Methods and apparatus for controlling water balance during lithium chloride brine electrolysis

EP4771198A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-08LIFTHIUM ENERGY SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025800806
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-11-13
Filing Date
2025-11-13
Publication Date
2026-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for controlling water balance during lithium chloride brine electrolysis are energy-intensive and inefficient, as they rely heavily on evaporation processes, which are costly and environmentally detrimental, particularly in regions with scarce water resources.

Method used

Implementing forward osmosis and vacuum flash evaporation techniques to manage water balance, utilizing the heat generated during electrolysis to enhance the efficiency of concentrating depleted anolyte and brine streams, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintaining high lithium recovery rates.

Benefits of technology

The proposed methods significantly reduce energy input requirements, enhance process efficiency, and lower operating costs while maintaining high purity lithium hydroxide production, making lithium refining more environmentally friendly and economically viable.

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Abstract

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling water balance during lithium chloride brine electrolysis. A method is provided comprising supplying the anolyte product stream from electrolysis to a flash evaporator without mixing it with any other liquid stream between exiting the electrolyser and entering the flash evaporator, concentrating it by vacuum evaporation and recirculating the concentrated anolyte product to the electrolyser. A method is also provided comprising the use of forward osmosis prior to electrolysis in order to adjust the concentration of the initial feed brine such that it can be purified by ion exchange and then concentrated for electrolysis, in a manner that means that the entire feed brine can be prepared for electrolysis using forward osmosis, which requires very little energy input. Apparatus for performing the above processes is also provided.
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