulants. Aluminium sulfate forms sticky aluminium hydroxide flocs in water. These flocs trap fine particles, colour and bacteria so that they settle out or filter away.

We stock two forms in 50 kg bags:

• Non-ferric aluminium sulphate powder: 17 to 18% aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), iron as Fe₂O₃ 0.02% max, pH 3.0 to 3.6, insolubles 0.30%, arsenic 1 ppm max and lead nil, with a two-year shelf life.
• PAC-ALUM: aluminium sulphate for treating potable drinking water. It is a product of Kenya, certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 with a maximum use level of 125 mg/L, and has a two-year shelf life.

Wisdo Merchants Chemical Division delivers both across Kenya and East Africa from Industrial Area, Nairobi.

Features and Benefits of Aluminium Sulphate

• Proven coagulant: Removes turbidity, colour and suspended solids reliably.
• Low iron content: Non-ferric grade avoids iron staining in paper and textiles.
• Drinking water certified: PAC-ALUM is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 60.
• Cost-effective: One of the most economical coagulants available.
• Easy to dose: The powder dissolves in water to make a dosing solution.

Technical Specifications

Property	Non-ferric powder	PAC-ALUM
Chemical	Aluminium sulphate	Aluminium sulphate
Al2O3 content	17 to 18%	See batch COA
Iron as Fe2O3	0.02% max	See batch COA
pH	3.0 to 3.6	See batch COA
Certification	–	NSF/ANSI/CAN 60; maximum use level 125 mg/L
Origin	–	Kenya
Packaging	50 kg bag	50 kg bag
Shelf life	2 years	2 years

Common data: CAS number 10043-01-3 (anhydrous basis), HS code 2833.22. Batch COAs are available on request.

Applications of Aluminium Sulphate

Drinking Water Treatment

Treatment plants dose alum to clarify raw water before filtration. Because alum lowers pH, operators often correct it afterwards with an alkali such as our sodium carbonate powder. For drinking water, use the NSF-certified PAC-ALUM and never exceed its maximum use level. See our water treatment chemicals.

Wastewater and Effluent

Factories and sewage works use alum to remove suspended solids and phosphates.

Paper and Textiles

Paper mills use alum with rosin size to make paper resist ink and water. The non-ferric grade suits this work because low iron avoids discolouration. Explore our paper and pulp chemicals.

How to Use

Run a jar test first to find the best dose for your water. Then dissolve the powder in clean water and dose it where the water mixes rapidly, followed by gentle mixing so the flocs can grow.

Safety and Handling

• Eye damage: It can cause serious eye damage. Wear goggles.
• Skin: Wear gloves and personal protective equipment, as the PAC-ALUM bag advises.
• Corrosion: Solutions are acidic. Use plastic or lined tanks and pipework.
• Handling bags: Do not use hooks on the bags.

Always read the Safety Data Sheet before use.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store bags in a cool, dry place, as the bag instructs. Keep them sealed and off the floor, because the powder absorbs moisture. Use it within two years of manufacture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAC-ALUM the same as polyaluminium chloride?
No. PAC-ALUM is a brand of aluminium sulphate. Polyaluminium chloride is a different coagulant, which we also stock as our PAC 30% powder.

What does non-ferric mean?
It means the alum has very low iron content, so it does not stain paper or fabric.

Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes. We deliver across East Africa and confirm freight and timelines with your quotation.

Order Aluminium Sulphate from Wisdo Merchants

Reliable alum supply keeps your treatment plant and paper machine running. Wisdo Merchants Chemical Division delivers from Industrial Area, Nairobi.

Delivery: Same-day delivery within Nairobi upon order confirmation, subject to stock availability. We also deliver across East Africa, and we confirm freight and timelines with your quotation.

Request your quotation today:

• Call or WhatsApp: +254 795 938305
• Email: sales@wisdomerchants.com
• Visit: Dar es Salaam Road, Off Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi
• Online: Contact us or browse the full chemical catalogue