Dithiophosphates (Aerofloat-type collectors) Storage & Tank Compatibility

Storing Dithiophosphates (Aerofloat-type collectors)? Start Here

Aerofloat-type dithiophosphates are sulfide-mineral flotation collectors supplied mainly as aqueous solutions — typically a 35–51% alkali-metal or ammonium salt of a dialkyl or diaryl dithiophosphoric acid, with water as the balance. The active species is produced by reacting phosphorus pentasulfide with alcohols (or with aniline/cresol in older grades) and neutralizing with caustic soda or an amine. The result is a light-to-dark brown liquid that is selective toward copper, gold, silver and iron sulfides, often run at slightly lower pH than xanthates.

Because these are water-based salt solutions rather than solvents or fuels, the dominant material-of-construction driver is simple aqueous-salt/alkali compatibility, not hydrocarbon attack. That is why polyethylene performs well here. Always confirm the exact grade: pH ranges roughly 4–12 and residual organics differ between dialkyl, cresylic and aniline (aerofloat) chemistries, each carrying its own SDS hazard profile.

Polyethylene (HDPE / XLPE) Compatibility — Honest Verdict

Verdict: Compatible (S). Aerofloat-type dithiophosphate collectors are aqueous solutions of an alkali-metal or ammonium salt in water. Polyethylene resists aqueous salt solutions and alkalis well — published HDPE charts rate sodium phosphate and similar alkaline salts as Satisfactory — so HDPE and XLPE tanks are a sound primary container for this reagent class, behaving the same way they do with xanthate and phosphate-salt solutions.

Caveats: this is a representative verdict for a generic water-based grade. Confirm the specific SDS for any solvent-borne, high-cresylic, or amine-stabilized formulation, and keep service temperature moderate. For long-term storage of warm or concentrated product, consider a heavier-wall XLPE tank and EPDM seals, and verify against your supplier's resistance data.

Material compatibility at a glance

Aerofloat-type dithiophosphates ship as water-based salt solutions, so HDPE and XLPE poly tanks are an appropriate primary storage choice alongside PP, FRP, and 316 stainless. Treat ratings as representative and confirm against the specific product SDS, since pH (4–12) and residual organics vary by grade.

Ratings: S suitable · C conditional / limited · U unsuitable. Verify against the cited resistance charts and your concentration/temperature before specifying.

The safety that actually matters

• Causes skin irritation and serious eye damage — wear chemical splash goggles and natural-rubber or nitrile gloves.
• May release irritating vapors or, on contact with acids, hydrogen sulfide / phosphine-type decomposition products — ensure ventilation.
• Harmful if swallowed; harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects — prevent releases to drains and waterways.
• Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids; mixing can liberate toxic sulfur gases.
• Store in closed, labeled, vented containers away from incompatible reagents; provide secondary containment.
• Hazard classification is representative and SDS-dependent — verify the H-codes and NFPA values on the specific product's safety data sheet.

Common questions

Can I store Aerofloat dithiophosphate collector in a poly (HDPE/XLPE) tank?

Yes. These collectors are aqueous alkali-metal/ammonium salt solutions, and polyethylene resists aqueous salts and alkalis, so HDPE and XLPE are appropriate primary storage. Confirm the specific grade's SDS, keep temperatures moderate, and use a heavier-wall XLPE tank for warm or concentrated long-term storage.

What is dithiophosphate (Aerofloat) used for?

It is a froth-flotation collector for sulfide minerals — widely used for copper sulfides in the presence of pyrite, and effective for gold, silver and sphalerite. It has little frothing action and is often run at slightly lower pH than xanthates.

What pH and form does it ship in?

Most commercial grades are 35–51% active aqueous solutions, light to dark brown, functioning across roughly pH 4–12 depending on the formulation. Solid sodium grades also exist. Always check the SDS for the exact pH and concentration.

What are the main handling hazards?

Representative hazards are skin irritation, serious eye damage, harm if swallowed, and aquatic toxicity; contact with acids can release toxic sulfur gases. Use goggles, gloves and ventilation, and treat the H-codes and NFPA rating shown here as representative until verified against the product SDS.