Highlights

Tests were conducted on seven daily batches of PLS generated overnight from pilot plant operations, containing varying recycle content of seed filter-cake.
Testwork was conducted to determine filtration kinetics under varying conditions, and to ascertain cake wash efficiencies.

Challenge

PLS was generated daily and is sensitive to time, temperature, and pH. We developed a customized mobile test unit that could be relocated from our facilities to the location of the pilot plant. Conditions were back calculated to assure no lithium or boron losses and minimal degradation to the physical and chemical properties of the sample.

Solution

By modernizing the controls and instrumentation of the bench-scale apparatus, we were able to assure the representivity of the testwork. Through automated data-logging, equipment and process parameters could be tracked digitally, rather than through manual sampling.

Benefit

This project allowed for commercialization of a novel lithium-boron process to produce high-grade solution without typical alunite precipitation contaminants.