Polyferric Sulfate (PFS) Classification: Grade I vs Qualified Grade and How to Choose for Water Treatment

Many water treatment engineers and procurement professionals often ask: “What’s the difference between Grade I PFS and Qualified Grade PFS? Can industrial-grade PFS be used for drinking water?”

The answer lies in Polyferric Sulfate’s (PFS) clear classification system—based on national standards, product forms, and application scenarios. Choosing the right type not only ensures regulatory compliance but also optimizes performance and saves costs.

According to the WHO drinking water quality guidelines, proper selection of coagulants like PFS is critical for safe water treatment.

Below is a complete guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Polyferric Sulfate (PFS) Classification by National Standard (GB/T14591-2016): Ensuring Compliance

National standards are critical, especially for drinking water treatment. GB/T14591-2016 divides PFS into Grade I (First Class) and Qualified Grade, with strict limits on iron content, basicity, and heavy metals.

Selection Tip:

• Drinking water projects → Grade I PFS is mandatory.

• Industrial applications → Qualified Grade PFS is more cost-effective.

2. Classification by Product Form: Liquid vs Solid PFS

a. Liquid PFS

• Key Specs: Total iron 11%-16%, density ≥1.45 g/cm³, strict hydrolysis control.

• Pros: Ready to use, no crushing or dissolution needed, saves labor.

• Cons: Heavy (70%-80% water), high transportation cost, short shelf life (3-6 months).

• Best For: Short-distance supply (<200km), small-scale plants with limited dissolution equipment.

b. Solid PFS

• Key Specs: Ordinary Grade (Fe ≥19%), Spray-Dried Grade (Fe ≥23%). Spray-dried PFS dissolves faster and has higher purity.

• Pros: Concentrated (low transport cost), long shelf life (6-12 months), easy storage.

• Cons: Requires crushing and dissolution, needs on-site mixing equipment.

• Best For: Long-distance transport, large-scale municipal or industrial projects, cold regions (spray-dried solid dissolves well at <0℃).

Selection Tip: For winter or low-temperature applications, avoid liquid PFS; choose spray-dried solid PFS instead.

3. Classification by Application Scenario: Match PFS to Water Type

a. Drinking Water Grade

• Must meet Grade I standards with strict heavy metal limits.

• Use Case: Municipal water plants, bottled water factories.

• Reference: WHO drinking water quality guidelines

b. Industrial Wastewater Grade

• Meets Qualified Grade, allows higher impurities.

• Use Case: Printing/dyeing, electroplating wastewater—targets turbidity, COD, and color removal.

• Reference: See the US EPA coagulation & flocculation guide for process guidance.

c. Special-Function Grade

• Phosphorus-Removal PFS: Adjusted basicity (12%-16%) and Fe content (≥15%) for phosphate adsorption—ideal for municipal sewage or food-processing wastewater.

• Low-Temperature & Low-Turbidity PFS: Modified polymer for cold (<10℃) or low-turbidity water, improving floc formation and sedimentation.

Selection Tip: High-phosphorus wastewater (>10 mg/L)? Use special phosphorus-grade PFS to reduce dosage by 20%-30% and meet strict discharge standards (≤0.5 mg/L).

4. Other Classifications: Enterprise-Customized Poly Ferric Sulfate

• High-Purity Spray-Dried PFS: Fe 21%-23%, heavy metals < Grade I standards—used in sensitive industries like semiconductors.

• Customized PFS: Adjusted basicity (5%-20%) or Fe content (10%-20%) for specific water quality, e.g., high-alkalinity wastewater.

5. Final Selection Checklist for Poly Ferric Sulfate

1. Compliance: Drinking water → Grade I; Industrial → Qualified Grade.

2. Form: Short-distance/no equipment → Liquid; Long-distance/low temp → Solid (spray-dried).

3. Function: Phosphorus removal → Special grade; Cold water → Low-temp grade.

4. Verification: Ask suppliers for test reports on Fe content, basicity, and heavy metals.

Pro Tip: Unsure which PFS fits your water quality? Share your water test report with our engineers—we provide a free matching plan.

6. Partner with WaterCareChem

At WaterCareChem, we don’t just supply chemicals, our team provides:

• Custom formulations tailored to your raw water or wastewater needs

• Jar testing & pilot trials to optimize dosing and performance

• Reliable supply chain with consistent product quality

• Technical support to ensure smooth integration into your process

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of PFS in your plant, contact WaterCareChem today for technical support, product samples, or a customized treatment solution.

???? Together, let’s make water treatment more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

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Water treatment shouldn’t be a headache. At WaterCareChem, we’re your trusted partner for all your water treatment chemical needs. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality chemicals, from essential products to advanced solutions for specific applications.

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Contact WaterCareChem today to Request a Quote, and see how we can be a valuable partner for your water treatment chemical needs.

Last Updated on 2025-09-27 by system