Description

Ferric Chloride Supplier — Industrial Grade Coagulant and Etchant for Water Treatment & Electronics

Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) is a versatile iron-based inorganic compound that plays a critical dual role across the water treatment and electronics manufacturing industries. As a coagulant, it offers distinct advantages over aluminium-based alternatives: it operates effectively at lower pH values, produces denser and faster-settling flocs, delivers superior phosphorus precipitation, and simultaneously provides sludge conditioning benefits due to the iron hydroxide byproduct. As an etchant, ferric chloride is the standard chemical used in PCB (printed circuit board) manufacturing for etching copper traces, valued for its precise etch control, cost-effectiveness, and ease of regeneration. For procurement professionals managing municipal STP chemical programs, industrial ETP operations, or electronics manufacturing facilities, securing a reliable source of consistently pure ferric chloride is essential to process stability. Davar ChemTech supplies ferric chloride in 38–42% solution strength, with full analytical documentation covering FeCl3 concentration, free acid content, heavy metal limits, and suspended solids.

Key Technical Features

• High-purity ferric chloride solution at 38–42% concentration for consistent dosing accuracy in water treatment
• Superior phosphorus removal capability achieving effluent phosphate levels below 0.5 mg/L at optimized dosing
• Dense, fast-settling iron hydroxide flocs that reduce clarification tank area requirements
• Effective across pH range of 4.0–11, enabling coagulation without pH pre-adjustment in most applications
• Dual-purpose chemical — serves as coagulant for water treatment and etchant for PCB manufacturing
• Available in bulk tanker, HDPE carboys (50L, 200L), and HDPE drums (50 kg) for flexible ordering

Industrial Applications

In municipal sewage treatment, ferric chloride has become the coagulant of choice for biological nutrient removal (BNR) plants that must meet stringent effluent phosphorus limits. The chemistry is straightforward — ferric ions react with orthophosphate to form insoluble ferric phosphate (FePO4), which settles out in the clarifier alongside iron hydroxide flocs that sweep up suspended organic matter. Unlike alum, which requires pH depression to pH 5.5–6.5 for effective phosphorus precipitation, ferric chloride performs across a much broader pH range, making it compatible with nitrification-denitrification zones that operate at pH 7.0–7.5. The denser floc structure also means smaller clarifier footprints and higher surface loading rates. For industrial wastewater applications, ferric chloride’s oxidative properties enable simultaneous precipitation of dissolved heavy metals and sulfides — it converts toxic H2S gas to insoluble elemental sulfur while precipitating metal hydroxides. In the electronics sector, ferric chloride’s selectivity for copper dissolution makes it the workhorse etchant for PCB manufacturing. The etch reaction proceeds with good control, producing clean copper trace profiles with minimal undercutting. Spent etchant can be regenerated or processed for copper recovery.

Technical Specifications

Storage, Handling & Safety

Ferric chloride is a corrosive liquid (Class 8) and requires strict adherence to chemical safety protocols. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage — wear acid-resistant gloves (neoprene or PVC), chemical safety goggles, face shield, rubber apron, and boots when handling. Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation. In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse affected area with copious water for 15 minutes. For eye contact, flush with water for at least 20 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. Store in HDPE, PVC, or rubber-lined containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from alkalis, organic materials, and combustible substances. Ferric chloride reacts with water to generate heat — always add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Classified as Corrosive under IMDG/IATA — proper shipping documentation and container labeling are mandatory.

Supply Capability & Distribution Strength

Davar ChemTech supplies ferric chloride across India from warehoused stock maintained at our Vadodara logistics hub. Our supply network covers municipal STP facilities in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi NCR, as well as PCB manufacturing clusters in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. For high-volume municipal consumers requiring regular tanker deliveries, we offer scheduled delivery programs with dedicated tanker allocation ensuring consistent supply continuity. Standard packaging includes 50L and 200L HDPE carboys for small and medium users, with bulk tanker (20 MT) deliveries for large consumers. Lead times: 2–4 working days for Gujarat and Maharashtra, 5–7 working days for other regions. Full Certificate of Analysis accompanies every shipment.

Get in Touch

From phosphorus removal in municipal STPs to precision etching in PCB fabs — ferric chloride quality matters. Davar ChemTech delivers 38–42% ferric chloride with guaranteed purity and reliable supply schedules. Contact us today for pricing, MSDS, sample quantities, or to set up a recurring delivery program for your facility.