Ferric Chloride (FeCl₃) _ III
Ferric Chloride (III)
“The powerful coagulant for clean water and green industry; unrivaled performance in treatment, etching, and synthesis.” Arnico’s high-purity Ferric Chloride, with its stable formulation, defines a new standard in the water and wastewater treatment industry. This product not only removes contaminants from water with astonishing speed and precision but also delivers flawless performance in the sensitive etching processes of electronic circuits and chemical synthesis. Stability, guaranteed purity, and unparalleled coagulation power—this is Arnico’s signature in critical and sensitive industries.
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Ferric Chloride (III) ARNICO: The Robust, High-Performance Coagulant for the Most Demanding Water and Wastewater Treatment Challenges
Ferric Chloride (Iron (III) Chloride), with the definitive chemical formula FeCl₃, marketed under the trusted brand name Ferric Chloride ARNICO, is a premier, high-performance inorganic coagulant renowned for its exceptional versatility and robust efficacy in some of the most challenging water and wastewater treatment scenarios. This product represents the culmination of ARNICO’s rigorous manufacturing processes and unwavering commitment to delivering superior chemical solutions. ARNICO’s Ferric Chloride is available in two primary forms—a highly concentrated liquid solution and a hygroscopic crystalline solid—each meticulously produced to provide a powerful, reliable, and economically sound solution for coagulation, flocculation, and precipitation processes across a wide array of industries. It is the workhorse coagulant for professionals who demand high performance, particularly in demanding applications such as phosphate removal, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) control, and sludge dewatering.
The fundamental chemical advantage of Ferric Chloride lies in its powerful trivalent iron cation (Fe³⁺). Upon addition to water, this highly charged cation rapidly undergoes hydrolysis, forming dense, voluminous, and heavy flocs of ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃). These flocs are exceptionally effective at enmeshing suspended solids, destabilizing colloidal particles, and precipitating dissolved contaminants. This unique chemistry makes ARNICO Ferric Chloride an incredibly fast-acting and potent coagulant. It performs exceptionally well over a very wide pH range, making it the preferred choice for treating a vast spectrum of water qualities, from drinking water to highly complex industrial effluents, without the need for extensive pH adjustment systems.
ARNICO supplies Ferric Chloride in two specialized and consistent grades to meet the diverse needs of the market:
1. Ferric Chloride Solution (FeCl₃ Liquid, ~40% w/w): This is the most widely used and convenient form for large-scale industrial and municipal applications. ARNICO’s liquid grade is a dark brown, highly concentrated solution (typically 38-42% by weight of FeCl₃) designed for direct dosing. Its liquid nature simplifies handling, pumping, and metering, allowing for precise and automated process control with minimal operator intervention. This grade is the workhorse for high-volume applications in municipal wastewater treatment (for phosphate removal and sludge conditioning) and industrial water treatment.
2. Ferric Chloride Anhydrous/Crystal (FeCl₃ Solid): This high-purity, dark-colored crystalline or powder form is ideal for industries that require a dry feed system, have specific storage constraints, or need to prepare precise concentrations on-site. It offers excellent stability and allows for flexible preparation of stock solutions. The crystalline form is often preferred in specialized chemical industries and for specific manufacturing processes.
The decisive competitive edge of ARNICO Ferric Chloride lies not only in its powerful chemistry but also in the consistency of its formulation and ARNICO’s relentless focus on quality and purity. Unlike many generic products on the market, ARNICO’s Ferric Chloride is produced under tightly controlled conditions to ensure a consistently low level of free acid and impurities, minimizing its corrosivity and maximizing its active ingredient content. This ensures predictable, repeatable, and efficient results batch after batch, making ARNICO the partner of choice for facilities that cannot afford process variability.
Technical Specifications, Guaranteed Analysis, and Grades of ARNICO Ferric Chloride (III)
This section presents the engineering cornerstone and scientific foundation of the product. The table below directly represents ARNICO’s qualitative commitments and forms the definitive basis for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued for every single production batch. These certified parameters are the primary criteria for evaluation, quality assurance, and formal acceptance of consignments by leading industries and municipal water authorities. At ARNICO, quality is not a mere assertion; it is a guaranteed, verifiable specification.
Table of Technical Specifications by Grade
| Parameter | Ferric Chloride Solution (Liquid Grade) | Ferric Chloride Anhydrous/Crystal (Solid Grade) | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark Brown, Slightly Viscous Liquid | Dark Green-Black Crystalline Solid | – | Visual Observation |
| Active Ingredient (as FeCl₃) | 38.0 – 42.0 | ≥ 96.0 | % by weight (w/w) | Titrimetric / Iodometric Titration |
| Iron Content (as Fe³⁺) | 13.0 – 14.5 | ≥ 33.0 | % by weight (w/w) | Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) |
| Free Acidity (as HCl) | ≤ 0.5 | N/A (as product) | % by weight (w/w) | Acid-Base Titration |
| Specific Gravity (at 20°C) | 1.40 – 1.45 | N/A | g/cm³ | Digital Density Meter |
| Water Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 1.5 | % by weight (w/w) | Gravimetric Analysis after Filtration |
| Ferrous Iron (as Fe²⁺) | ≤ 0.3 | ≤ 1.0 | % by weight (w/w) | Titrimetric with Potassium Dichromate |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | % by weight (w/w) | Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) |
| Heavy Metals (as Lead, Pb) | ≤ 30 | ≤ 50 | ppm (mg/kg) | Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) |
| Bulk Density | N/A | 1.1 – 1.3 | g/cm³ | Graduated Cylinder and Precision Balance |
Expert Parameter Guide (For Informed and Professional Selection)
A true professional understands that the value of a chemical lies in its detailed specifications. The following guide will empower you to make the most informed technical and economic decisions:
Active Ingredient (as FeCl₃) and Iron Content (Fe³⁺): The Core of Power. These parameters are the most direct indicators of a product’s strength and potency. For the liquid grade, a 40% w/w concentration of FeCl₃ is the industry benchmark for optimal cost-performance. It ensures a high concentration of the active trivalent iron (Fe³⁺) cation, which is the workhorse for coagulation and precipitation. For the solid grade, ≥ 96% purity guarantees minimal inert material and maximum reactivity. A higher active ingredient content directly translates to a lower required dosage to achieve the same treatment objective, reducing chemical consumption, freight costs, and sludge generation.
Free Acidity (as HCl): The Corrosivity and Handling Index. This critical parameter defines the concentration of free hydrochloric acid in the liquid product. ARNICO’s specification of ≤ 0.5% is exceptionally low and represents a significant quality advantage. Lower free acidity means the product is less aggressive to dosing pumps, storage tanks, and piping systems. It also reduces the downward pressure on the treated water’s pH, potentially minimizing or eliminating the need for supplemental alkalinity addition (like lime or caustic soda) to maintain an optimal pH for coagulation and downstream biological processes.
Ferrous Iron (Fe²⁺) Content: The Purity Indicator. The presence of ferrous (Fe²⁺) iron alongside the desired ferric (Fe³⁺) form indicates incomplete oxidation during the manufacturing process. Fe²⁺ is a far less effective coagulant than Fe³⁺. ARNICO’s strict control over this parameter ensures that the product delivers the maximum possible coagulation power per kilogram by providing the iron predominantly in its most effective, fully oxidized trivalent (Fe³⁺) state.
Specific Gravity: A Tool for Process Control. For professionals managing liquid chemical inventories, specific gravity is a quick and reliable quality check. It allows for rapid verification of product concentration on-site using a simple hydrometer or density meter. A deviation from the specified range of 1.40-1.45 could indicate an issue with the product’s concentration, ensuring you always receive the strength you paid for.
Technical, Economic, and Operational Advantages of ARNICO Ferric Chloride with Proven Industrial Applications
This section moves beyond the technical datasheet to explore the practical, lived experience of industries that rely on ARNICO Ferric Chloride. The advantages detailed here are not just theoretical but are based on direct feedback from water and wastewater treatment plants that have optimized their performance and efficiency with this powerhouse coagulant.
Key Advantages: Why is ARNICO Ferric Chloride the Professional’s Choice?
1. Superior Performance for Phosphate Removal (P-Removal): The Unrivaled Mastery.
In the battle against eutrophication in receiving waters, stringent discharge limits for phosphorus are becoming the global standard. Ferric Chloride is widely recognized as the gold standard for chemical phosphorus removal. The trivalent iron (Fe³⁺) reacts stoichiometrically and rapidly with soluble orthophosphates to form an insoluble ferric phosphate (FePO₄) precipitate. This reaction is fast, highly efficient, and works across a broad pH range, making ARNICO Ferric Chloride the definitive solution for retrofitting existing plants or designing new ones to meet ultra-low phosphorus discharge limits (e.g., <0.5 mg/L or even <0.1 mg/L Total P).
2. Highly Effective Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) and Odor Control.
In wastewater collection systems, force mains, and sludge processing facilities, the generation of hydrogen sulfide gas is a constant threat to worker safety, public health, and infrastructure integrity (through concrete corrosion). ARNICO Ferric Chloride acts as a potent and fast-acting H₂S scavenger. The iron rapidly reacts with dissolved sulfides to form an insoluble, non-toxic black precipitate (iron sulfide), permanently sequestering the sulfide and preventing its release as a dangerous and foul-smelling gas. This not only controls odor complaints but also protects valuable infrastructure from microbially induced corrosion.
3. Unmatched Sludge Conditioning and Enhanced Dewatering Performance.
One of the most economically significant uses of Ferric Chloride is in sludge management. When combined with a polymer (or lime), ARNICO Ferric Chloride acts as a powerful sludge conditioner. It coagulates the fine, negatively charged colloidal solids within the sludge, releasing bound water and significantly improving its dewatering characteristics. This conditioning leads to a higher percentage of dry solids in the dewatered sludge cake, which directly translates to lower disposal costs, reduced fuel consumption for incineration, and a smaller overall volume of waste to handle.
4. Robust Performance Across an Extremely Wide pH Range and All Temperatures.
Unlike some coagulants that are highly sensitive to the water’s pH and temperature, Ferric Chloride demonstrates exceptional robustness. It is a powerful coagulant in a pH range from approximately 4.0 to 11.0. This broad effective range provides plant operators with immense flexibility, eliminating the need for precise and costly pH adjustment in many applications. Furthermore, its coagulation kinetics remain highly effective even in very cold waters, making it a reliable year-round solution for all climates.
5. Economic Advantages from High Active Content and Fast Kinetics.
While the unit price of Ferric Chloride may appear higher than some alternatives like alum, a true cost analysis reveals its economic superiority in many applications. Its high active ingredient content and the dense, fast-settling nature of its flocs often result in a significantly lower effective dosage. The rapid floc formation and settling speed allow for higher hydraulic loading rates (HRT reduction) on existing clarifiers, increasing plant capacity without capital expenditure. Additionally, its effectiveness as both a coagulant and a precipitant can eliminate the need for purchasing and dosing multiple different chemicals.
Specialized and Proven Fields of Application:
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs):
Chemical Phosphorus Removal: Achieving ultra-low effluent total phosphorus (TP) limits to protect sensitive water bodies.
Sludge Conditioning: Enhancing the performance of mechanical dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, screw presses, and centrifuges to reduce sludge volume and disposal costs.
Odor and H₂S Control: Dosing into sewer networks and sludge handling units to prevent odor emissions and corrosion.
Primary Clarification: Enhancing the removal of suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in primary settling tanks.
Drinking Water Treatment:
Removal of high turbidity, color, and natural organic matter (NOM) from surface water sources.
Effective removal of arsenic, selenium, and various heavy metals through co-precipitation and adsorption mechanisms.
Heavy Industry and Petrochemicals:
Pretreatment of complex industrial effluents to break oil-water emulsions and precipitate heavy metals.
Treatment of process water for reuse in industries such as steel mills and power plants.
Metal Finishing and Electroplating:
Precipitation and removal of heavy metal ions (Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Pb²⁺) from acidic rinse waters and spent process baths, often in conjunction with pH adjustment.
Specialized Chemical Manufacturing:
Used as a catalyst, oxidizing agent, and a precursor for the production of iron-based pigments, dyes, and other specialty chemicals.
Safety, Health, and Operational Integrity; The Cornerstone of ARNICO’s Commitment and Your Assurance of a Reliable Partnership
This section is dedicated to the two foundational pillars of ARNICO’s commitment: first, complete transparency and the provision of actionable, practical guidance for maintaining the highest standards of safety; and second, the exposition of an integrated quality assurance system that transforms our product from a mere chemical into a full-fledged engineering solution and a reliable technical partnership.
Comprehensive Safety, Handling, and Storage Guide
ARNICO Ferric Chloride is a highly acidic and corrosive substance, both in its liquid and solid forms. Its corrosive nature demands the strict, unwavering observance of safety principles to guarantee the well-being of personnel and the integrity of equipment. Awareness of and compliance with the following guidelines is mandatory for all users.
Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Before any handling, dilution, or maintenance activity involving the product, the use of the following protective layer is non-negotiable:
Gloves: Long-sleeved, heavy-duty, chemically resistant gloves made of neoprene, nitrile, or PVC.
Eye and Face Protection: Full-seal chemical safety goggles (Goggles) in conjunction with a full-face shield (Face Shield) to protect against any splashes of this highly corrosive liquid or dust from the solid.
Body Protection: Full-length, acid-resistant apron or suit (e.g., made of PVC or rubber) and rubber boots.
Respiratory Protection: If there is potential for mist, aerosol, or dust generation (e.g., when opening solid containers or performing maintenance), use a respirator with acid gas cartridges (e.g., NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 with acid gas protection).
Emergency Procedures and First Aid Measures:
On Skin: Immediately remove all contaminated clothing. Flush the affected skin area continuously with copious amounts of clean, cool water for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention for any chemical burn.
In Eyes: This is an emergency. Immediately rinse the eyes thoroughly, holding the eyelids open, with a gentle but continuous stream of lukewarm water for at least 20-30 minutes. In all cases of eye contact, immediate and urgent transportation to a specialized ophthalmologist is mandatory.
Inhalation: Immediately move the affected person to fresh, open air. Place them in a comfortable seated position. If coughing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing persists, seek immediate medical attention.
Accidental Ingestion: Rinse the mouth thoroughly with plenty of water. Do NOT induce vomiting. If the person is fully conscious, give them small amounts of milk or water to drink. Call emergency medical services immediately.
Golden Rules for Optimal Storage and Handling:
Liquid Grade: Store in a dedicated, ventilated, and contained area. Tanks should be constructed of compatible materials such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), polyethylene (HDPE), or rubber-lined steel. Never use unlined steel, aluminum, or stainless steel tanks. A secondary containment dike is essential to prevent environmental release in case of a spill.
Solid Grade: Ferric Chloride crystals are highly hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) and will rapidly absorb water and form a solid mass if exposed to humid air. Bags must be kept sealed and stored in a strictly dry, cool, and well-ventilated warehouse.
This product must be stored isolated from incompatible materials, including strong alkalis (caustic soda, lime), strong oxidizers, and reactive metals (like aluminum, zinc, and tin). Mixing with alkalis will generate significant heat.
Dilution Protocol: NEVER add water to acid; ALWAYS add the acid (Ferric Chloride) slowly to the water while mixing. This prevents dangerous localized boiling and splashing.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): The complete and official Safety Data Sheet, compliant with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), including all 16 standard sections, is always available for download on the official ARNICO website. It is a legal and professional imperative that all employers and safety officers study this document thoroughly and make it accessible to all relevant personnel.
ARNICO’s Quality Assurance System and Technical Services; Beyond Being Just a Supplier
Quality assurance at ARNICO is a holistic, end-to-end process. It begins with the careful selection of raw materials and continues through to the post-sale technical support we provide to our clients.
Guaranteed Certificate of Analysis (COA): Every consignment of an ARNICO product is accompanied by its own unique, batch-specific COA. This certificate is a legally valid, living document that contains the actual results of laboratory analyses performed on samples drawn from that specific production batch. It guarantees the product’s full and demonstrable conformity to the stringent technical specifications declared in this datasheet.
Expert On-Site Technical and Engineering Services: Our team of experienced field application specialists and technical experts will serve as your dedicated engineering arm, providing invaluable support including:
Specialized Jar Testing: The scientific and empirical determination of the optimal product grade and ideal coagulant dosage using representative samples of your actual raw water or wastewater to achieve your exact treatment goals.
Process Engineering Consultancy: Comprehensive troubleshooting and optimization of your treatment units, recommending the most effective chemical injection points, and assisting in the design and selection of safe chemical storage, make-down, and dosing systems.
Periodic Site Visits and Continuous Performance Monitoring: Ensuring the long-term, stable performance of the product and proactively adapting the treatment protocol to align with seasonal variations in raw water quality.
For more information, to request a free expert technical consultation, to ask for a sample COA, or to place an order, please visit the ARNICO website and contact our commercial and technical specialists. ARNICO: Your Trusted Partner for Clarity and Sustainable Quality.
Technical documents for Ferric Chloride products, including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and Certificate of Analysis (COA), are available to customers upon request.
To receive these documents and additional information, please contact the company’s technical or sales department or contact us via email.
Commitment to Arnico quality; production cycle Ferric Chloride
Trust of Major Industries in Arnico
Stable supply and strong logistics chain
With Arnico, production stoppages are a thing of the past. Our global supply network and strategic warehouses ensure that your raw materials are supplied on time and without interruption, even amidst market fluctuations.
Quality assurance with a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Every shipment of Arnico is shipped with a dedicated analysis sheet. Ensure full compliance with international standards before unloading. Our transparency is your peace of mind.
Transparent pricing and elimination of unnecessary intermediaries
Direct sourcing and eliminating intermediaries has brought our prices closer to global rates. With Arniko, you will experience smart, economical, and completely transparent shopping.
Specialized technical advice; beyond a supplier
Arnico’s technical team is by your side before you make a purchase. From selecting the right grade to sample analysis, our detailed, complimentary consultation guides you toward the best decision. Arniko—your technical partner on the path to growth.
Quick Guide to Buying Ferric Chloride
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? Is it possible to make a trial purchase?
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Ferric Chloride is one ton (1000 kg) equivalent to 40 bags of 25 kg. However, for new buyers, Arniko offers a trial batch of 200 to 500 kg at a special price to test the quality of the product in its production line. Samples of 1 to 5 kg are also sent free of charge to accredited customers. For purchases of more than 5 tons, a significant volume discount is applied.
What documents and certificates do you provide to ensure quality?
Arnico provides the following complete package of documents for each shipment:Certificate of Analysis (COA)from a National Standards Organization accredited laboratory
Commercial with full specifications
ISO 9001:2015 certificate (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management)
NSF/ANSI 60 approval for food grade (suitable for drinking water)
SGS or Bureau Veritas inspection certificate can also be provided upon request All these documents will be provided to the buyer for final approval before loading, and in case of non-compliance, the buyer has the right to cancel.
What are the payment methods and transaction guarantees for foreign buyers?
Yes. Food Grade Ferric Chloride is FDA approved and meets NSF/ANSI 60 standards for use in drinking water treatment. Products supplied by Arnico are completely free of harmful heavy metals (such as arsenic, mercury and lead) and come with accurate laboratory analysis. We provide a certified Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every export shipment.
What is the delivery time and shipping cost to different destinations?
The order delivery time is as follows:
Stock orders: Maximum 5 to 7 business days after receiving the advance payment
Production orders (custom): Maximum 15 to 21 business days
Sea export: Depending on Destination, 20 to 45 days plus shipping time
Shipping cost is calculated in two ways:
FOB (port of origin): includes product price + loading in Bandar Abbas, Asaluyeh or Imam Khomeini
CIF (port of destination): includes cost price + sea freight + insurance to port of destination
Arnico Logistics Team cooperates with 3 reputable international shipping companies and calculates the best rates for neighboring countries, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and China. Also, the exact production and shipping schedule is announced to the buyer on a weekly basis so that the purchasing planning process is completely transparent.
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