Lithium

What is lithium used for?

One of the best known applications of lithium is in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are widely used in cell phones, laptops, electric vehicles and many other electronic devices.

Due to their high energy density and efficiency, they are critical for powering electric vehicles, allowing for greater range and faster charging compared to other battery technologies.

Other applications include aerospace, pharmaceuticals and electrical engineering.

How is Lithium Obtained?

Lithium is produced in a variety of ways, depending on whether it is obtained in its pure form or extracted from lithium compounds. The two main methods of extracting lithium are described below.

Extraction from ores

One method of obtaining lithium is to extract it from lithium-bearing ores.

• Mining: In the first stage, the lithium mineral is extracted by mining. This involves removing the layers near the surface and extracting the lithium-bearing ore.
• Processing: The extracted ore is then processed to separate the lithium minerals from other components. This can be done by crushing, screening, flotation, and other processes.
• Extraction: The processed lithium minerals are treated with various chemicals to extract the lithium compounds. Lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide is often obtained.

Salt Lake Extraction

Another important method of lithium extraction is from salt lakes, also known as lithium brines. These lakes contain high concentrations of lithium compounds, especially lithium chloride.

• Evaporation: The brine is pumped into special ponds or evaporation ponds. There it slowly evaporates through solar radiation, leaving the lithium in concentrated form.
• Purification: The concentrated brine is purified and separated from other impurities to produce high quality lithium compounds such as lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.

After extraction of lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, further processes such as refining, electrolysis or conversion to other lithium compounds can be performed to produce the desired end products for various applications.

Centrifuges and Dryers for Lithium Applications

Lithium 3 – Perfect Match

Our expertise in lithium processing is undisputed. That is why we have entered into close partnerships with COMI CONDOR and TEMA Process to take our solutions to an even higher level, especially for lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate projects.

Through these strategic partnerships, we are able to offer not only our proven continuous SIEBTECHNIK TEMA centrifuges, such as the CONTURBEX screen scroll centrifuge or the SHS pusher centrifuge, and TEMA Process fluidized bed dryers, but also discontinuous horizontal and vertical peeler centrifuges in the battery materials sector.

This allows for optimal streamlining of processes, minimization of interfaces and comprehensive support from our experienced process team, providing clear advantages for plant manufacturers and operators.

Our combined expertise enables us to offer complete solutions for the dewatering and drying of various lithium derivatives. The focus is on continuous and discontinuous centrifuges and dryers designed specifically for the gentle purification and dewatering of various lithium compounds.