What buyers really ask me about Potassium Ethylxanthate (and what actually matters)

I’ve spent enough time around concentrators to know that [potassium ethylxanthate] sits at the center of a lot of quiet debates—collector strength versus selectivity, stability in wet seasons, and whether pelletized beats powder for dosing. To be honest, it’s rarely one-size-fits-all. Still, the China FIZA Company pitch is straightforward: premium quality, sensible pricing, quick answers. Origin? Zhongyuan Building, No.368 Youyi North Street, Shijiazhuang, China.

Where it fits today

In sulfide flotation (copper, lead, zinc, nickel—even some gold circuits), potassium ethylxanthate (PEx or KEX) remains a staple. Industry trend? Plants are nudging toward tighter specs (moisture control, low impurities) and safer, cleaner logistics that comply with UN 3342 shipping rules. I’ve also seen more requests for tailored pellet hardness and dissolution rates. Surprisingly, many customers say minor adjustments in particle size distribution have trimmed reagent overconsumption by a few percentage points.

Specification snapshot

How it’s made (short version)

Materials: ethanol, potassium hydroxide, carbon disulfide. Method: controlled reaction to form potassium ethylxanthate, followed by stabilization, drying, and (optionally) pelletizing with anti-caking aids. QA: assay, moisture, dissolution test, bulk density, impurity scan. Safety and transport conform to GHS/UN guidance.

Application notes and real-world feedback

• Use: primary collector for Cu/Pb/Zn/Ni sulfides; sometimes blended with dithiophosphates to tweak selectivity.
• Dosing: often 10–60 g/t; ramp during variable head grade. Start low—optimize at the cell.
• Customers report steadier froth and slightly faster kinetics with fresher stock (≤ 6 months), which tracks with moisture control.
• Case note: a mid-size copper concentrator trialed pellet grade and logged ≈3% lower reagent consumption week-over-week while maintaining recovery; operators loved the cleaner dosing hopper. Your mileage may vary, obviously.

Vendor comparison (quick, practical view)

Customization and testing

FIZA can tailor potassium ethylxanthate for particle size, pellet hardness, anti-caking additives, and packaging. Lab reports typically include assay, moisture (ASTM E203), pH (ASTM E70), and dissolution curves. Safety data align with GHS labeling for xanthates and UN 3342 transport.

Safety note: handle with appropriate PPE; avoid heat and moisture; store away from acids and oxidizers. Dispose according to local regulations.

Citations

1. UN Model Regulations: UN 3342 “Xanthates, solid, water-soluble” – Transport classification (Class 4.2).
2. ECHA Substance Info: Potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate – regulatory and hazard data.
3. ASTM E203 – Standard Test Method for Water by Karl Fischer Titration.
4. ASTM E70 – Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode.
5. ISO 9001 – Quality management systems (for manufacturing QA frameworks).