Chemical degradation of sodium isopropyl xanthate by pulsed corona discharges.

摘要

The oxidative degradation of sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIX) was evaluated using pulsed corona discharges (PCD) in aqueous solutions. SIX is used in flotation processes by copper mining as part of the extraction of sulfide ore. A PCD batch reactor with a point-to-point electrode system with an air feed connection was used. Frequency, electrode gap space, and the concentration of SIX were found to have an important role in the degradation process. The global rate constants for the degradation of SIX and the relative concentration of one of its main by-products CS2 were evaluated using different levels of the factors mentioned above. The production of the key oxidants, ozone and hydrogen peroxide, in the PCD reactor for the degradation of SIX was established using either air or pure nitrogen gas. The energy per pulse generated by the electrodes system was measured and found to be related to the type of electrical discharge used. Bubble formation in the electrode system also was studied. The results showed that the PCD reactor was an efficient system to degrade SIX in a range of 95-99%. This oxidative degradation could be applied to remove SIX contained in flotation wastewater.