Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) in Kenya

Aluminium Sulphate in Kenya

Welcome to Industrial Materials Kenya, your trusted supplier of high-quality industrial chemicals across Kenya. If you’re searching for ,Aluminium Sulphate in Kenya  commonly known as alum, for water treatment, industrial processes, agriculture, or manufacturing, this article will give you everything you need to know.

We understand that customers need reliable information and dependable suppliers—and at Industrial Materials Kenya, we provide quality alum, technical support, consistent supply, and competitive prices for all industries.

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What Is Aluminium Sulphate (Alum)?

Aluminium Sulphate, chemically represented as Al₂(SO₄)₃, is a white crystalline or granular salt widely used in water purification, industrial processing, and agriculture. It works by causing impurities to coagulate and settle, making it one of the most important chemicals in water treatment plants around the world, including Kenya.

Aluminium sulphate dissolves easily in water, reacts with alkalinity, and forms a sticky precipitate known as “floc,” which attracts impurities. This process is called flocculation and is essential in producing clean, clear water.

Forms of Aluminium Sulphate Available in Kenya

In the Kenyan market, alum is available in several forms depending on application:

1. Granular Aluminium Sulphate

  • Small, coarse granules

  • Common in water treatment plants

  • Dissolves slowly, ideal for bulk industrial use

2. Powdered Aluminium Sulphate

  • Fine powder

  • Often used in laboratories and industrial processing

  • Dissolves quickly

3. Liquid Aluminium Sulphate

  • Pre-dissolved liquid form

  • Preferred for automatic dosing systems in water plants

  • Consistent concentration and easy handling

4. Lumpy Aluminium Sulphate

  • Hard lumps

  • Suitable for large-scale water treatment dams and borehole projects

  • Long-lasting and less dusty

Each type has unique advantages depending on the intended application.

Chemical Properties

Property Description
Chemical Formula Al₂(SO₄)₃
Appearance White / off-white powder or granules
Solubility Highly soluble in water
pH Acidic
Odor Odorless
Grade Technical / Industrial grade

Industrial Uses of Aluminium Sulphate in Kenya

Aluminium sulphate is widely used across multiple Kenyan sectors:

a) Water Treatment (Most Common Use)

This is the primary use for alum in Kenya.

Aluminium sulphate is used in:

  • Municipal water treatment plants

  • Borehole water purification

  • River and dam water purification

  • Industrial wastewater treatment

  • Sewage treatment plants

How It Works:

Alum causes impurities such as:

  • clay

  • bacteria

  • organic matter

  • suspended solids

…to clump together and form heavy particles that settle at the bottom. This produces clean, clear water free from turbidity.

Municipalities including Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Mombasa, and Kisumu use aluminium sulphate in their water processing plants.

b) Wastewater Treatment in Industries

Industries such as:

  • food processing

  • dairy plants

  • slaughterhouses

  • textile factories

  • beverages & breweries

  • chemical processing plants

…use alum to remove oils, fats, heavy metals, and suspended solids from wastewater before discharge.

c) Paper Manufacturing Industry

In the paper industry, alum is used as:

  • a paper sizing agent

  • a binding chemical for fibers

  • an improver for paper stiffness and strength

It enhances ink absorption and prevents excessive paper soaking.

d) Construction Industry

Aluminium sulphate is used to:

  • accelerate cement setting

  • control moisture levels

  • treat concrete to reduce efflorescence

Some Kenyan contractors use alum in plastering and finishing processes, especially in high-humidity areas.

e) Agriculture and Farming

Aluminium sulphate is used to:

  • reduce soil alkalinity

  • adjust pH in agricultural farms

  • support growth of acid-loving plants such as:

    • tea

    • coffee

    • blueberries

    • roses

In poultry farming, alum is used to treat litter by reducing ammonia emissions.

f) Dyeing and Textiles

In textile factories, alum is used as a:

  • mordant to fix dyes to fabrics

  • pH regulator

  • flocculant during effluent treatment

h) Leather Tanning

Tanneries in Kenya use alum to:

  • process hides

  • stabilize leather

  • remove impurities

  • prepare skins for dyeing

i) Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals

Although limited, alum is used in:

  • antiperspirants

  • deodorants

  • after-shave products

  • water-based medicinal preparations

Benefits of Using Aluminium Sulphate

Highly effective coagulant
 Affordable compared to other chemicals
Readily available in Kenya
 Safe for municipal water processing
 Works quickly and reliably
Versatile across industries
 Long shelf life
 Strong performance in wastewater treatment

Packaging Options Available at Industrial Materials Kenya

We supply aluminium sulphate in:

  • 25kg bags (most common)

  • 50kg bags

  • Large jumbo bags for industrial users

  • Liquid alum in drums and IBC tanks

Packaging is protected from moisture and safe for storage.

Handling & Safety Guidelines

While alum is safe for industrial use, it should be handled carefully:

  • Wear protective gloves and goggles

  • Store in a cool, dry place

  • Avoid inhaling dust during handling

  • Keep away from incompatible chemicals such as strong bases

  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact

 

Why Buy Aluminium Sulphate From Industrial Materials Kenya?

Industrial Materials Kenya is one of the most reliable suppliers of alum in Kenya, serving customers from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Thika, and across East Africa.

Why customers trust us:

  1. Consistent High Quality

We supply technical-grade aluminium sulphate suitable for industrial and municipal use.

✔ Competitive Prices

Our pricing is affordable for both bulk and retail customers.

✔ Reliable Stock Availability

We maintain stable inventory to ensure you never experience supply delays.

✔ Countrywide Delivery

Fast delivery to all counties.

✔ Technical Support

We guide customers on the correct dosage, application, and selection of the best alum for their needs.

  1. Trusted by Industries Across Kenya

Water treatment plants
Construction companies
Manufacturers
Contractors
Laboratories
Agricultural estates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

. What is aluminium sulphate used for in Kenya?

Mainly water treatment, wastewater treatment, agriculture, paper making, construction, and textiles.

2. What forms of alum do you supply?

Powder, granular, lumpy, and liquid aluminium sulphate.

3. What size of packaging is available?

25kg, 50kg, jumbo bags, and liquid in drums/tanks.

4. Is aluminium sulphate safe for drinking water treatment?

Yes. It is globally approved and commonly used in municipal water purification.

5. Do you offer bulk supply for industries?

Yes. We regularly supply bulk quantities to water plants and manufacturing companies.

6. How fast do you deliver?

Same-day delivery within Nairobi and next-day delivery outside Nairobi.

7. Can alum reduce soil pH?

Yes. It is effective for lowering soil alkalinity for specific crops.

8. Is aluminium sulphate corrosive?

It is mildly acidic. Proper handling and storage are recommended.

9. Do you supply liquid alum?

Yes. We supply liquid aluminium sulphate for automatic dosing systems.

10. How do I place an order?

Call 0769723154 or email info@industrialmaterialskenya.coke.

For high-quality aluminium sulphate (alum) in Kenya, reach us today:

Call/Whatsapp: 0769723154
Email: info@industrialmaterialskenya.coke
Website: www.industrialmaterialskenya.co.ke

We are committed to supplying reliable, high-quality Aluminium Sulphate at the best market prices—with fast delivery across Kenya.

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