Ferric Chloride Uses in Water Treatment and PCB Compliance

Ferric chloride (FeCl3, 40–42% solution) hydrolyses to form ferric hydroxide flocs that sweep colloidal colour and suspended solids from effluent.

Particularly effective for textile dye effluent, tannery wastewater and pulp & paper mill effluent where colour limits are stringent.

Performs well at lower pH (5–7) compared to alum, making it suitable for acidic industrial effluent without excessive lime addition.

Typical dosing range 100–500 mg/L as FeCl3 depending on colour intensity and COD of influent.

Ferric chloride precipitates phosphate as ferric phosphate (FePO4) — essential for meeting 1–2 mg/L total phosphorus discharge limits.

Used for arsenic removal in drinking water treatment — ferric hydroxide adsorbs arsenate effectively at pH 6–7.

Precipitates chromium, copper and zinc as hydroxides when dosed with lime in electroplating and metal finishing ETP.

PCB consent conditions in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu increasingly specify phosphorus limits, driving ferric chloride demand.

Ferric chloride is highly corrosive — use FRP, HDPE or rubber-lined storage tanks and dosing lines; avoid carbon steel.

Implement secondary containment for bulk storage; spills are acidic and will corrode concrete and metal surfaces.

Monitor effluent for residual iron (< 1 mg/L) to prevent staining and meet discharge norms.

Source ferric chloride from suppliers with batch COA, PCB-compliant MSDS and bulk tanker delivery for continuous ETP operations.

Drashti Chemicals stocks related industrial chemicals from Vadsar with batch COA, MSDS and GST invoicing (24AGLPC6288M1ZX). We are a supplier/stockist — share grade and quantity for a documented bulk quote. No public list prices.