Crystallization matrix assembly for extracting lithium from salt lake

Abstract

The utility model discloses a salt lake lithium extraction crystallization matrix assembly, relates to the field of salt lake lithium extraction process equipment, and can solve the problem of low lithium carbonate crystallization efficiency caused by the fact that a three-dimensional crystallization nucleation matrix is fixedly arranged in a solar pond in the prior art. The salt lake lithium extraction crystallization base body assembly comprises a three-dimensional support arranged in brine in a solar pond and a plurality of base bodies connected to the three-dimensional support and used for providing a solid-liquid contact surface for lithium carbonate crystallization. The driving device is connected to the pond bank of the solar pond; and the driving rod is connected between the output end of the driving device and the three-dimensional bracket and is used for driving the three-dimensional bracket to swing back and forth in cooperation with the driving device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium extraction process equipment from salt lakes, and specifically to a lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium carbonate is an important member of the lithium compound family, widely used in modern industry and high-tech fields. It is a key material in lithium batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, and the demand for lithium carbonate continues to grow with the rapid development of these industries. In addition, lithium carbonate plays an important role in glass and ceramics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and air purification, among other industries.

[0003] In existing technologies, the concentration-precipitation method is a common method for extracting lithium carbonate from salt lake brines. The solar pond process is one such process. This process involves grading and concentrating the salt lake brine in multi-stage salt fields to obtain a high-lithium brine. Then, the brine is heated in a salt gradient solar pond, causing the lithium to crystallize and precipitate as lithium carbonate, yielding a lithium carbonate concentrate product. The core of the solar pond lithium extraction process lies in the solar pond 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it consists of three layers from top to bottom. The upper layer 11 is the upper troposphere (freshwater layer), composed of freshwater, with a temperature close to the ambient temperature. It mainly serves to form and protect the lower salt gradient layer. The lower layer 13 is the lower troposphere (energy storage zone), composed of saturated salt solution, which mainly functions to absorb and store heat. The middle layer 12 is the non-convective layer (salt gradient layer), where the salt concentration increases with depth. It not only prevents heat loss to the surface of the pool but also utilizes the difference in refractive index between freshwater and brine to store heat energy in the brine at the bottom of the pool. This makes the temperature of the lower troposphere much higher than that of the upper troposphere, achieving the effect of collecting and storing solar energy and increasing the temperature of the brine.

[0004] Using solar pool 1 as the lithium carbonate crystallization pool, solar pool 1 forms a salt gradient layer, which on the one hand raises the temperature of the high-lithium brine in the lower troposphere, and on the other hand effectively inhibits the evaporation of the brine in the lower troposphere, thus preventing the precipitation of other salts. Ultimately, this promotes the concentrated precipitation of lithium carbonate at the bottom of the pool, improving the quality of lithium carbonate. The three-dimensional crystallization process in the crystallization pool is a key optimization direction for improving the production efficiency of lithium carbonate in the crystallization pool. This process is based on the heterogeneous nucleation theory. By placing a three-dimensional crystallization nucleation matrix 2 in the pool, more solid-liquid contact surfaces and attachment substrates are provided for lithium carbonate nucleation, thereby improving the precipitation efficiency and product quality of lithium carbonate.

[0005] However, the nucleation substrate currently used is a fixed device. During the crystallization process, due to the limited ion diffusion rate, ions in the brine can only diffuse naturally to the surface of the substrate. The diffusion rate of ions is usually slow, especially in environments with low brine flow, which can easily lead to low lithium carbonate crystallization efficiency and uneven crystal growth on the substrate. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, this application provides a lithium extraction crystallization matrix assembly from salt lakes to solve the problem of low lithium carbonate crystallization efficiency caused by fixing the three-dimensional crystal nucleation matrix in the solar pool in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A lithium extraction crystallization matrix assembly from a salt lake includes a three-dimensional support arranged in the brine of a solar pond, a plurality of substrates connected to the three-dimensional support and used to provide a solid-liquid contact surface for lithium carbonate crystallization, a drive device connected to the shore of the solar pond, and a drive rod connected between the output end of the drive device and the three-dimensional support and used to cooperate with the drive device to drive the three-dimensional support to reciprocate.

[0009] Optionally, the three-dimensional support includes four uprights, four first horizontal bars connected between two adjacent uprights, two second horizontal bars, and two arc plates. The two ends of the first horizontal bars are respectively connected to the tops of two uprights. The four uprights and the four first horizontal bars are connected to form a rectangular frame. The two uprights are respectively connected to the two ends of the second horizontal bars. The second horizontal bars are located at the ends of the uprights away from the first horizontal bars, and the two second horizontal bars are located at two opposite positions in the rectangular frame. A third horizontal bar is connected between the two opposite first horizontal bars. One end of the drive rod is rotatably connected to the first horizontal bar or the third horizontal bar.

[0010] The two ends of the arc plate are respectively connected to the side of the second crossbar away from the upright, and the arc plate is used to support the bottom of the solar pool;

[0011] Each of the four first crossbars and the third crossbar is connected to multiple suspension ropes, and the suspension ropes are evenly spaced to connect to multiple bases.

[0012] Optionally, the driving device is an electric actuator, the length of which extends horizontally, and the end of the driving rod away from the three-dimensional support is rotatably connected to the output rod of the electric actuator.

[0013] Optionally, the output rod of the electric actuator is connected to a first flange, the first flange is connected to a second flange, the second flange is connected to a connecting block, one end of the drive rod is connected to a connecting lug, the connecting lug includes two limiting ears connected to the drive rod, a clearance groove for embedding the connecting block is formed between the two limiting ears, each of the two limiting ears has a first shaft hole, the connecting block has a second shaft hole that matches the first shaft hole, a pin is connected between the two limiting ears and the connecting block and passes through the two first shaft holes and the second shaft hole, and the end of the pin away from its shaft cap is detachably connected to a pin insert for preventing the pin from disengaging from the two first shaft holes and the second shaft hole.

[0014] Optionally, the three-dimensional support also includes two support rods, which are connected between two uprights at two opposite positions forming a rectangular frame, and the two support rods are connected at the intersection point between them.

[0015] Optionally, a support plate is connected between the second crossbar and the arc plate.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The three-dimensional support structure is arranged in the middle (salt gradient layer) and lower (energy storage layer) layers of the lithium extraction solar pond in the salt lake. The drive device drives the three-dimensional support structure and its connected multiple substrates to swing back and forth via drive rods. When the three-dimensional support structure swings, the surrounding brine is disturbed, changing the concentration and temperature fields of the brine in the pond. The temperature difference of the brine in different layers causes the brine to form three-dimensional vortices between different layers. The generation of vortices can effectively drive the diffusion of lithium ions and carbonate ions between different layers, reduce the nucleation threshold, break the energy barrier at the liquid-solid interface, and accelerate the crystallization process of lithium carbonate.

[0018] The reciprocating oscillation of the matrix further enhances the convection effect of the brine. This convection accelerates the diffusion of lithium and carbonate ions from the brine to the matrix surface, breaking down the concentration boundary layer in the brine at the matrix surface. This maintains a consistently high ion concentration at the matrix surface, promoting lithium carbonate nucleation and crystallization. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of the matrix surface in contact with the brine during oscillation allow it to come into contact with more ions per unit time, creating more nucleation sites and improving the crystallization efficiency of lithium carbonate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more intuitively illustrate the prior art and this application, several exemplary figures are provided below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the figures should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing this application; for example, based on the technical concept disclosed in this application and the exemplary figures, those skilled in the art are able to easily make conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / classification, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, size ratios, etc. of certain units (components).

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a solar pool in the prior art;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from a salt lake, provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional support structure for a lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from a salt lake, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Partial structural diagram;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sling and matrix structure of a lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from a salt lake, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Solar pool; 11. Upper layer; 12. Middle layer; 13. Lower layer; 2. Three-dimensional crystal nucleation matrix; 3. Drive device; 31. First flange; 32. Second flange; 321. Connecting block; 4. Drive rod; 41. Connecting lug; 42. Limiting lug; 43. Pin; 44. Pin insert; 5. Three-dimensional support; 51. Vertical pole; 52. First horizontal bar; 53. Second horizontal bar; 54. Third horizontal bar; 55. Support rod; 56. Arc plate; 57. Support plate; 58. Suspension rope; 6. Matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0029] In the description of this application: unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in this application are intended to distinguish the objects referred to and do not have any special meaning in terms of technical connotation (e.g., they should not be construed as an emphasis on importance or order). Expressions such as "comprising," "including," and "having" also mean "not limited to" (certain units, components, materials, steps, etc.).

[0030] refer to Figure 1-6 This application discloses a lithium extraction crystallization substrate assembly from a salt lake, including a three-dimensional support 5 arranged in the brine of a solar pond 1, a plurality of substrates 6 connected to the three-dimensional support 5 and used to provide a solid-liquid contact surface for lithium carbonate crystallization, a drive device 3 connected to the shore of the solar pond 1, and a drive rod 4 connected between the output end of the drive device 3 and the three-dimensional support 5 and used to cooperate with the drive device 3 to drive the three-dimensional support 5 to reciprocate.

[0031] The three-dimensional support 5 is arranged in the middle layer (salt gradient layer) and lower layer 13 (energy storage layer) of the lithium extraction solar pond 1 in the salt lake. The driving device 3 drives the three-dimensional support 5 and the multiple substrates 6 connected to it to swing back and forth through the driving rod 4. When the three-dimensional support 5 swings, the surrounding brine is disturbed, which changes the concentration field and temperature field of the brine in the pond. The temperature difference of the brine in different layers causes the brine to form a three-dimensional vortex between different layers. The generation of the vortex can effectively drive the diffusion of lithium ions and carbonate ions between different layers, reduce the nucleation threshold, break the energy barrier of the liquid-solid interface, and accelerate the crystallization process of lithium carbonate.

[0032] The reciprocating oscillation of substrate 6 further enhances the convection effect of the brine. This convection accelerates the diffusion of lithium and carbonate ions from the brine to the surface of substrate 6, breaking down the concentration boundary layer in the brine on the surface of substrate 6. This maintains a consistently high ion concentration on the surface of substrate 6, promoting lithium carbonate nucleation and crystallization. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of the contact between the surface of substrate 6 and the brine during the oscillation process allow it to come into contact with more ions per unit time, creating more nucleation sites and improving the crystallization efficiency of lithium carbonate.

[0033] It should be noted that solar pool 1 is the salt gradient solar pool 1 in the prior art.

[0034] The three-dimensional support 5 includes four uprights 51, four first horizontal bars 52 connected between two adjacent uprights 51, two second horizontal bars 53, and two arc plates 56. The two ends of the first horizontal bars 52 are respectively connected to the tops of the two uprights 51. The four uprights 51 and the four first horizontal bars 52 are connected to form a rectangular frame. The two uprights 51 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second horizontal bars 53. The second horizontal bars 53 are located at the ends of the uprights 51 away from the first horizontal bars 52, and the two second horizontal bars 53 are located at two opposite positions in the rectangular frame. A third horizontal bar 54 is connected between the two opposite first horizontal bars 52. One end of the drive rod 4 is rotatably connected to the first horizontal bar 52 or the third horizontal bar 54. The two ends of the arc plates 56 are respectively connected to the side of the second horizontal bars 53 away from the uprights 51, and the arc plates 56 are used to support the bottom of the solar pool 1. The four first horizontal bars 52 and the third horizontal bars 54 are each connected to multiple suspension ropes 58, and the suspension ropes 58 are evenly spaced to multiple bases 6.

[0035] One end of the drive rod 4 is rotatably connected to the first crossbar 52 or the third crossbar 54. The drive device 3 drives the three-dimensional support 5 to reciprocate through the drive rod 4. Specifically, the drive device 3 pushes the drive rod 4 to move back and forth, and the drive rod 4 drives the three-dimensional support 5 to roll back and forth along the arc direction of the arc plate 56. This reciprocating swing causes multiple substrates 6 on the suspension rope 58 to move periodically. The substrates 6 continuously change their position and orientation in the brine, dynamically disturbing the surrounding brine, forming eddies and convection, and promoting the diffusion of lithium ions and carbonate ions between different layers.

[0036] The third crossbar 54 provides more connection points for the suspension rope 58, making it easier to connect more substrates 6 within the limited space of the three-dimensional support 5, increasing the solid-liquid contact area and improving the crystallization efficiency of lithium carbonate.

[0037] In some embodiments, the third crossbar 54 is located at the top center of the rectangular frame, and one end of the drive rod 4 is rotatably connected to the third crossbar 54, which can stably shake the entire three-dimensional support 5.

[0038] In some embodiments, a support plate 57 is connected between the second crossbar 53 and the arc plate 56, and the support plate 57 is used to support the arc plate 56.

[0039] The drive device 3 is an electric actuator, which extends horizontally along its length. The end of the drive rod 4 furthest from the three-dimensional support 5 is rotatably connected to the output rod of the electric actuator. When the electric actuator is working, the output rod reciprocates horizontally, pushing the drive rod 4 and causing the three-dimensional support 5 to swing back and forth on the bottom of the solar pool 1.

[0040] In some embodiments, the drive device 3 may also be a cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a linear motor, etc.

[0041] The output rod (push rod) of the electric linear actuator is connected to a first flange 31, which is connected to a second flange 32. The second flange 32 is connected to a connecting block 321. One end of the drive rod 4 is connected to a connecting lug 41, which includes two limiting ears 42 connected to the drive rod 4. A clearance groove for the connecting block 321 is formed between the two limiting ears 42. Each limiting ear 42 has a first shaft hole, and the connecting block 321 has a second shaft hole that mates with the first shaft hole. A pin 43 passing through the two first and second shaft holes connects the two limiting ears 42 and the connecting block 321. The end of the pin 43 away from its cap is detachably connected to a pin insert 44 for preventing the pin 43 from disengaging from the two first and second shaft holes. This structure facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the connection between the output rod of the electric linear actuator and the drive rod 4.

[0042] In some embodiments, the foundation of the shore of the solar pool 1 is relatively soft near the solar pool. In order to ensure the connection stability between the electric actuator and the ground structure of the shore of the solar pool 1, the connection and installation position of the electric actuator on the shore of the solar pool 1 is appropriately far away from the solar pool. Therefore, an extension rod can be connected between the output rod of the electric actuator and the first flange 31. This extension rod compensates for the distance difference between the electric actuator and the solar pool 1 due to the long distance between the installation positions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electric actuator can be rotatably connected to the shore of the solar pool 1.

[0044] The three-dimensional support frame 5 also includes two support rods 55, which are connected between two uprights 51 at two opposite positions forming a rectangular frame. The two support rods 55 are connected at the intersection point between the two uprights. The cross-arranged support rods 55 effectively distribute the force borne by the three-dimensional support frame 5 during operation, enabling the three-dimensional support frame 5 to maintain good structural stability during the swaying process in the brine, and enhancing the overall rigidity of the rectangular frame.

[0045] In some embodiments, the four uprights 51, four first horizontal bars 52, two second horizontal bars 53, and two support bars 55 can be fixedly connected by welding to form a high-strength integrated structure, or they can be detachably connected by fasteners for easy disassembly and maintenance. The uprights 51, the second horizontal bars 53, and the arc plate 56 can be connected by welding.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way (as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features). For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described; these embodiments not explicitly written should also be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0047] The present application has been described in a relatively specific and detailed manner above through general descriptions and specific embodiments. It should be understood that, based on the technical concept of the present application, several conventional adjustments or further innovations can be made to these specific embodiments; however, as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present application, the technical solutions obtained by these conventional adjustments or further innovations also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes, characterized in that, The device includes a three-dimensional support arranged in the brine of a solar pond, multiple substrates connected to the three-dimensional support for providing a solid-liquid contact surface for lithium carbonate crystallization, a drive device connected to the shore of the solar pond, and a drive rod connected between the output end of the drive device and the three-dimensional support for cooperating with the drive device to drive the three-dimensional support to reciprocate.

2. The lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-dimensional support includes four uprights, four first horizontal bars connected between two adjacent uprights, two second horizontal bars, and two arc plates. The two ends of the first horizontal bars are respectively connected to the tops of the two uprights. The four uprights and the four first horizontal bars are connected to form a rectangular frame. The two uprights are respectively connected to the two ends of the second horizontal bars. The second horizontal bars are located at the ends of the uprights away from the first horizontal bars, and the two second horizontal bars are located at two opposite positions in the rectangular frame. A third horizontal bar is connected between the two opposite first horizontal bars. One end of the drive rod is rotatably connected to the first horizontal bar or the third horizontal bar. The two ends of the arc plate are respectively connected to the side of the second crossbar away from the upright, and the arc plate is used to support the bottom of the solar pool; Each of the four first crossbars and the third crossbar is connected to multiple suspension ropes, and the suspension ropes are evenly spaced to connect to multiple bases.

3. The lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driving device is an electric push rod, which extends horizontally along its length. The end of the driving rod away from the three-dimensional support is rotatably connected to the output rod of the electric push rod.

4. The lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The output rod of the electric actuator is connected to a first flange, the first flange is connected to a second flange, the second flange is connected to a connecting block, one end of the drive rod is connected to a connecting lug, the connecting lug includes two limiting ears connected to the drive rod, a clearance groove for embedding the connecting block is formed between the two limiting ears, each of the two limiting ears has a first shaft hole, the connecting block has a second shaft hole that matches the first shaft hole, a pin is connected between the two limiting ears and the connecting block and passes through the two first shaft holes and the second shaft hole, the end of the pin away from its shaft cap is detachably connected to a pin insert for preventing the pin from disengaging from the two first shaft holes and the second shaft hole.

5. The lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The three-dimensional support also includes two support rods, which are connected between two uprights at two opposite positions forming a rectangular frame, and the two support rods are connected at the intersection point between them.

6. The lithium extraction crystal matrix assembly from salt lakes according to claim 2, characterized in that, A support plate connects the second crossbar and the arc plate.

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