On the basis of xanthate risks, a number of control measures are recommended by
QINGDAO SUNRUN CHEMICAL for the safe handling of both solid and liquid xanthates.

Storage and Monitoring
Pelletized xanthates are relatively stable if kept dry and cool. Store in closed containers in a
cool, well ventilated area away from sources of heat or ignition.
Precautions should be taken to avoid static electricity discharge especially when opening
bags and/or removing shrink wrap. For drums, the plastic liner is tied and sealed at the top.
The sealed portion should be cut with shears rather than slicing open the bag. For super
sacks made of polypropylene are prone to high static charges. Slicing blades should be
incorporated above the make-up tank rather than manual slicing the underside of the bag.
Partially used bags of xanthates should be used or disposed off within a few days as they
are susceptible to moisture and contamination by oxidizing chemicals. Bags should be
resealed and store in clearly defined areas.
Care must be taken to dispose of xanthate floor sweepings. Xanthate should never be
placed in trash receptacles or open containers due to the potential of fires from
contamination or moisture.
Most pelletized xanthate may be stored for up to 1 year if inner polyethylene liner seals are
not broken and boxes stored dry and cool. Storage areas should be monitored for explosive
environments due to decomposition products. Hot work permits are required in and around
xanthate storage areas. The inner liner should be hermetically sealed and not manually
tied. Solid xanthates are hygroscopic and when exposed to moisture in air decompose,
releasing carbon disulphide and other flammable compounds mentioned previously.
Liquid xanthate may be stored but target inventory turnover or make-up volume of less than
30 days at pH > 12. Tanks must be kept cool to reduce the decomposition rate of xanthate
and to limit the alcohol vapor concentration. The temperature should preferably be below
15 o C and above 5 o C to prevent crystallization or product separation into layers.

Storage and mixing tanks should be designed with sloped or conical bottoms that to
facilitate removal of carbon disulphide, alcohols and sludge that may accumulate at the
bottom.
Storage and mixing tanks should be routinely flushed high pH water to prevent build up of
carbon disulfide especially if flat bottomed or have dead spots.
Storage and make-up areas should be monitored for CS2 especially near vents, open
covers, and overflow drains. Several companies manufacture devices including the
GASMAX II from GDS Corp. and LC100 from International Sensor Technology. Each site
should determine what automatic measures are to be triggered on positive detection.
Portable devices should be used to monitor other areas as well. These multi-gas units are
available from several manufacturers including Dr?ger, MSA, BW Technologies, and RAE.
Product selected should show % oxygen, LEL, H2S and CO.
Warning signs must be posted around mixing and storage tanks as well as vents showing
the prohibition of all ignition sources e.g. no smoking, no naked flames, only explosion
proof electric motor, only propane forklifts, no mobile phones, etc.
www.cnxanthate.com
Restrict access to storage and mixing areas only to personnel trained in the awareness and
handling of xanthate. Training should include a review of this document and MSDS for the
xanthates involved.