Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) refers to the process of obtaining lithium from brine deposits found in salt flats or salt lakes. These deposits are rich in lithium salts, primarily lithium carbonate and lithium chloride, which can be extracted and processed for use in batteries and other applications.
Relevant Technologies
Our expertise is in developing various lithium extraction methods customized to the unique characteristics of salt lakes, offering our customers comprehensive solutions for salt lake lithium extraction.
SepTor
Suntar’s SepTor systems is a carousel type of simulated moving bed systems for continuous ion exchange and chromatography. The heart of the SepTor ion exchange contactor comprises a unique liquid flow distribution concept (the multi-port distributor valve) which physically allows the use of truly counter-current ion exchange, chromatography or other adsorptions. It is crucial in the pretreatment and concentration stages of lithium brine extraction. This technology enables selective adsorption of lithium ions while also removing impurities.
Originally developed for the pharmaceutical industry, Suntar has recently applied the SepTor systems to DLE, delivering significant benefits such as reduced adsorbent inventory, lower water consumption, enhanced automation, and improved product yields.
NanoFlo Membranes
Salt lake brines often feature high magnesium concentrations, posing a challenge for high-purity lithium compound production. Suntar’s NanoFlo nanofiltration (NF) membranes effectively remove magnesium from the feed, ensuring a critical step in achieving the desired lithium purity. Both Spiral Wound Nanofiltration (NF) Membranes and ion exchange resins effectively remove magnesium from the feed, enabling the recovery of magnesium-rich brines for other applications.
Boron Removal
Boron, another impurity in salt lake brines, must be removed to meet the quality requirements of lithium battery applications. Its removal is challenging due to its chemical similarity to lithium in some contexts.
Boron is removed using electrodialysis and ion exchange resins.