[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of aluminum sulfate, commonly known as aluminum sulfate

Aluminum Sulfate Properties

Aluminum sulfate (chemical formula: Al₂ (SO₂)) is a white crystal or powder, odorless and easily soluble in water. Its aqueous solution is acidic and can react with alkaline substances to form precipitates. Aluminum sulfate decomposes at high temperatures to form alumina and sulfur dioxide. Due to its strong hygroscopicity, aluminum sulfate is easy to deliquesce in humid environment. Its chemical stability is good, but it will decompose in strong acid or alkali environment.

Aluminum sulfate uses

Aluminum sulfate is widely used in various industries, including the following aspects:

1. Water treatment: aluminum sulfate is a commonly used water purification agent, used as a coagulant in the water treatment process. It facilitates filtration removal by agglomerating suspended particles in the water into larger particles.

2. Paper industry: In the papermaking process, aluminum sulfate is used as a retention aid and sizing agent to improve the water resistance and strength of paper.

3. Textile industry: aluminum sulfate is used for printing, dyeing and finishing of textiles, and plays a role in fixing color and preventing shrinkage.

4. Building materials: Adding aluminum sulfate to concrete can adjust the setting time and improve the performance of concrete.

5. Food industry: Aluminum sulfate is used in the food industry as a food additive, such as an acidity regulator in baking powder.

Aluminum sulfate upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of aluminium sulphate involves several raw materials and intermediate products:

1. Upstream feedstock:

• Aluminum ore: bauxite is the production of aluminum and its compounds of the main ore, through the Bayer method or caustic soda method to extract alumina.
• Sulfuric acid: sulfuric acid is the production of aluminum sulfate important raw materials, through the contact method from sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the production.

1. Production process: Aluminum sulfate is usually made by reacting aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide with sulfuric acid. The reaction is carried out under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions to produce an aluminum sulfate solution, which is concentrated, crystallized, and dried to obtain a finished product.

2. Downstream Products:

• Water Purifying Agent: Used for municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment.
• Paper Chemicals: Used in pulp and paper processes.
• Textile auxiliaries: used for textile dyeing and finishing.
• Building admixtures: used for building materials modification.

Aluminum sulfate storage method

The storage of aluminum sulfate needs to pay attention to the following points:

1. Moisture -proof: Because aluminum sulfate has strong hygroscopicity, it should be kept dry during storage to prevent moisture and agglomeration. It should usually be stored in a well-sealed container and placed in a dry and ventilated warehouse.

2. Avoid high temperature: aluminum sulfate will decompose at high temperature to generate alumina and sulfur dioxide, so the temperature of the storage environment should not be too high. It is recommended to store in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight.

3. Anti-corrosion: The solution of aluminum sulfate is acidic and corrosive to metals. Use corrosion-resistant containers such as plastic drums or plastic-lined metal containers for storage.

4. Keep away from alkaline substances: aluminum sulfate is easy to react with alkaline substances, forming precipitates, affecting its use effect. Storage should avoid mixing with alkaline substances.

5. Clear identification: the storage container should be clearly marked with product name, batch number, production date and other information to facilitate management and use.

Market Analysis and Prospect

With the enhancement of environmental awareness and industrial development, the market demand for aluminum sulfate has shown a steady growth trend. Especially in the water treatment and paper industry, the demand for aluminum sulfate is large. In the future, with the acceleration of urbanization and the strict implementation of environmental protection regulations, the application of aluminum sulfate in water treatment will be further expanded. The stable development of traditional industries such as paper, textile and construction will also support the market demand for aluminum sulfate.

The production technology of aluminum sulfate continues to improve, and the development and application of new processes will further improve production efficiency and reduce production costs. With the development of technology and the change of market demand, the application field of aluminum sulfate may be further expanded.

Conclusion

As an important chemical product, aluminum sulfate has a wide range of applications and good market prospects. Understanding its nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods will help to better grasp the key links of its production and application. In the future development, with the advancement of technology and changes in the market, aluminum sulfate will continue to play an important role in multiple industries. Enterprises should pay attention to the market dynamics and improve the technical level to adapt to the changing market demand.