Lithium Chemicals
Process
A process for producing lithium carbonate from Indian lithium bearing mineral -Lepidolite.
Uses
Applications in -ceramics, steel, as fluxing agent, glass lining of water heaters, glass, production of other lithium chemicals including lithium metal.
Salient Features
The process involves roasting of ground ore (lepidolite -2.5 to 4% Li2O) with alkali sulphate followed by water leaching and subsequently treating with carbonate salt. The recovery of lithium and purity of lithium carbonate from this process was obtained as 90-92% and 98% respectively.
Environmental Considerations
NML process is environmentally friendly.
Scale of Development
2 kg/ day Lithium carbonate
Commercialisation Status
The process know-how, with demand supply estimations, and techno-economics of the process was transferred to an entrepreneur M/s. Lithochem Giridih in Bihar for 30 tpa lithium carbonate.
Major Raw Materials
Lepidolite, alkali sulphate, carbonate salts, water, steam etc.
Major Plant Equipment/Machinery
High temperature continuous furnace, constant stirred tank reactor, solid-liquid separation unit.
Techno-Economics
For 30 tpa lithium carbonate by NML process based on 100% capacity utilization, the return on investment will be 40%.
Technology Package
Includes
- Process know how
- Details of the equipment
- Broad specifications for equipments.
Consultancy for operation and installation of the plant on separate terms.
Released Through
NML/CSIR
For further information please contact
Director
National Metallurgical Laboratory
Jamshedpur-831 007, India
