Midstream-Liquid Pretreatment for Direct Lithium Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing midstream liquid resources used in direct lithium extraction face challenges due to the presence of impurities and chemicals introduced during oil and gas extraction processes, which foul and degrade sorbents, ion-exchange resins, and lithium-selective membranes, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step pre-treatment process involving biocides, oxidizers, flocculants, filtration methods, and sorbent compositions like lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium manganese oxide-type lithium ion-sieve (LIS) is employed to remove impurities and enhance lithium extraction, followed by critical material extraction using ion exchange, adsorption, and membrane-based separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If midstream liquid resources are used directly for lithium extraction, then the extraction process can begin immediately, but impurities and chemicals will foul and degrade sorbents, ion-exchange resins, and lithium-selective membranes, reducing their efficiency and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pre-treatment processes including biocide application, oxidation, flocculation, and filtration before the lithium extraction step. This preliminary action removes impurities and chemicals that would otherwise foul the sorbents and membranes, protecting them from degradation while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the overall process into distinct segments: pre-treatment (biocide, oxidation, flocculation, filtration) and extraction (using sorbents or membranes). This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with pre-treatment protecting the extraction equipment while maintaining high extraction efficiency
2Reliability
If pre-treatment processes are applied to remove impurities, then sorbent and membrane lifespan is extended, but the process complexity and number of treatment steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pre-treatment functions into an integrated process sequence. Biocide application, oxidation, flocculation, and filtration are merged into a coordinated pre-treatment train that protects extraction equipment while managing process complexity through systematic integration
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-treatment process is designed to handle multiple types of impurities simultaneously using universal treatment mechanisms. The combination of biocide, oxidizer, flocculant, and filtration provides multi-functional protection against various contaminants that could degrade extraction equipment
3Productivity
If multiple treatment regimens are applied to remove hydrocarbons, organic matter, and suspended solids, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the treatment cost and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous pre-treatment process where biocide application, oxidation, flocculation, and filtration occur in sequence without interruption. This continuous action maintains high extraction efficiency by ensuring consistent impurity removal while minimizing idle time between treatment stages
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-treatment process uses periodic application of different treatment regimens (biocide, oxidizer, flocculant) followed by filtration. This periodic action allows each treatment chemical to work optimally for its specific function while maintaining overall process efficiency and managing treatment time
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 process effectively reduces impurities to less than 20 NTU turbidity, 200 mg/L TSS, and 5 mg/L iron, achieving a lithium concentration of 100-500 ppm, enhancing lithium extraction efficiency and extending the lifespan of extraction equipment.
Implementation Method 1
applying an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide, ozone, bubbled oxygen, nanobubbled oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2), aeration, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, potassium permanganate, or calcium hypochlorite to the midstream liquid resource
Implementation Method 2
applying a biocide to the volume of the midstream liquid resource. The biocide applied to the midstream liquid resource comprises at least one of an oxidizer, glutaraldehyde, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs), DBNPA (2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide), or THPS
Implementation Method 3
applying at least one of a polyacrylamide (PAM), polyethyleneimine, polyamines, polyDADMAC (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride), starch-based flocculants, chitosan, or other organic or inorganic flocculants. Precipitated, emulsified, or flocculated solids are removed using media filtration
Implementation Method 4
Precipitated, emulsified, or flocculated solids are removed using media filtration, cartridge filters, bag filters, disc filters, membrane filtration, activated carbon, DAF, SAF, a weir tank, or a settling tank
Implementation Method 5
applying at least one of media filtration, cartridge filters, bag filters, disc filters, membrane filtration, activated carbon, dissolved air flotation (DAF), suspended air flotation (SAF), or a weir tank
Implementation Method 6
activated carbon
Implementation Method 7
altering the cationic or anionic constituency using a media bed, ion-exchange process, or ceramic/polymeric membrane filtration
Implementation Method 8
exposing the pre-treated fluid to a sorbent composition for a contact time... The sorbent composition used in this step may be selected based on its affinity for lithium and may include one or more of lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO)-type lithium ion-sieve (LIS), a titanate sorbent, or an aluminate sorbent
Implementation Method 9
applying an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide, ozone, bubbled oxygen, nanobubbled oxygen
Implementation Method 10
nanobubbled oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a system and method for enhancing the extraction of lithium from a liquid resource. A volume of midstream-liquid resource may be received from a site like a pipeline, tank, or disposal site where the midstream-liquid resource may undergo a pre-treatment. A treatment regimen may be applied to remove hydrocarbons, organic matter, hydrogen sulfide, ions, and suspended solids along with reduction of excess pre-treatment chemicals and byproducts. Embodiments may further include critical-material extraction. The system for this process includes a pre-treatment station, a filtration station, and a direct-lithium-extraction (DLE) unit, with a reverse-osmosis station to concentrate the lithium product.