Variable-Flow Brine Adsorption for Low-Temperature Lithium Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lithium extraction process from salt lake brine with high magnesium-lithium ratio faces challenges of low adsorption efficiency and difficulty in obtaining a qualified desorption solution with high lithium content, especially at low temperatures, hindering uninterrupted production throughout the year.
Innovation Solution
A rate-varying adsorption process is employed, where the flow rate of salt lake brine through a lithium adsorbent decreases gradually, followed by a washing and desorption process to enhance lithium adsorption efficiency and obtain a high lithium content desorption solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a constant flow rate adsorption process is used, then the process is simple to operate, but the adsorption efficiency of lithium is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a constant flow rate adsorption process to a variable flow rate process. The flow rate is adjusted dynamically during the adsorption process to optimize lithium adsorption efficiency while managing process complexity through controlled variation rather than complete process redesign.
2Temperature
If adsorption is performed at low temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but the desorption solution quality is poor and lithium content is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the flow rate parameter during adsorption to compensate for low temperature conditions. By adjusting the flow rate dynamically, the system maintains effective lithium adsorption and subsequent desorption even at lower temperatures, thereby preserving both energy efficiency and solution quality.
3Productivity
If the flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then more brine is processed, but adsorption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the flow rate dynamic rather than static. The flow rate is adjusted during the adsorption process to balance between processing volume and adsorption efficiency, allowing the system to process more brine while maintaining effective lithium uptake through optimized contact time at different stages.
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 method significantly improves lithium adsorption efficiency, allowing for the production of a desorption solution with lithium content exceeding 500 mg/L, ensuring uninterrupted lithium extraction even at low temperatures, suitable for large-scale industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
the lithium ions in the salt lake brine are adsorbed on the lithium adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
desorbing the lithium ions from the washed lithium-rich adsorbent with a lithium ion eluent, to obtain a desorption solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for extracting lithium from salt lake brine, which includes: flowing the salt lake brine through a lithium adsorbent at a varying flow rate to obtain a lithium-rich adsorbent, where the lithium ions in the salt lake brine are adsorbed on the lithium adsorbent, and where during the adsorption process, the flow rate of the salt lake brine decreases, and a difference between the initial flow rate and the final flow rate of the salt lake brine is 0.5-3 BV/h; washing the lithium-rich adsorbent; and desorbing the lithium ions from the washed lithium-rich adsorbent with a lithium ion eluent, to obtain a desorption solution.