Loop-Circulated Lithium Sorbent Synthesis for Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synthesizing lithium sorbent materials result in high pressure drops during direct lithium extraction, leading to reduced efficiency and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A process involving circulating a reaction mixture in a loop for mixing, without continuous stirring, and a reactor with a filter unit to retain solid particles, combined with a classification process to separate small and large particles, optimizing particle size distribution and fluidization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional synthesis methods are used, then lithium sorbent material is produced, but pressure drop during direct lithium extraction becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the synthesis parameters by circulating the reaction mixture in a loop with controlled flow rates (1-10 BV/h) instead of using conventional static synthesis methods. This parameter change produces lithium sorbent material with optimized particle size distribution and lower density, resulting in reduced pressure drop during direct lithium extraction while maintaining or improving throughput
2Productivity
If conventional synthesis methods are used, then lithium sorbent material is produced, but efficiency during direct lithium extraction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop circulation synthesis method changes key parameters including flow rate (1-10 BV/h), circulation time, and mixing intensity. These parameter changes create lithium sorbent material with optimized porosity and particle size distribution, which reduces pressure drop and thereby improves extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical stirring with loop circulation flow for mixing the reaction mixture. This substitution creates more uniform particle formation and distribution, resulting in lithium sorbent material with optimized properties that reduce pressure drop and improve efficiency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If loop circulation method is used, then pressure drop is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop circulation reactor is designed to perform multiple functions: synthesis, mixing, and particle size control all in one device. The reactor can process different batch sizes and adjust flow rates to accommodate various production requirements, reducing the need for additional equipment while maintaining low pressure drop characteristics
4Object-affected harmful factors
If loop circulation method is used, then pressure drop is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synthesis process uses parameter changes including flow rate control (1-10 BV/h) and circulation time optimization to produce lithium sorbent material with reduced pressure drop. The process is designed to be energy-efficient and scalable, with the ability to process large volumes continuously, which helps offset the initial equipment investment through reduced operational costs and higher productivity
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
The resulting lithium sorbent material exhibits a significantly lower pressure drop, enhancing efficiency and throughput in direct lithium extraction while reducing maintenance and energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
circulating the reaction mixture, or at least a liquid portion of the reaction mixture, in a loop for mixing the reaction mixture
Implementation Method 2
the container comprises a filter unit for retaining solid particles, which is arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening
Implementation Method 3
streaming the fluid through the inlet opening such that the suspension, or at least a liquid portion of the suspension which is at least partly comprising the small particles, is overflowing through the outlet opening, such that the small particles are fluidized and at least partly separated from the large particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing a lithium sorbent material, in particular a lithium aluminate intercalate, comprising steps of: providing an alumina precursor (10), in particular a three-dimensionally structured porous activated alumina, a lithium precursor (20), in particular lithium hydroxide and/or lithium chloride and a fluid (30), preferably water; dissolving or suspending the alumina precursor (10) and the lithium precursor (20) in the fluid (30) for obtaining a reaction mixture (40); and circulating the reaction mixture (40), or at least a liquid portion of the reaction mixture (40), in a loop (50) for mixing the reaction mixture (40). The invention further relates to a reactor (60), a lithium sorbent material and use of the lithium sorbent material.