Ferric Chloride (FeCl₃) 40% — CHIMIFLOC FR 4014
FeCl₃
Product Overview
Ferric chloride is an iron(III) coagulant solution used to clarify drinking water, treat municipal and industrial wastewater, precipitate phosphorus and condition sludge before dewatering. CHIMIFLOC FR 4014 is CHIMI ART's 40% ± 1% FeCl₃ grade with a specific gravity of 1.40-1.45, manufactured at our own plant in Egypt — not resold — with batch traceability and a certificate of analysis supplied with every delivery.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Formula
- FeCl₃
- CAS Number
- 7705-08-0
- Appearance
- Dark brown liquid
- Concentration
- 40% ± 1% FeCl₃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.40-1.45
- pH Range
- < 1.0 (1% solution)
- Solubility
- Fully miscible with water
- Available Packaging
- 200L drums · 1000L IBC · Bulk flexitank
- Shelf Life
- 12 months
- Storage Conditions
- Polyethylene containers
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | FeCl₃ |
| CAS Number | 7705-08-0 |
| Appearance | Dark brown liquid |
| Concentration | 40% ± 1% FeCl₃ |
| Specific Gravity | 1.40-1.45 |
| pH Range | < 1.0 (1% solution) |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water |
| Available Packaging | 200L drums · 1000L IBC · Bulk flexitank |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Storage Conditions | Polyethylene containers |
Applications
Dosing Guidelines
Typical dosing: 20-200 mg/L depending on water quality. Optimum pH range: 4.0-11.0. Best results achieved through jar testing to determine site-specific dosage. For NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 potable-water use the listed maximum use level is 100 mg/L; the upper end of this range applies to wastewater and industrial treatment only.
How It Works
When ferric chloride is dosed into water, it dissociates and the Fe³⁺ ion hydrolyses rapidly, forming a series of positively charged iron hydroxide species. These species neutralise the negative surface charge that keeps clays, organics and other colloids dispersed, allowing particles to collide and agglomerate. At typical treatment doses, insoluble ferric hydroxide also precipitates as a voluminous floc that sweeps fine particles out of suspension as it settles. In phosphorus removal, Fe³⁺ reacts with dissolved orthophosphate to precipitate insoluble ferric phosphate, which is removed with the sludge. Iron also binds dissolved sulphide, suppressing H₂S odour. Because hydrolysis consumes alkalinity and depresses pH, alkalinity and coagulation pH should be monitored, and jar testing used to confirm the optimum operating window for each water.
Usage Tips
Store CHIMIFLOC FR 4014 in polyethylene or FRP tanks and keep drums and IBCs tightly closed, away from direct sunlight; shelf life is 12 months under correct storage. The solution is acidic and corrosive to common metals, so use chemical-resistant pumps, piping and fittings, and provide spill containment at storage areas. Always add the chemical to water — never water to the chemical — and ensure good ventilation. Wear acid-resistant gloves, eye protection and protective clothing when handling, and flush any splashes immediately with plenty of water.
Certifications & Compliance
CHIMIFLOC FR 4014 — technical specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | CHIMIFLOC FR 4014 (ferric chloride coagulant) |
| Chemical / formula | Iron(III) chloride / FeCl₃ |
| CAS · EC | 7705-08-0 · 231-729-4 |
| Concentration | 40% ± 1% |
| Specific gravity | 1.40–1.45 |
| Effective pH range | 4.0–11.0 |
| REACH | Registered under EU REACH (Reg. (EC) No 1907/2006) — iron trichloride (FeCl₃, CAS 7705-08-0, EC 231-729-4) |
| Manufacturer | CHIMI ART, Egypt (30,000 t/yr) |
| Packaging | 200 L drum, 1000 L IBC, bulk flexitank |
| Typical dose | 20–200 mg/L by jar test (potable water: ≤100 mg/L per NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 listing) |
Coagulant comparison: FeCl₃ vs PAC vs Alum
Selection is water-specific — jar-test on the actual source water.
| Factor | Ferric chloride (FeCl₃) | PAC | Alum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus removal | Excellent (FePO₄) | Moderate | Moderate |
| High-colour / NOM water | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Cold-water performance | Good | Reduced <5 °C | Reduced |
| Alkalinity consumption | High (depresses pH) | Low (pre-hydrolysed) | High |
| Sludge volume | Higher | Lower | Higher |
| Corrosivity / handling | Corrosive (lined/HDPE) | Lower | Lower |
Frequently Asked Questions
What concentration is it?
40% ±1% ferric chloride solution (FeCl₃), specific gravity 1.40–1.45.
What is it used for?
Coagulation in drinking-water and wastewater treatment, phosphorus removal, and H₂S/odour control.
Do you export?
Yes — manufactured in Egypt (30,000 t/yr) and supplied across MENA, Europe and the Gulf.
What factors affect the optimal dosing rate for Ferric Chloride?
Dosing depends on raw water turbidity, pH, alkalinity, temperature, and target removal objectives. Jar testing is essential to determine optimal dose and pH adjustment. Typical range is 20-200 mg/L, but site-specific optimization is crucial. For potable-water treatment the NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 listed maximum use level is 100 mg/L.
What is ferric chloride used for in water treatment?
Ferric chloride (FeCl₃) is a coagulant: dosed into water, Fe³⁺ neutralises the charge on suspended and colloidal particles so they clump and settle. It is used in drinking-water clarification, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, phosphorus removal (precipitating FePO₄), and H₂S/odour control.
Ferric chloride vs PAC — which is better for drinking water?
Neither universally. Ferric chloride leads on phosphorus removal, high-colour water and cold temperatures; PAC consumes less alkalinity and makes less sludge, suiting low-alkalinity water. The defensible choice is a jar test on the actual water.
What is the difference between ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and ferrous chloride (FeCl₂)?
Ferric chloride carries iron in the +3 oxidation state; ferrous chloride carries iron(II). Ferric chloride is the standard water-treatment coagulant — stronger charge neutralisation, dense fast-settling flocs and a wide working pH range — while ferrous chloride is mainly an intermediate that must first be oxidised to the ferric form before it coagulates effectively.
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