Steel and metallurgical wastewater is dominated by inorganic pollution and high solids loading.
Typical Characteristics
- Extremely high suspended solids: Iron scale, ore fines, slag particles
- Heavy metal ions: Zinc, lead, chromium, manganese
- High alkalinity and temperature: Especially from rolling and cooling processes
- Large flow rates: Continuous discharge in steel plants
These factors require a fast, robust coagulation system.

steel industry wastewater treatment chemicals
Why PAC Is Ideal for Steel Wastewater
PAC is particularly suited for inorganic-dominated wastewater.
Core Advantages
- Rapid flocculation of iron fines
- Effective heavy metal precipitation
- Stable performance under high alkalinity
- Low chemical consumption per ton of water
How PAC Removes Heavy Metals
Removal Mechanism
- Al³⁺ hydrolysis forms Al(OH)₃ flocs
- Heavy metals adsorb or co-precipitate
- Metals are removed with sludge
Typical removal efficiencies:
- Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺: 70–90%
- Cr³⁺: >85%
Treatment Process Design in Steel Plants
1. PAC Coagulation–Sedimentation
Most common setup
- PAC dosing: 50–150 mg/L
- SS removal: >85%
- Turbidity: <10 NTU
2. PAC + PAFC for Alkaline Wastewater
In highly alkaline systems, PAFC or blended PAC improves performance and floc density.
3. PAC + PAM for Sludge Thickening
PAM enhances sludge settling and reduces moisture content, lowering disposal costs.

Dosage Control and Cost Optimization
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| PAC dosage | 0.5–1.5‰ |
| Sludge reduction | 20–30% |
| Chemical cost saving | 10–25% |
Jar testing is critical due to varying ore compositions.
Buyer-Focused Selection Guide
Steel plants should prioritize PAC with:
- High Al₂O₃ content
- Strong floc density
- Low corrosion impact on equipment
PAC manufacturer for steel wastewater
Conclusion
For steel and metallurgical wastewater, PAC offers fast SS removal, reliable heavy metal reduction, and stable compliance performance. Its adaptability and cost efficiency make it a core chemical in modern steel plant water treatment systems.