Lithium carbonate sedimentation using flocculants with different ionic bases Technical paper

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Yam Morales
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3864-0305
Nelson Herrera
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0811-8591
Kevin Pérez
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6492-7855

Abstract

Lithium has become a metal of enormous interest worldwide. The extensive use of recharge­able batteries for a range of applications has pushed for rapid growth in demand for lithium carbonate. This compound is produced by crystallization, by reaction with lithium chloride (in solution) and by adding sodium carbonate. Low sedimentation rates in the evaporation pools present a problem in the crystallization process. For this reason, in this work, mineral sedimen­tation tests were carried out with the use of two flocculant types with different ionic charges. The tests were carried out at a laboratory level using different dosages for each flocculant and measurements were performed to obtain the increase in the content of solids in the sediment. The anionic flocculant had better performance as compared to that of the cationic flocculant, increasing the sedimentation rate of lithium carbonate by up to 6.5. However, similar solids contents were obtained with the use of the cationic flocculant at 3.5 times lower dosage making it the flocculant of choice regarding the economic point of view.

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How to Cite
Morales, Y., Herrera, N., & Pérez, K. (2021). Lithium carbonate sedimentation using flocculants with different ionic bases: Technical paper. HEMIJSKA INDUSTRIJA (Chemical Industry), 75(4), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND201128020M
Section
Chemical Engineering - Separation Processes

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