Aluminum sulphate, also known as alum, is used in various industrial applications due to its properties as a coagulant, flocculant, and pH adjuster. Here are some common industrial applications of aluminum sulphate:
1. Water treatment: One of the primary industrial applications of aluminum sulphate is in water treatment. It is used as a coagulant in the purification of drinking water, wastewater treatment, and industrial water treatment processes. Aluminum sulfate helps in the removal of suspended particles, colloids, and impurities by forming flocs that can be easily separated from the water.
2. Paper industry: Aluminum sulphate is used in the paper industry as a sizing agent and retention aid. It helps in improving paper strength, enhancing retention of fillers and fibers, and controlling the paper?s pH during the manufacturing process.
3. Textile industry: In the textile industry, aluminum sulphate is used as a mordant in textile dyeing and printing processes. It helps fix dyes to fabrics, improve color fastness, and enhance the overall dyeing results.
4. Construction industry: Aluminum sulphate is sometimes used in the construction industry for soil stabilization and waterproofing applications. It can help in improving the properties of soil or as an additive in cementitious products.
5. Leather industry: Aluminum sulphate is utilized in the leather industry for its role in the tanning process. It is used in pickling hides and skins to prepare them for further processing, such as removing hair and other impurities.
6. Alum production: Aluminum sulphate is a precursor in the production of various types of alums, which are used in different industrial processes, such as in the treatment of wastewater, in the food industry, and as a flame retardant.