Brine Magnesium Removal Through Controlled Hydroxide Precipitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing magnesium from brine are inefficient, leading to high energy consumption, environmental pollution, and reduced productivity due to fine and cohesive magnesium precipitates that hinder smooth solid-liquid separation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving stepwise input of an alkaline material into concentrated brine to control the particle diameter of the precipitated precipitate, using a calcium-containing alkaline material in two stages to manage pH levels and optimize particle growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional evaporation and concentration methods are used to extract lithium from brine, then lithium concentration is improved, but energy consumption and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium concentrationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the brine by adding alkaline materials to adjust pH, causing magnesium to precipitate as hydroxide. This chemical parameter change allows selective removal of magnesium without requiring extensive evaporation and concentration, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining lithium extraction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes magnesium from the brine through precipitation with alkaline materials before the main lithium extraction process. By taking out the interfering magnesium component early, the subsequent lithium extraction becomes more efficient and requires less energy-intensive evaporation and concentration steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If magnesium is removed from concentrated brine, then lithium extraction purity is improved, but fine and cohesive magnesium precipitates cause solid-liquid separation difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelithium extraction purityVSAvoidsolid-liquid separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary substance (alkaline material such as calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) that mediates the removal of magnesium. This intermediary causes magnesium to precipitate in a controlled manner, and the resulting precipitate has different physical properties that facilitate easier solid-liquid separation while maintaining lithium purity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the pH parameter through alkaline addition, the invention controls the precipitation characteristics of magnesium. The controlled precipitation results in larger, less cohesive particles that are easier to separate from the liquid phase, resolving the contradiction between purity and separation ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If large amounts of precipitate are produced during magnesium removal, then magnesium elimination is effective, but filtration device service life is reduced due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnesium removal efficiencyVSAvoidfiltration device service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the magnesium precipitate by controlling pH and adding alkaline materials. This results in precipitate with larger particle size and lower cohesion, which reduces clogging of filtration devices. The magnesium removal efficiency is maintained while the filtration system experiences less wear and longer service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves magnesium removal efficiency, extends the service life of filtration devices, and enhances overall process productivity by controlling precipitate size and reducing clogging, thereby increasing economic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

precipitating a precipitate with a controlled particle diameter by stepwise inputting an alkaline material into the concentrated brine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP4635919A1Method of removing magnesium in brine
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 POSCO HLDG INC
  • EP4635919A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635919A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4635919A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present embodiments relate to a method of removing Mg in brine, and more particularly, provide a method of removing Mg in brine including preparing concentrated brine; forming a precipitate with a controlled particle diameter by stepwise inputting an alkaline solution into the concentrated brine; and separating the precipitated precipitate.