Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX)
C₅H₁₁OCSSK
Overview
Potassium Amyl Xanthate is a powerful and versatile collector widely used in mineral processing. It is particularly effective in the froth flotation of copper, lead, zinc, and gold sulfide minerals due to its strong collecting power.
Chemical Profile
Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₁OCSSK
PAX is widely used in froth flotation and, to a lesser extent, in leaching and extraction processes. Its versatility comes from its strong collecting ability, good froth-forming properties, and effectiveness across a wide range of pH conditions.
The Flotation Process
Added to the Slurry
In flotation, PAX is added to a water-based slurry containing conditioned ore and mixed in flotation cells. Xanthates may be added as a liquid or solid.
Bubble Attachment & Recovery
The xanthate collector promotes the attachment of target mineral particles to air bubbles, causing them to float to the surface of the flotation cell. The mineral-rich froth is then collected through an overflow launder, while the remaining material may be returned to the process for further treatment.
Product Specifications
| Structure Formula | C₅H₁₁OCSSK | ||||||||||||
| Appearance | Slight yellow or grey yellow, free-flowing powder or pellet, and soluble in water | ||||||||||||
| Application | It is the most powerful collector xanthate used in the flotation treatment of sulfide and metallic ores, especially a good collector for the flotation of Cu/Ni sulphide ore as well as gold associated with pyrite. | ||||||||||||
| Specifications |
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| Package | Drums on wooden pallets, plywood boxes | ||||||||||||
| Storage | To be stored in the warehouse under cool and dry conditions, kept away from wet, fire, and sunshine. |
Applications — Sulfide Mineral Flotation
- Copper
- Lead
- Zinc
- Gold
- Selected nickel ores
Grades
Grade A
- Purity: ≥90%
- Free Alkali: ≤0.2%
- Moisture/Volatile: ≤4%
Grade B
- Purity: ≥84%
- Free Alkali: ≤0.5%
- Moisture/Volatile: ≤10%