Potassium Amyl Xanthate 90% (PAX 90%) – High-Performance Flotation Reagent
Potassium Amyl Xanthate 90% (commonly abbreviated as PAX 90%) is one of the most widely used xanthate flotation agents in the mining and mineral processing industry. Known for its strong collecting power and high efficiency, PAX 90% is an essential reagent for the separation of sulfide ores such as copper, lead, zinc, and pyrite. Trusted worldwide, it is valued for its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and consistent performance in challenging operational conditions.
At City Chemicals EU, we specialize in supplying industrial-grade flotation chemicals with guaranteed purity and compliance with international safety standards.
What is Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX 90%)?
Potassium Amyl Xanthate belongs to the family of xanthates, which are salts of xanthic acid. Produced through the reaction of amyl alcohol, carbon disulfide, and potassium hydroxide, PAX 90% appears as a pale-yellow powder or pellet with a characteristic pungent odor. Its strong chemical activity makes it particularly effective as a collector reagent in the flotation process.
How Does It Work?
In flotation, PAX 90% functions as a collector by chemically bonding with the mineral surface, rendering it hydrophobic (water-repellent). This allows the mineral particles to attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface for separation. Its powerful collecting ability makes it especially suitable for:
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Sulfide ores (copper, lead, zinc, nickel)
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Gold flotation in certain ore types
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Pyrite flotation for by-product recovery
Key Benefits of PAX 90%
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High Efficiency: Strong collecting strength, even in low reagent dosages.
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Versatility: Effective across a wide range of sulfide minerals.
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Cost-Effective: Reliable performance reduces overall processing costs.
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Global Standards: Manufactured under strict ISO-certified processes.
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Longevity: Stable when stored properly, ensuring long shelf life.
Safety & Handling
While highly effective, PAX 90% must be handled with caution due to its chemical reactivity. Users should follow standard safety practices, including:
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Wearing protective gloves, goggles, and masks.
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Avoiding direct contact with skin or inhalation of dust.
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Storing in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas.
Note: Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before use.
Usage & Applications
PAX 90% is commonly applied in:
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Mining & Mineral Processing Plants – for flotation of sulfide ores.
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Metallurgical Operations – in recovery of valuable metals.
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Industrial Separation Processes – where strong collectors are required.
Dosage and method vary depending on ore type, but typical application involves mixing with water and adding directly into flotation cells.
Product Longevity & Storage
With proper storage, PAX 90% maintains its effectiveness for up to 12 months. It should be kept in sealed packaging, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
