Method for the sorption production of a lithium concentrate from a lithium-containing solution

Abstract

The present invention relates to the hydrometallurgy of lithium. A method for the sorption production of a lithium concentrate from a lithium-containing solution includes: a sorption step comprising passing a lithium-containing solution through a lithium extraction sorbent, a washing step of said sorbent, and a desorption step. In the washing step of said sorbent, a washing liquid containing a spent raffinate and / or a spent eluate is used for washing. The spent raffinate is a solution selected from the first 0.4–1.5 column volumes of the solution obtained in the sorption step as a result of contacting the lithium-containing brine with said sorbent. The spent eluate is a solution selected from any of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th column volumes of the solution obtained in the desorption step as a result of contacting a desorption solution with said sorbent.A reduced volume of lithium was returned for recycling with the washing solution, the highest purity of the lithium concentrate, reduced lithium losses with the washing solution, the highest purity of the lithium concentrate, the highest quality of the sorbent washing while maintaining the mechanical strength of the sorbent.