Polymerized Iron Chloride: An Improved Inorganic Coagulant

Abstract

Laboratory, pilot‐scale, and full‐scale experiments were conducted to determine whether polymerized iron chloride (PIC) is a more efficient coagulant than conventional ferric chloride. Polymerized iron chloride, prepared either by adding alkali to the stock solution or by heating a dilute solution of the iron salt, was shown to be more effective than ferric chloride for turbidity removal, particularly at low water temperatures. Removal of organics, however, did not appear to be improved by the use of PIC.