3. Lower Sludge Generation

Compared to alum and ferric chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate produces significantly less sludge.

Operational advantages:

• Lower sludge handling and disposal costs

• Improved sludge dewaterability

• Reduced load on sludge thickening and drying systems

For industrial users, this translates into lower operating cost and easier waste management.

4. Faster Floc Formation and Settling

ACH forms compact, dense flocs that settle or float more efficiently in:

• Clarifiers

• DAF systems

• Lamella settlers

This allows:

• Higher hydraulic loading rates

• Smaller treatment units

• Improved performance in compact systems

5. Lower Aluminium Residuals

ACH leaves lower residual aluminium levels in treated water compared to alum.

This is critical for:

• RO membrane pretreatment

• Ion exchange resin protection

• Boiler and cooling water systems

• Sensitive industrial processes

Lower residual aluminium means less fouling, less scaling, and longer equipment life.

6. Reduced Corrosivity and Improved Safety

Unlike alum or ferric chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate:

• Is less acidic

• Less corrosive to piping and dosing equipment

• Safer to handle and store

This improves plant safety, equipment lifespan, and maintenance costs.

7. Lower Total Cost of Treatment

Although ACH may have a higher unit price per kilogram, its overall treatment cost is often lower due to:

• Lower dosage requirements

• Reduced pH correction chemicals

• Lower sludge disposal costs

• Reduced downstream fouling and maintenance

For many plants, ACH delivers better economics and performance than conventional coagulants.

Typical Applications of Aluminium Chlorohydrate

ACH is widely used in:

• Industrial water treatment plants

• RO and DM pretreatment systems

• Power plants and utilities

• Food and beverage processing

• Sugar and ethanol plants

• Municipal potable water treatment

• Wastewater clarification and DAF systems

Hydrolink Aluminium Chlorohydrate Solutions

Hydrolink Technologies Ltd offers high-performance aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH) coagulants designed for industrial and municipal water treatment applications across Kenya and the wider East African region

Conclusion

Aluminium chlorohydrate is highly preferred because it combines high coagulation efficiency, wide pH tolerance, low sludge generation, and excellent downstream compatibility. When properly selected and optimized, ACH delivers reliable performance and long-term cost savings.

With Hydrolink’s technical expertise and customized ACH programs, industries can achieve stable water quality, improved system reliability, and lower operating costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Aluminium Chlorohydrate (ACH)

1. Why is aluminium chlorohydrate preferred over alum?

Aluminium chlorohydrate is preferred over alum because it has higher basicity, works over a wider pH range, produces less sludge, and leaves lower residual aluminium in treated water. This results in better clarification efficiency, reduced chemical consumption, and lower operating costs.

2. Is aluminium chlorohydrate suitable for RO pretreatment?

Yes. ACH is widely used in RO pretreatment because it produces dense flocs, minimizes aluminium carryover, and reduces membrane fouling. This helps extend RO membrane life and improves overall system reliability.

3. Does ACH require pH correction during dosing?

In most cases, aluminium chlorohydrate requires little or no pH correction. It performs effectively across a broad pH range (approximately pH 5–9), reducing the need for lime or caustic soda addition.

4. How does ACH reduce sludge generation?

ACH forms stronger and more compact flocs, which results in lower sludge volume compared to alum or ferric salts. The sludge produced is also easier to dewater, reducing handling and disposal costs.

5. Is aluminium chlorohydrate safe to handle?

Yes. ACH is less acidic and less corrosive than alum or ferric chloride, making it safer to handle, store, and dose. This also reduces corrosion of dosing pumps, pipelines, and tanks.

6. Can aluminium chlorohydrate be used in industrial wastewater treatment?

Absolutely. ACH is effective in both raw water and wastewater treatment, including industrial effluent clarification, DAF systems, and tertiary treatment where consistent coagulation performance is required.

7. What industries benefit most from using ACH?

Industries that benefit significantly from ACH include:

• Power plants

• Food and beverage processing

• Sugar and ethanol plants

• RO and DM water treatment systems

• Cooling tower and boiler feedwater treatment

• Municipal water treatment facilities

8. How is the correct ACH dosage determined?

The correct dosage is determined through jar testing, which evaluates raw water quality, turbidity, colour, and organic load. Hydrolink provides jar testing and on-site optimization to ensure maximum efficiency with minimum chemical use.

9. Does ACH help reduce overall water treatment costs?

Yes. Although ACH may have a higher unit price than alum, it typically reduces total treatment costs due to lower dosing rates, reduced pH correction, lower sludge disposal costs, and improved downstream equipment protection.

10. Does Hydrolink supply aluminium chlorohydrate in Kenya and Africa?

Yes. Hydrolink Technologies Ltd supplies high-quality aluminium chlorohydrate for industrial and municipal water treatment across Kenya, East Africa, and other African regions, supported by local technical expertise.

Need ACH Support or a Site Assessment?

Hydrolink provides:

• Aluminium chlorohydrate supply

• Jar testing and dosage optimization

• RO pretreatment support

• Industrial coagulation program design

📞 +254 705 215 698
📩 info@hydrolink.co.ke
🌐 www.hydrolink.co.ke