Use of quillaja saponins (Quillaja saponaria Molina) to control acid mist in copper electrowinning processes

A surface tension of 55 dyn/cm was attained with 10 ppm of Mistop® and 25 ppm of QL 1000®, respectively. This corresponded to similar saponin levels for both products (1.6-2.1 ppm saponins). At these concentrations, Mistop® had little negative impact on the SX process, and no effect on CE and cathode quality. However, QL 1000® had a negative impact on phase disengagement time and extraction efficiency. Based on this, Mistop® was recommended for further testing at pilot plant and industrial scale in the facilities of Radomiro Tomic copper mine (Calama, Chile), at a dose of 8 to 12 ppm.