Typical Physical Properties

The following technical information and data are representative and should not be used for specification purposes. All values are determined at 77°F (25°C) unless otherwise specified.

• Appearance : Light Amber Liquid

• Composition : 45-55% Fluorochemical Solids, 45-55% Water

• Density : 1.2 g/ml

• Viscosity : <100 cP

• Flash Point : Not applicable

Acid Mist Control Agent – How to add?

Mist suppression studies in production electrowinning cells have demonstrated that 3M Acid Mist Suppressant FC-1100 can consistently maintain sulfuric acid mist exposure levels below 0.2 milligrams per cubic meter of air at normal use concentrations. Figure 1 illustrates the correlation between FC-1100 suppressant concentration and ambient acid mist levels.

FC-1100 suppressant significantly advances conventional fluorosurfactants due to its ability to reduce tankhouse acid mist levels without forming a stable foam blanket. Stable foam formation typically depletes the surfactant from the electrolyte, as a large percentage of the surfactant accumulates in the foam, making it unavailable to reduce acid mist. The use of a low-foaming product like FC-1100 allows more surfactant to remain in solution, significantly reducing product loss rates and maintaining consistent acid mist suppression in the tankhouse.

When used with various conventional organic chelating extractants in commercial solvent extraction processing, FC-1100 suppressant does not increase phase disengagement times or adversely affect copper extraction kinetics.

Application Information

In the hydrometallurgical production of copper, the final step involves the electrolytic deposition of copper metal from the electrolyte solution, forming high-purity cathodes in the electrowinning cells of the tankhouse. During this process, oxygen gas bubbles rise to the surface of the electrowinning cell and burst, releasing small amounts of sulfuric acid as an aerosol. This aerosol creates a fine mist in the tankhouse, leading to a corrosive atmosphere that poses potential hazards to both personnel and the equipment.

For over 30 years, fluorochemical additives have been effectively used in copper electrowinning operations to reduce sulfuric acid mist at its source. The unique properties of 3M™ Acid Mist Suppressant FC-1100, including its stability in high concentrations of sulfuric acid, compatibility with solvent extraction organics, and surface activity, make it a cost-effective solution for improving working conditions during normal tankhouse operations.

FC-1100 works by stabilizing the gas-liquid interface of oxygen bubbles as they rise through the electrolyte. Instead of bursting instantly when reaching the surface, the electrolyte drains slowly from the bubble walls, significantly reducing the amount of electrolyte expelled into the air upon bubble rupture.

Application Method :

• FC-1100 suppressant can be added directly to the tankhouse electrolyte.

• It should be introduced upstream from where the electrolyte enters the tank house, preferably at the suction side of the electrolyte circulation pumps. This ensures adequate mixing before the electrolyte reaches the electrowinning cells.

• The typical concentration range for FC-1100 suppressant in the tank house electrolyte is between 10 and 20 ppm of active solids.