Skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system
By using a skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system with a dual-layer structure and valve array control, the problems of large footprint and low efficiency of electrochemical equipment are solved, achieving efficient lithium-ion extraction and transportation, facilitating on-site installation, and improving lithium-ion yield and quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrochemical lithium extraction equipment occupies a large area, making it difficult to transport and install as a whole on-site. It has low lithium extraction efficiency, and lithium-rich liquid and brine are easily lost during polarity switching, affecting lithium ion yield and quality.
A skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system is designed, which adopts a double-layer structure with the membrane stack on the upper layer and the lithium-rich liquid tank and brine tank on the lower layer. Gravity drainage and valve array control the flow direction are used, combined with a washing tank and return pipeline, to achieve efficient switching and cleaning of the cathode and anode, and reduce liquid loss.
By placing more equipment on a limited land area, lithium extraction efficiency can be improved, production cycles can be shortened, lithium-rich liquid loss can be reduced, lithium-ion yield and quality can be improved, and transportation and on-site installation can be facilitated.
Smart Images
Figure CN223983710U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium extraction device technology, and in particular to a skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system. Background Technology
[0002] Lithium, as an important strategic resource, plays an indispensable role in many fields such as new energy and electronics. With the continuous growth in demand for lithium resources, how to efficiently develop and utilize lithium resources in salt lakes has become an urgent problem to be solved.
[0003] Currently, electrochemical lithium extraction methods are gaining increasing attention. However, existing electrochemical equipment is still in its early stages of development and has many shortcomings. These devices are often crudely designed, lacking refined design concepts. They contain numerous components and pipelines, occupy a large area, and are difficult to transport as a whole, hindering on-site installation. Furthermore, due to the large footprint of electrochemical equipment, the number of devices that can be placed under limited land resources is small, resulting in low lithium extraction efficiency. This inefficient process prolongs the production cycle and makes it difficult to meet the rapidly growing market demand for lithium resources. Utility Model Content
[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system.
[0005] The solution to the technical problem of this utility model is:
[0006] A skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system, comprising:
[0007] The support structure includes an upper placement layer and a lower placement layer;
[0008] A membrane stack is disposed on the upper layer;
[0009] A lithium-rich liquid tank is located in the lower placement layer. A lithium-rich liquid pump is provided at the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank. The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack. The inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack.
[0010] A brine tank is located in the lower placement layer. A brine pump is provided at the outlet end of the brine tank. The outlet end of the brine pump is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack. The inlet end of the brine tank is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack.
[0011] This invention offers at least the following advantages: By employing a double-layered skid-mounted structure, components such as the membrane stack, lithium-rich liquid tank, and brine tank can be rationally placed, solving the problem of large footprint in existing electrochemical lithium extraction equipment. With limited land area, more skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction systems can be installed, thereby improving lithium extraction efficiency and shortening the production cycle. The skid-mounted structure facilitates overall transportation and on-site installation. Furthermore, since the membrane stack is located on the upper layer, while the lithium-rich liquid tank and brine tank are located on the lower layer, when the cathode and anode in the membrane stack switch, gravity can be used to drain the brine and lithium-rich liquid from the membrane stack, significantly reducing the loss of lithium-rich liquid and improving lithium extraction efficiency.
[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the inlet end of the membrane stack is provided with a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe, the outlet end of the membrane stack is provided with a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively, the outlet end of the brine pump is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, and the inlet end of the brine tank is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively; the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further includes:
[0013] A valve array is disposed on the upper placement layer. The valve array includes multiple valves, which are respectively disposed on the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump and the first inlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump and the second inlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank and the first outlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank and the second outlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump and the first inlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump and the second inlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank and the first outlet pipe, and the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank and the second outlet pipe.
[0014] By controlling the flow direction of lithium-rich liquid or brine through a valve array, the switching between cathode and anode within the membrane stack can be easily achieved without requiring workers to reroute the pipeline when switching polarities.
[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system also includes:
[0016] A lithium-rich washing tank is located in the lower placement layer. A lithium-rich washing pump is provided at the outlet end of the lithium-rich washing tank. The lithium-rich washing pump is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack. The inlet end of the lithium-rich washing tank is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack.
[0017] A brine washing tank is located in the lower placement layer. A brine washing pump is provided at the outlet end of the brine washing tank. The brine washing pump is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack, and the brine washing tank is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack.
[0018] The lithium-rich solution wash tank can temporarily store lithium-rich solution wash water, and the brine wash water tank can temporarily store brine wash water. When the cathode and anode switch in the membrane stack, the lithium-rich solution wash water and brine wash water can enter the membrane stack, valve array and corresponding pipelines under the power of the lithium-rich solution wash water pump and the brine wash water pump. This can clean the residual lithium-rich solution and brine in the membrane stack, pipelines and valve array, avoid the mixing of brine and lithium-rich solution, and thus improve the lithium ion yield and quality.
[0019] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively; the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively; the outlet end of the brine washing water pump is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively; the inlet end of the brine washing water tank is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively; and valves are respectively provided between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank and the first outlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank and the second outlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank and the first outlet pipe, and between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank and the second outlet pipe.
[0020] By controlling the flow direction of lithium-rich wash water or brine wash water through a valve array, lithium-rich wash water or brine wash water can be easily input into the corresponding pipeline when the cathode and anode in the membrane stack are switched, without the need for workers to reroute the pipeline.
[0021] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump is connected to a lithium-rich liquid return pipe, which is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank; the outlet end of the brine pump is connected to a brine return pipe, which is connected to the brine tank; the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump is connected to a lithium-rich liquid washing water return pipe, which is connected to the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank; the outlet end of the brine washing water pump is connected to a brine washing water return pipe, which is connected to the brine washing water tank; and valves are respectively provided on the lithium-rich liquid return pipe, the brine return pipe, the lithium-rich liquid washing water return pipe, and the brine washing water return pipe.
[0022] By setting up lithium-rich liquid return pipes, brine return pipes, lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipes, and brine wash water return pipes, the liquid in the pipelines can be drained, further preventing the brine and lithium-rich liquid from mixing and improving lithium ion yield and quality.
[0023] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank.
[0024] After multiple cycles of washing, the lithium-rich wash water has an increased lithium-ion concentration and can be temporarily stored in the lithium-rich solution tank for later use, thus reducing the loss of lithium ions.
[0025] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the upper placement layer and the lower placement layer are detachably connected. The ability to separate the upper and lower placement layers facilitates the transportation of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system.
[0026] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the support also includes a staircase, the upper exit of which is connected to the upper placement layer, and the lower exit of which is connected to the lower placement layer. By providing the staircase, reasonable maintenance and operating space is maintained, making it easier for staff to access the upper and lower placement layers, and facilitating the maintenance of various structures within the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system.
[0027] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system also includes:
[0028] A temperature regulating component is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank and the brine tank respectively, and is used to regulate the temperature in the lithium-rich liquid tank and the brine tank.
[0029] The temperature control component is used to regulate the temperature of the lithium-rich liquid in the lithium-rich liquid tank and the brine in the brine tank, so that the lithium-rich liquid and brine can enter the membrane stack for electrochemical lithium extraction after reaching the preset temperature, thereby improving the efficiency of electrochemical lithium extraction.
[0030] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the brine tank is also provided with a brine inlet, and the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system also includes a filter, which is located at the brine inlet. The filter can filter out solids and suspended matter in the brine, ensuring that the brine quality meets the requirements of the lithium extraction system. Attached Figure Description
[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system according to another embodiment of the present invention from another angle;
[0034] Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper placement layer of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a top view of the lower placement layer of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0036] Reference numerals: 100, support frame; 110, upper placement layer; 120, lower placement layer; 130, staircase; 140, electrical control cabinet; 200, membrane stack; 300, lithium-rich liquid tank; 310, lithium-rich liquid pump; 400, brine tank; 410, brine pump; 420, filter; 500, valve array; 600, lithium-rich liquid wash tank; 610, lithium-rich liquid wash pump; 700, brine wash tank; 710, brine wash pump; 800, temperature control assembly; 900, integrated air compressor. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0038] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0039] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0040] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0041] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. The various technical features of this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.
[0042] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This utility model embodiment proposes a skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system, which can solve the problem of large footprint of existing lithium extraction systems, and can improve lithium extraction efficiency and shorten the production cycle.
[0043] The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of this utility model embodiment includes a support 100, a membrane stack 200, a lithium-rich liquid tank 300, and a brine tank 400. The support 100 provides space for the membrane stack 200, the lithium-rich liquid tank 300, and the brine tank 400. The support 100 includes an upper placement layer 110 and a lower placement layer 120. The membrane stack 200 is disposed on the upper placement layer 110, while the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the brine tank 400 are disposed on the lower placement layer 120.
[0044] A lithium-rich liquid pump 310 is installed at the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300. The lithium-rich liquid pump 310 is located in the lower placement layer 120. The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack 200, and the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack 200. A brine pump 410 is installed at the outlet end of the brine tank 400. The outlet end of the brine pump 410 is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack 200, and the inlet end of the brine tank 400 is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack 200.
[0045] When using the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of this embodiment to extract lithium from brine in a salt lake, the brine in the brine tank 400 flows upward under the action of the brine pump 410 to the membrane stack 200 located in the upper placement layer 110. Within the membrane stack 200, lithium ions are selectively extracted by the cathode, and then the brine flows back to the brine tank 400 from the outlet end of the membrane stack 200. The clean water or lithium-rich wash water in the lithium-rich solution tank 300 flows upward under the action of the lithium-rich solution pump 310 to the membrane stack 200 located in the upper placement layer 110. The clean water or lithium-rich wash water receives lithium ions extracted from the anode within the membrane stack 200 and becomes lithium-rich solution, which then flows back to the lithium-rich solution tank 300 from the outlet end of the membrane stack 200.
[0046] The lithium-rich liquid tank 300 temporarily stores the lithium-rich liquid. After multiple cycles of lithium extraction through the above steps, the lithium-ion concentration gradually increases, eventually becoming the product of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system. The brine tank 400 temporarily stores the brine. After multiple cycles of lithium extraction, the lithium ions in the brine are extracted and gradually become a lithium-lean liquid. When the lithium-ion concentration in the brine falls below the emission standard, it is discharged from the brine tank 400.
[0047] Understandably, the membrane stack 200 is equipped with one or more electrochemical lithium extraction structures. Each electrochemical lithium extraction structure includes a cathode, an anode, and an anion exchange membrane, and uses an external circuit as a control means to switch the polarity of the cathode and anode. In the cathode, lithium ions can selectively insert from the brine into the cathode, achieving electrochemical adsorption and extraction of lithium. In the anode, lithium ions are desorbed from the anode and enter the anolyte. With continuous energization, lithium extraction from the brine at the cathode and enrichment of lithium ions at the anode can be achieved. When the adsorption at the cathode and the desorption at the anode reach saturation, the cathode and anode are swapped and energization is continued, thus achieving multiple cycles of extraction and enrichment.
[0048] In this embodiment, each group of electrochemical lithium extraction structures in the membrane stack 200 is provided with a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the first outlet are located in one of the electrode chambers, and the second inlet and the second outlet are located in the other electrode chamber. The inlet end of the membrane stack 200 is provided with a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe, and the outlet end of the membrane stack 200 is provided with a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The first inlet of each group of electrochemical lithium extraction structures is connected to the first inlet pipe, the second inlet of each group of electrochemical lithium extraction structures is connected to the second inlet pipe, the first outlet of each group of electrochemical lithium extraction structures is connected to the first outlet pipe, and the second outlet of each group of electrochemical lithium extraction structures is connected to the second outlet pipe.
[0049] Understandably, during the electrochemical lithium extraction process, the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes corresponding to the anode, and the brine tank 400 is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes corresponding to the cathode. When switching electrodes, the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the brine tank 400 need to be adjusted accordingly to ensure that after the switch, the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 remains connected to the inlet and outlet pipes corresponding to the anode, while the brine tank 400 remains connected to the inlet and outlet pipes corresponding to the cathode.
[0050] Since the membrane stack 200 is located at a high position, when the cathode and anode inside the membrane stack 200 are switched, gravity can be used to drain the brine and lithium-rich solution in the membrane stack 200 and the pipeline, which greatly reduces the loss of lithium-rich solution and the amount of washing water used.
[0051] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe through pipelines, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe through pipelines, the outlet end of the brine pump 410 is connected to the first inlet and the second inlet through pipelines, and the inlet end of the brine tank 400 is connected to the first outlet and the second outlet through pipelines.
[0052] In some embodiments, after switching electrode polarity, the connection ports of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310, lithium-rich liquid tank 300, brine pump 410, brine tank 400 and membrane stack 200 are changed by replacing the pipeline.
[0053] In this embodiment, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system also includes a valve array 500, which regulates the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the brine tank 400.
[0054] In this embodiment, the valve array 500 is disposed on the upper placement layer 110, and includes multiple valves. The valves are respectively disposed on the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 and the first inlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 and the second inlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the first outlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the second outlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump 410 and the first inlet pipe, the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump 410 and the second inlet pipe, the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank 400 and the first outlet pipe, and the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank 400 and the second outlet pipe.
[0055] By adjusting the opening and closing of each valve, the pipeline for lithium-rich liquid and brine entering the membrane stack 200 can be switched when the electrode polarity is switched, so as to ensure that lithium-rich liquid continuously enters the anode chamber and brine continuously enters the cathode chamber. The whole adjustment process is simpler and more convenient.
[0056] In addition, since the valve array 500 is located in the upper placement layer 110, while the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the brine tank 400 are located in the lower placement layer 120, the brine and lithium-rich liquid in the valve array 500 can be drained by gravity when switching electrodes, which greatly reduces the loss of lithium-rich liquid and the amount of washing water used.
[0057] For ease of description, the valve on the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 and the first inlet pipe is designated as the first valve; the valve on the pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 and the second inlet pipe is designated as the second valve; the valve on the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump 410 and the first inlet pipe is designated as the third valve; the valve on the pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump 410 and the second inlet pipe is designated as the fourth valve; the valve on the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the first outlet pipe is designated as the fifth valve; the valve on the pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the second outlet pipe is designated as the sixth valve; the valve on the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank 400 and the first outlet pipe is designated as the seventh valve; and the valve on the pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank 400 and the second outlet pipe is designated as the eighth valve.
[0058] When the electrode chambers corresponding to the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe are anode chambers and the electrode chambers corresponding to the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are cathode chambers, open the first valve, the fourth valve, the fifth valve, and the eighth valve, and close the second valve, the third valve, the sixth valve, and the seventh valve. After switching electrodes, the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe correspond to the cathode chamber, while the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe correspond to the anode chamber. Open the second valve, the third valve, the sixth valve, and the seventh valve, and close the first valve, the fourth valve, the fifth valve, and the eighth valve.
[0059] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the membrane stack 200 is located at the lower part of the membrane stack 200, and the outlet end of the membrane stack 200 is located at the upper part of the membrane stack 200. The height of the valve array 500 is lower than the height of the outlet end of the membrane stack 200, which is more conducive to the drainage of brine or lithium-rich liquid from the membrane stack 200 and the pipeline by gravity.
[0060] In some embodiments, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further includes a lithium-rich wash water tank 600 and a brine wash water tank 700. The lithium-rich wash water tank 600 is used to temporarily store lithium-rich wash water, and the brine wash water tank 700 is used to temporarily store brine wash water. The lithium-rich wash water tank 600 and the brine wash water tank 700 are respectively disposed in the lower placement layer 120. A lithium-rich wash water pump 610 is installed at the outlet end of the lithium-rich wash water tank 600, and the outlet end of the lithium-rich wash water pump 610 is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack 200. The inlet end of the lithium-rich wash water tank 600 is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack 200. A brine wash water pump 710 is installed at the outlet end of the brine wash water tank 700, and the outlet end of the brine wash water pump 710 is connected to the inlet end of the membrane stack 200. The inlet end of the brine wash water tank 700 is connected to the outlet end of the membrane stack 200.
[0061] Clean water enters the brine washing tank 700 through an external pipeline for circulating washing. It is then pressurized by the brine washing pump 710 and transported to the membrane stack 200, before returning to the brine washing tank 700. After multiple cycles of washing, the brine washing water is discharged from the brine washing tank 700. Clean water also enters the lithium-rich solution washing tank 600 through an external pipeline for circulating washing. It is then pressurized by the lithium-rich solution washing pump 610 and transported to the membrane stack 200, before returning to the lithium-rich solution washing tank 600.
[0062] Because the cleaning system consists of a brine washing tank 700, a lithium-rich liquid washing tank 600, a brine washing pump 710, and a lithium-rich liquid washing pump 610, when the cathode and anode in the membrane stack 200 are switched, the residual brine and lithium-rich liquid in the membrane stack 200, pipelines, and valve array 500 can be cleaned, avoiding the mixing of brine and lithium-rich liquid, thereby improving the lithium ion yield and quality.
[0063] In this embodiment, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610 is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600 is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe, the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710 is connected to the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, and the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 is connected to the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe. The pipeline switching between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600, the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710, and the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 is achieved through the valve array 500.
[0064] Valves are installed between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610 and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610 and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600 and the first outlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600 and the second outlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710 and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710 and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 and the first outlet pipe, and between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 and the first outlet pipe.
[0065] For ease of description, the valve located between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610 and the first inlet pipe is designated as the ninth valve; the valve between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump 610 and the second inlet pipe is designated as the tenth valve; the valve between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600 and the first outlet pipe is designated as the eleventh valve; the valve between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank 600 and the second outlet pipe is designated as the twelfth valve; the valve between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710 and the first inlet pipe is designated as the thirteenth valve; the valve between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump 710 and the second inlet pipe is designated as the fourteenth valve; the valve between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 and the first outlet pipe is designated as the fifteenth valve; and the valve between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank 700 and the second outlet pipe is designated as the sixteenth valve.
[0066] Before switching electrodes, if the electrode chambers corresponding to the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe are anode chambers and the electrode chambers corresponding to the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are cathode chambers, open valves 9, 11, 14, and 16, and close valves 10, 12, 13, and 15. When the first inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe correspond to the cathode chamber, and the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe correspond to the anode chamber, open valves 10, 12, 13, and 15, and close valves 9, 11, 14, and 16.
[0067] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 is connected to a lithium-rich liquid return pipe, and the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid return pipe is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300. The outlet end of the brine pump 410 is connected to a brine return pipe, and the outlet end of the brine return pipe is connected to the brine tank 400. The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid wash water pump 610 is connected to a lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipe, and the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipe is connected to the lithium-rich liquid wash water tank 600. The outlet end of the brine wash water pump 710 is connected to a brine wash water return pipe, and the outlet end of the brine wash water return pipe is connected to the brine wash water tank 700. Valves are respectively installed on the lithium-rich liquid return pipe, the brine return pipe, the lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipe, and the brine wash water return pipe.
[0068] When switching electrodes, open the valve on the lithium-rich liquid return pipe, which assists the lithium-rich liquid between the outlet of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310 and the membrane stack 200 to flow back to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300; open the valve on the brine return pipe, which assists the brine between the outlet of the brine pump 410 and the membrane stack 200 to flow back to the brine tank 400; open the valve on the lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipe, which assists the lithium-rich liquid wash water between the outlet of the lithium-rich liquid wash water pump 610 and the membrane stack 200 to flow back to the lithium-rich liquid wash water tank 600; open the valve on the brine wash water return pipe, which assists the brine wash water between the outlet of the brine wash water pump 710 and the membrane stack 200 to flow back to the brine wash water tank 700.
[0069] Understandably, after multiple cycles of washing, the lithium-rich wash water has an increased lithium-ion concentration and can be used as a lithium-rich solution to reduce lithium-ion loss. In some embodiments, the outlet of the lithium-rich wash water pump 610 is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300. After multiple cycles of washing, the lithium-rich wash water is pressurized and transported by the lithium-rich wash water pump 610 to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 for later use.
[0070] In some embodiments, the valve array 500 is divided into upper, middle, and lower layers. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth valves are located in the upper layer; the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth valves are located in the middle layer; and the valves located on the lithium-rich liquid return pipe, lithium-rich liquid wash water return pipe, brine return pipe, and brine wash water return pipe are located in the lower layer. This arrangement allows for better utilization of gravity to drain the liquid from the pipelines.
[0071] In some embodiments, the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120 are detachably connected, and the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120 can be separated from each other and transported separately. The connection between the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120 can be achieved by fasteners such as screws.
[0072] Understandably, the upper placement layer 110 is provided with several through holes to allow pipes to pass through and connect to components located in the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120. When disassembling the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120, the pipes passing through the through holes can be removed first, and then the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120 can be transported.
[0073] When transporting the upper placement layer 110, the components and pipelines installed on the upper placement layer 110 can be pre-connected and installed; when transporting the lower placement layer 120, the components and pipelines installed on the lower placement layer 120 can be pre-connected and installed. After connecting the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120, the pipelines connecting the components of the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120 can be installed, thus realizing the installation of the entire skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system, which is more conducive to on-site installation.
[0074] In some embodiments, the support frame 100 further includes a staircase 130, the upper exit of which is connected to the upper placement layer 110, and the lower exit of which is connected to the lower placement layer 120. It is understood that by providing the staircase 130, it is convenient for personnel to access the upper placement layer 110 and the lower placement layer 120, facilitating the maintenance of various structures of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system, and preserving reasonable maintenance and operating space.
[0075] In some embodiments, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further includes a temperature regulation component 800, which is connected to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the brine tank 400 respectively, and is capable of regulating the temperature of the lithium-rich liquid in the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 400.
[0076] In this embodiment, the temperature regulation component 800 is a heat pump type chilled and hot water unit, which is installed on the upper placement layer 110. The heat pump type chilled and hot water unit provides cold or hot water to the heat exchange devices in the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and brine tank 400 through pipes, thereby achieving the temperature regulation effect of the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 and brine tank 400.
[0077] Understandably, the temperature control unit 800 can also be used for air-cooled heat pump units, etc.
[0078] Understandably, the brine tank 400 is also equipped with a brine inlet, which is connected to the outside. Brine enters the brine tank 400 through the brine inlet for lithium extraction. In order to filter solids and suspended matter in the brine and ensure that the brine quality meets the requirements of the lithium extraction system, in this embodiment, a filter 420 is installed at the brine inlet to filter the brine before it enters the brine tank 400.
[0079] In this embodiment, the filter 420 is a precision filter 420, which is disposed in the lower placement layer 120.
[0080] In some embodiments, each valve in the valve array 500 is controlled to open or close by an integrated air compressor 900, which is disposed on the upper placement layer 110. In this embodiment, the integrated air compressor 900 is capable of providing compressed air to each valve. The integrated air compressor 900 is disposed on the upper placement layer 110 and has an air storage tank inside. The integrated air compressor 900 provides compressed air to the valves through pipelines, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the valves.
[0081] Understandably, valves can also be controlled to open or close through other means such as electrical control.
[0082] In some embodiments, the upper placement layer 110 is provided with a partition door that divides the upper placement layer 110 into two working spaces. The integrated air compressor 900 and heat pump chiller / hot water unit are placed in one working space, while the valve array 500 and membrane stack 200 are placed in the other working space, which can prevent the two working spaces from affecting each other.
[0083] In some embodiments, the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further includes an electrical control cabinet 140, which is disposed on the lower placement layer 120 and is electrically connected to the lithium-rich liquid pump 310, brine pump 410, lithium-rich liquid wash water pump 610, brine wash water pump 710 and membrane stack 200, and is capable of controlling the operating status of the lithium-rich liquid pump 310, brine pump 410, lithium-rich liquid wash water pump 610, brine wash water pump 710 and membrane stack 200.
[0084] The brine enters the precision filter 420 through an external pipeline, where it is separated from suspended solids. After filtration, it enters the brine tank 400 for lithium extraction through circulation. The brine is heated in the brine tank 400 to reach the required temperature. After heat exchange, it is pressurized and transported by the brine pump 410, passing through the valve array 500 into the membrane stack 200. In the membrane stack 200, lithium ions are selectively extracted by the electrodes. The brine then passes through the valve array 500 again and returns to the brine tank 400. After multiple cycles of lithium extraction, the brine meets the standards for external discharge.
[0085] Clean water enters the lithium-rich liquid tank 300 through an external pipeline for lithium extraction. The clean water is heated and adjusted to the required temperature in the lithium-rich liquid tank 300. After the heat exchange is completed, it is pressurized and transported by the lithium-rich liquid pump 310. It passes through the valve array 500 and enters the membrane stack 200. The clean water receives the de-intercalated lithium ions in the membrane stack 200 and becomes lithium-rich liquid. It then passes through the valve array 500 and returns to the lithium-rich liquid tank 300. After multiple cycles of lithium extraction, the lithium concentration of the lithium-rich liquid reaches the required level, and it becomes the product of the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system.
[0086] In this process, the process flow is simple, water consumption is reduced, lithium yield and lithium extraction efficiency are improved, the overall equipment is compactly arranged, saving floor space, while also retaining reasonable maintenance and operation space.
[0087] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system, characterized in that, The lithium extraction system comprises: a bracket (100) comprising an upper placement layer (110) and a lower placement layer (120); a membrane stack (200) arranged on the upper placement layer (110); a lithium-rich liquid tank (300) arranged on the lower placement layer (120), wherein an outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) is provided with a lithium-rich liquid pump (310), an outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump (310) is connected with an inlet end of the membrane stack (200), and an inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) is connected with an outlet end of the membrane stack (200); a brine tank (400) arranged on the lower placement layer (120), wherein an outlet end of the brine tank (400) is provided with a brine pump (410), an outlet end of the brine pump (410) is connected with an inlet end of the membrane stack (200), and an inlet end of the brine tank (400) is connected with an outlet end of the membrane stack (200).
2. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 1, wherein, The inlet end of the membrane stack (200) is provided with a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe, the outlet end of the membrane stack (200) is provided with a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump (310) is connected with the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) is connected with the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively, the outlet end of the brine pump (410) is connected with the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, and the inlet end of the brine tank (400) is connected with the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively. The lithium extraction system further comprises: a valve array (500) arranged on the upper placement layer (110), wherein the valve array (500) comprises a plurality of valves, and the valves are arranged on a pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump (310) and the first inlet pipe, a pipeline between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump (310) and the second inlet pipe, a pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) and the first outlet pipe, a pipeline between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) and the second outlet pipe, a pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump (410) and the first inlet pipe, a pipeline between the outlet end of the brine pump (410) and the second inlet pipe, a pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank (400) and the first outlet pipe, and a pipeline between the inlet end of the brine tank (400) and the second outlet pipe.
3. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 2, wherein, The lithium extraction system further comprises: a lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) arranged on the lower placement layer (120), wherein an outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) is provided with a lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610), the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) is connected with the inlet end of the membrane stack (200), and an inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) is connected with the outlet end of the membrane stack (200). A brine washing water tank (700) is arranged on the lower placing layer (120), and an outlet end of the brine washing water tank (700) is provided with a brine washing water pump (710) connected with an inlet end of the membrane stack (200), and the brine washing water tank (700) is connected with an outlet end of the membrane stack (200).
4. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 3, wherein, The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) is connected with the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) is connected with the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively, the outlet end of the brine washing water pump (710) is connected with the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe respectively, the inlet end of the brine washing water tank (700) is connected with the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe respectively, and the valve is arranged between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) and the first outlet pipe, between the inlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600) and the second outlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump (710) and the first inlet pipe, between the outlet end of the brine washing water pump (710) and the second inlet pipe, between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank (700) and the first outlet pipe, and between the inlet end of the brine washing water tank (700) and the second outlet pipe.
5. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 3, wherein, The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid pump (310) is connected with a lithium-rich liquid return pipe connected with the lithium-rich liquid tank (300), the outlet end of the brine pump (410) is connected with a brine return pipe connected with the brine tank (400), the outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) is connected with a lithium-rich liquid washing water return pipe connected with the lithium-rich liquid washing water tank (600), and the outlet end of the brine washing water pump (710) is connected with a brine washing water return pipe connected with the brine washing water tank (700), and the valve is arranged on the lithium-rich liquid return pipe, the brine return pipe, the lithium-rich liquid washing water return pipe and the brine washing water return pipe.
6. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 3, wherein, The outlet end of the lithium-rich liquid washing water pump (610) is connected with the lithium-rich liquid tank (300).
7. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 1, wherein, The upper placing layer (110) and the lower placing layer (120) are detachably connected.
8. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 1, wherein, The bracket (100) further comprises a staircase (130), an upper outlet of the staircase (130) is connected with the upper placing layer (110), and a lower outlet of the staircase (130) is connected with the lower placing layer (120).
9. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 1, wherein, The pry-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further comprises: A temperature adjusting assembly (800) connected with the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) and the brine tank (400) and used for adjusting the temperature in the lithium-rich liquid tank (300) and the brine tank (400).
10. The skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system of claim 1, wherein, The brine tank (400) is also provided with a brine inlet, and the skid-mounted electrochemical lithium extraction system further comprises a filter (420) arranged at the brine inlet.