Invention Reference Number
The demand for lithium, magnesium, and calcium is increasing due to their essential roles in various industries, including batteries, alloys, and ceramics. Traditional extraction methods rely on energy-intensive grinding and acid leaching, which are both costly and environmentally harmful. The presented invention introduces an advanced ultrasonic extraction approach that significantly reduces energy requirements and minimizes environmental impact.
Description
The technology consists of an ultrasonic leaching tank system for the selective extraction of lithium, magnesium, and calcium from mineral substrates and industrial waste. The system includes:
- Leaching tank: Configured with multiple inlets for solid substrates and solvents, and multiple outlets for metal-rich and waste streams.
- Sonic probe/plate: Positioned to provide ultrasonic energy directly to the mixture within the leaching tank, aiding in the dissolution of target metals without requiring high temperatures or harmful chemicals.
- Operation modes: The system can operate in various modes such as batch, continuous, and plug-flow, depending on process needs.
Ultrasonic energy facilitates efficient metal separation, requiring less particle grinding and reducing acid consumption compared to conventional methods.
Benefits
- Reduced energy consumption: Ultrasonic agitation eliminates the need for extensive grinding and heating, significantly cutting energy costs.
- Environmentally friendly: Minimizes acid and chemical use, resulting in fewer toxic byproducts and a simpler waste treatment process.
- Versatile and scalable: Adaptable for batch or continuous operations, allowing scalability for different production capacities.
- Selective extraction: Ultrasonic frequency tuning enables selective targeting of lithium, magnesium, and calcium, reducing the presence of undesired elements.
Applications and Industries
- Battery manufacturing: Lithium extraction for use in lithium-ion batteries.
- Industrial metal recycling: Recovery of magnesium and calcium from industrial waste.
- Chemical production: Sourcing lithium and magnesium for use in ceramics, lubricants, and other industrial chemicals.
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
