Lithium Carbonate Production via Segmented Carbonation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing high purity lithium carbonate from lithium chloride brine result in the formation of fixed matters within the carbonation reaction apparatus, leading to maintenance issues and decreased production efficiency, as carbon dioxide gas reacts with lithium chloride brine, causing deposits that obstruct the apparatus and require complex removal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage reaction process is employed, where ammonium carbonate is first formed by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide gas, and then mixed with lithium chloride brine to produce lithium carbonate, avoiding the introduction of carbon dioxide gas during the carbonation reaction, thus preventing the formation of fixed matters and allowing for efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide gas is introduced directly into lithium chloride brine for carbonation reaction, then lithium carbonate can be produced, but fixed matters deposit on the apparatus leading to maintenance issues and operational suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The carbonation process is divided into two separate stages: first, carbon dioxide is absorbed into water to form carbonic acid solution; second, this solution reacts with lithium chloride brine to produce lithium carbonate. This segmentation prevents direct contact between carbon dioxide gas and the brine in the reaction apparatus, eliminating fixed matter deposition while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon dioxide is pre-absorbed into water to form carbonic acid solution before being introduced to the lithium chloride brine. This preliminary action prepares the carbonation agent in a form that reacts smoothly with the brine without causing fixed matter deposition, thus preventing maintenance issues while ensuring continuous production.
2Productivity
If conventional carbonation methods are used, then lithium carbonate production can proceed, but the process requires complex deposit removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the carbon dioxide absorption step from the carbonation reaction step, the invention eliminates the formation of fixed matters that would require complex removal procedures. The segmented process maintains production efficiency while simplifying apparatus maintenance to basic operations.
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide gas is directly reacted with lithium chloride brine, then carbonation reaction occurs, but the reaction proceeds slowly requiring extended manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon dioxide is pre-absorbed into water to form carbonic acid solution, which then reacts with lithium chloride brine. This preliminary preparation of the carbonation agent enables the reaction to proceed smoothly and rapidly, reducing manufacturing time while ensuring complete carbonation reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and chemical form of carbon dioxide from gas to dissolved solution form before reaction. This parameter change enables smoother and faster reaction with lithium chloride brine, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining complete reaction efficiency.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required for lithium carbonate production, enhances maintenance properties, and improves production efficiency by eliminating the need for complex deposit removal, resulting in a more effective and efficient method compared to previous techniques.
Implementation Method 1
mixing water, ammonia and carbon dioxide gas (carbonate gas) to form an ammonium carbonate aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
mixing lithium chloride brine with the ammonium carbonate aqueous solution to conduct a carbonation reaction
Implementation Method 3
recovering a solid formed after the carbonation reaction through solid-liquid separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for producing lithium carbonate, that can shorten the time required in the production of lithium carbonate and has excellent maintenance property and production efficiency without forming fixed matters that require complicated procedures to remove in a reaction apparatus.