Ammonium Dibutyl Dithiophosphate Supplier South Africa

What Is Ammonium Dibutyl Dithiophosphate?

Ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (AMDTP or ADDTP) is a liquid dithiophosphate (DTP) flotation collector containing two butyl groups on the phosphorus atom and an ammonium counter-ion. Dithiophosphates differ from xanthates in their adsorption mechanism: while xanthates adsorb primarily through chemisorption to surface metal atoms, dithiophosphates can also act through mixed physisorption-chemisorption pathways, giving them different selectivity profiles. AMDTP is liquid at room temperature, making it easier to handle and dose accurately in plant operations compared to pellet xanthates.

Selectivity and Co-Collector Performance

Ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate is a selective collector, exhibiting low activity on pyrite and pyrrhotite while collecting copper sulphides (chalcopyrite, chalcocite), gold, and PGM sulphides effectively. This selectivity makes it valuable as a co-collector in circuits using xanthates as the primary collector, where the DTP component improves selectivity against iron sulphides without sacrificing recovery of the target minerals. In PGM circuits particularly, xanthate/DTP blends are standard practice. AMDTP also shows synergistic effects with xanthates at sub-stoichiometric combined dosages, allowing lower total collector use.

Supply and Handling

Terracore Chemicals supplies ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate in 200 L drums and IBCs. Its liquid form allows direct dosing via metering pumps without the dissolution step required for pellet collectors. Technical data sheets and dosage recommendations for specific ore types are available on request.