What is Spodumene?
Spodumene is a lithium-bearing mineral found in hard rock formations, primarily located in regions such as Australia, Canada, and parts of Africa, and it accounts for approximately 50-60% of the world's lithium production. Another significant source of lithium from hard rock is lepidolite, a lithium-rich mica mineral commonly found in granite pegmatites.
Spodumene (Hard Rock) to Lithium Process Summary
The process of converting spodumene (Hard Rock) or lepidolite to lithium involves extracting the mineral from hard rock, then subjecting it to high-temperature roasting and subsequent chemical treatments to produce lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide. These lithium compounds are then purified to meet battery-grade standards for use in various applications.
Challenges in lithium extraction from Spodumene ( Hard rock)
Lithium extraction from spodumene (hard rock)or even lepidolite faces several challenges including achieving a high recovery rate of battery-grade lithium, which is complicated by potential material loss during the intricate extraction process. Ensuring the purity and proper crystallization of the final product demands advanced purification techniques and precise control over processing conditions. Additionally, maintaining process reliability while optimizing costs is crucial, as fluctuations in ore composition and operational conditions can impact both quality and economic feasibility.
Crucial Role of Filtration in Lithium Extraction from Spodumene (Hard Rock)
Filtration and separation can help improve both the process reliability for producing consistent high-purity products and for improving the product yields, reducing product re-work, and overall operating costs.
Pall Corporation: Filtration expert to separate Lithium for EV Battery production
Pall Corporation can help optimize the spodumene concentrate extraction process applying a variety of filter technologies to remove solid particulates and dissolved impurities from the lithium-bearing solution, resulting in a high-purity lithium product, suitable for use in batteries.
Filtration locations in the Process of Lithium Extraction from Spodumene ( Hard Rock)
| Filter | Filtration Value | Separation Product |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulk removal of precipitated salts - high solid concentrations | Automated regenerable cartridge |
| 2 | Protect Ion Exchange (IX) resin and crystallizer from carryover solids | 1 - 5 Micron Filter |
| 3 | Remove trace solids and Ion Exchange resin fi nes before crystallizer | 1 Micron Filter |
| 4 | Collect Lithium Carbonate product | Automated regenerable cartridge |
| 5 | Protect RO filtration unit from fouling. RO used to rinse fi nal product | 10 Micron Filters |
| 6 | Removal of contaminants from raw water for feed to RO and utility water for other uses including fl ushing out equipment | 10 - 20 Mircon Filter |
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