Simulated Moving Bed Lithium Adsorption for Low-Impurity Extracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lithium extraction from saline solutions, particularly brines, face challenges in achieving high lithium concentration, high impurity content, and excessive desorbent consumption, leading to complex equipment and high energy demands.
Innovation Solution
A simulated moving bed process using lithiated aluminum oxyhydroxide and/or aluminum hydroxide as adsorbents, with a closed-loop configuration and specific zone distribution, allows for selective lithium adsorption and desorption, reducing impurities and desorbent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional adsorption extraction methods are used, then lithium purification is achieved, but the lithium concentration in the extract remains low requiring extensive downstream evaporation and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adsorbent material by using lithiated aluminum oxyhydroxide and aluminum hydroxide with specific compositions and structures. This modification enables the adsorbent to achieve both high lithium concentration (concentration factor >10) and high purification in a single integrated process, eliminating the need for downstream evaporation steps and significantly reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The simulated moving bed extraction device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it concentrates lithium by a factor of over 10, purifies lithium by removing impurities, and prepares the extract for direct use without further processing. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving both concentration and purification in one integrated system rather than requiring separate sequential steps
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional adsorption methods are used, then acceptable lithium purification is achieved, but the equipment complexity and water evaporation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated moving bed extraction device integrates multiple separation functions into a single unit operation. The device simultaneously achieves lithium concentration, purification of multiple impurities (calcium, magnesium, boron, sulfates), and extract preparation, thereby simplifying the overall equipment configuration and eliminating the need for separate evaporation and purification units
3Quantity of substance
If standard desorbent quantities are used, then lithium desorption is achieved, but environmental impact increases due to excessive desorbent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the desorption phase parameters by controlling the flow rates, concentrations, and contact times in the desorption zone. These parameter adjustments enable efficient lithium desorption from the adsorbent while minimizing the total volume of desorbent required, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the process
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 achieves a lithium concentration factor of over 10, significantly reducing the need for downstream purification and energy consumption, while maintaining low impurity levels.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one column comprising an adsorbent solid comprising at least one lithiated aluminum oxyhydroxide AIO(OH) and/or at least one lithiated aluminum hydroxide Al(OH) 3
Implementation Method 2
a lithium desorption zone I between a desorbent injection point and an extract withdrawal point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for extraction by lithium adsorption in a simulated moving bed, wherein at least one column (Ci) is fed with a feedstock (F) comprising lithium and a desorbent (D), and an extract (E) and a raffinate (R) are drawn from the column (Ci), said column (Ci) comprising an adsorbent solid (Ai) comprising a lithiated aluminium oxyhydroxide and/or a lithiated aluminium hydroxide which are interconnected in a closed loop, the feeding and drawing points of the column (Ci) being shifted over time by a value corresponding to a predetermined amount of adsorbent solid with a permutation period and determining a plurality of operating zones of the column (Ci), and in particular the following main zones: a lithium desorption zone I; a desorption zone II for compounds other than lithium; and a lithium adsorption zone III.