Multi-Recycling Lithium Extraction Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium extraction technologies from liquid minerals are energy-intensive, consume large quantities of strong acids, and produce low-purity lithium, requiring further processing, while extraction from solid minerals is limited by scarcity and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-recycling, low-energy process integrating ion exchange towers, separation membranes, and technologies like ion absorption and electrodialysis to achieve high-purity lithium extraction with reduced energy consumption and minimal acid usage, utilizing a compact car-borne facility and sequential steps for lithium ion concentration and impurity separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrodialysis device array or high-pressure filtering membrane/tube array is used for lithium extraction, then lithium production is achieved, but specific energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is divided into multiple sequential steps with different separation mechanisms (ion exchange, solvent extraction, membrane separation, electrodialysis), each optimized for specific separation tasks rather than relying on a single energy-intensive system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts operational parameters such as pH values, temperature, and chemical concentrations at different process stages to optimize separation efficiency and reduce energy consumption of individual units
2Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then lithium is produced, but large quantities of strong acids are consumed and residual effluents are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements acid recovery and recycling systems where spent acids are regenerated and reused in subsequent extraction stages, significantly reducing fresh acid consumption and minimizing effluent discharge
Solution Approach 2:
Organic extractants serve as intermediary substances that facilitate lithium separation from the aqueous phase without requiring large amounts of strong acids, transferring lithium to organic phase which is then back-extracted under controlled conditions
3Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then lithium is produced, but selectivity and separation efficiency are poor requiring further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-stage separation process with each stage targeting specific impurities (first stage removes common ions, second stage removes remaining impurities), achieving progressive purification and battery-grade lithium concentration
Solution Approach 2:
Selective organic extractants are used as intermediaries that preferentially bind to lithium ions over other metal ions, enabling high-selectivity separation. The extractants are chosen based on their specific affinity for lithium, allowing efficient separation even at low concentrations
4Productivity
If solid lithium ores are used for extraction, then lithium is produced, but scarcity and limited reserves increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses organic extractants as intermediary substances that enable efficient lithium extraction from low-concentration brine solutions, making it economically viable to process large volumes of dilute liquid minerals that would otherwise be uneconomical to treat
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 process optimizes production costs and environmental impact by minimizing strong acid consumption and effluent discharge, achieving high-purity lithium with lower specific energy consumption and enabling efficient production of battery-grade materials.
Implementation Method 1
the precursor solution with lithium ions is processed in a first impurity separation through which a first extractive liquid and a second extractive liquid are produced
Implementation Method 2
the first extractive liquid is processed for separation of the desorption agents through which a third extractive liquid and a fourth extractive liquid are produced
Implementation Method 3
the fourth extractive liquid is concentrated for production of a fifth extractive liquid and a sixth extractive liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A process for multi-recycling, low-energy and high-purity extraction of lithium increases the purity and the concentration of lithium ions in produced solutions gradually through steps of adsorption/desorption ion exchange, extraction, impurity separation, agent separation and concentration, during which extractive liquids are returned, recycled and processed in previous steps for fewer dosages of chemicals and fewest discharged effluents, lower manufacturing costs than existing techniques, low specific energy consumption and consumable loss, and high-purity products with lithium ions.