CAS 10043-01-3 · Primary Coagulant · NSF/ANSI 60 Available
Aluminum Sulfate
Al₂(SO₄)₃ · MW 594.32 g/mol · Filter Alum
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies aluminum sulfate — commonly known as alum — to water treatment facilities, municipalities, and industrial operations across Texas. Available in liquid solution and dry granular form, our alum is sourced from top-tier manufacturers and ships with full SDS documentation and lot traceability on every order. We serve facilities from Fort Worth to Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin with drum, tote, and bulk tanker delivery options to match your volume requirements.
Formula
Al₂(SO₄)₃
pH (1%)
3.0–4.0
Effective pH
5.5–8.0
Form
Dry Granular / Liquid
Chemical Formula
Al³⁺ ions hydrolyze in water to form aluminum hydroxide floc that captures suspended particles
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (Al dust)
- 15 mg/m³ (total)
- DOT Classification
- Not regulated (dry); Class 8 (liquid, high conc.)
- NSF/ANSI 60
- Certified grades available for potable water
- Incompatibilities
- Strong bases, strong oxidizers
- Special Note
- Acidic solution — corrosive to concrete over time
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | Al₂(SO₄)₃ · 14H₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 594.32 g/mol (hydrate) |
| CAS Number | 10043-01-3 |
| Physical Form | White/cream granules (dry) or colorless liquid |
| Melting Point | 86.5 °C (decomposes, hydrate) |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable |
| Density | 1.62 g/cm³ (dry); 1.33 g/cm³ (48% liquid) |
| pH (1% solution) | 3.0–4.0 |
| Solubility | 364 g/L at 20 °C |
| Effective pH Range | 5.5–8.0 (coagulation) |
| Aluminum Content | ~8.1% Al (dry granular) |
| Odor | Odorless |
Industrial Applications
Drinking Water Clarification
The most widely used coagulant in municipal water treatment — alum destabilizes colloidal particles and natural organic matter, forming settleable aluminum hydroxide floc. NSF/ANSI 60 certified grades are required for potable water applications.
Wastewater Treatment
Coagulant for removing suspended solids, turbidity, and phosphorus from municipal and industrial wastewater. Alum is particularly effective for phosphorus removal, achieving effluent levels below 0.1 mg/L when properly dosed.
Paper Manufacturing
Sizing agent and retention aid in paper production — alum precipitates rosin size onto cellulose fibers, improving water resistance. Also used as a drainage aid and to control pitch deposits in paper mills.
Soil Amendment
Acidifying agent for alkaline soils — alum lowers soil pH and provides available aluminum and sulfate. Used in horticulture for acid-loving plants and in turf management for pH correction.
Lake & Pond Management
Phosphorus inactivation treatment for eutrophic lakes — alum binds dissolved phosphorus in the water column and sediment, reducing algae growth and improving water clarity. Widely used in lake restoration programs.
Fire Retardant
Component of fire retardant formulations for wood and textiles — aluminum sulfate decomposes at elevated temperatures to release water and aluminum oxide, providing flame-retardant properties.
Why Source Alum from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying coagulants to Texas water utilities and industrial customers
- NSF/ANSI 60 certified grades for potable water treatment
- Dry granular and 48–50% liquid solution available
- Bags, super sacks, bulk dry, and tote delivery options
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Other Water Treatment Products
Aluminum Sulfate vs. Alternatives
Aluminum sulfate (alum) is the most widely used coagulant in municipal and industrial water treatment. Here's how it compares to alternative coagulants.
| Attribute | Aluminum Sulfate | Ferric Chloride | Poly Aluminum Chloride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Coagulant | Al³⁺ ions | Fe³⁺ ions | Pre-hydrolyzed Al species |
| Effective pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 4.0–7.5 (broader) | 5.0–8.5 (broadest) |
| Sludge Volume | High — bulky floc | Moderate — denser floc | Low — compact floc |
| Dose Required | High — 10–150 mg/L typical | Moderate — 5–100 mg/L | Low — 2–50 mg/L |
| Cost | Lowest — commodity pricing | Low | Moderate — premium over alum |
Industries We Supply Aluminum Sulfate To
Municipal Water Treatment
Aluminum sulfate is the standard coagulant at drinking water plants — removes turbidity, color, and suspended solids through charge neutralization and sweep flocculation.
Aluminum Sulfate supply in Houston, TXWastewater Treatment
Used for phosphorus removal in municipal and industrial wastewater, precipitating soluble phosphate as aluminum phosphate to meet discharge limits.
Aluminum Sulfate supply in Dallas, TXPulp & Paper
Alum is used as a retention aid and pitch control agent in paper manufacturing, improving fiber retention and drainage on the paper machine.
Aluminum Sulfate supply in Lufkin, TXSwimming Pools & Recreational Water
Used to clarify pool water by coagulating fine particles and algae that pass through sand filters, restoring water clarity.
Aluminum Sulfate supply in San Antonio, TX