Storage and delivery of xanthates

Xanthates are a group of chemicals typically used in sulphide flotation in mining applications. Common xanthate products are Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX), sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX), sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX), sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) and other xanthates you can find on the page Products.

Xanthate is the global choice among primary collectors, and Victoria Fortress supplies customers around the world with high-quality xanthates. Proper storage, handling and usage of xanthates are of paramount importance. For this reason, we understand and follow requirements the safe handling of this potentially dangerous product. Xanthate should always be used in a safe manner.

Hazards from xanthates include but are not limited to:

• production of toxic / flammable decomposition products (carbon disulphide* (CS2) and potentially alcohol vapours);
• spontaneous combustion that creates toxic combustion products (sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide);
• low order explosions from ignition of decomposition products;
• acute harm if ingested or significant amounts absorbed through the skin;
• acute irritation if inhaled or absorbed on skin surface.

The stability of xanthates can be affected by long storage periods at high temperature, moisture content (in the manufactured product and moisture absorbed during storage), length of storage and the pH of any mixtures.

Xanthates are one of the most used mining reagents by volume in the mining industry. Unfortunately they have been also involved in many chemical incidents during recent years, including:

1. Boxes of xanthate spontaneously combusting in storage areas. 
2. Xanthate breaking down and leaking out of their boxes.
3. Fire in the air space of a xanthate storage tank ignited by welding sparks.
4. Accidental mixing of xanthate with sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) created a flammable atmosphere that was ignited by a spark from a tool on steel.
5. Solid xanthate rapidly decomposing when added to water, creating a large toxic plume.
6. A vacuum pump motor caught fire and caused a low order explosion in an industrial vacuum truck cleaning up xanthate waste from a sump.

Safety precautions for handling:

• Avoid skin and eye contact and breathing in dust.
• Incommon with many organic chemicals, may form flammable dust clouds in air.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Conditions for safe storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place and out of direct sunlight.
• Store away from sources of heat or ignition.
• Store away from incompatible materials such as oxidising agents, combustible materials, acids, water, phosgene or sulphur chlorides.
• Keep dry - reacts with water, may lead to drum rupture.
• Storage areas should be monitored frequently for explosive gasses.
• Keep containers closed when not in use - check regularly for spills.

This product is regulated as a dangerous good as defined by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code for marine transport.

What is our solution for xanthates' delivery?

We pack our products in the big-bags and then put them in plywood boxes. Wood has traditionally been used for centuries in the preparation packaging, storage and transportation of goods. Good manufacturing quality, good handling practice and proper sanitation treatments makes wood a highly suitable material for transportation of bulk products, xanthates.